The 1968 Chrysler Imperial was a full-size luxury car produced by Chrysler. It was the tenth and final generation of the Imperial, and was available in two-door hardtop, four-door hardtop, and four-door sedan body styles.
The Imperial was powered by a 440 cu in (7.2 L) V8 engine, and was offered with a three-speed automatic transmission. It was the largest and most expensive car in Chrysler’s lineup, and was designed to compete with the Cadillac Fleetwood and Lincoln Continental.
The 1968 Imperial was a critical and commercial success, and was praised for its styling, performance, and luxury. It was the last of the “big” Imperials, and its demise marked the end of an era in American automotive history.
68 chrysler imperial
The 1968 Chrysler Imperial is a significant car in automotive history, representing the pinnacle of American luxury and engineering. Here are ten key aspects of the ’68 Imperial:
- Full-size: The ’68 Imperial was one of the largest cars on the road.
- Luxury: The Imperial was appointed with the finest materials and amenities.
- Performance: The Imperial’s powerful V8 engine provided impressive performance.
- Style: The Imperial’s distinctive styling set it apart from other cars.
- Comfort: The Imperial’s spacious interior and plush seats provided a comfortable ride.
- Technology: The Imperial was equipped with the latest technology, including power windows and air conditioning.
- Safety: The Imperial was one of the safest cars on the market, with features like padded dashboards and seat belts.
- Prestige: The Imperial was a status symbol, owned by celebrities and dignitaries.
- Collectible: The ’68 Imperial is now a sought-after collector car.
- Legacy: The Imperial is remembered as one of the greatest American cars ever made.
These ten aspects highlight the importance of the ’68 Chrysler Imperial in automotive history. It was a car that combined luxury, performance, style, and comfort in a way that few other cars could match. The Imperial was a symbol of American excess and engineering prowess, and it remains a popular collector car today.
Full-size
The 1968 Chrysler Imperial was a full-size car, meaning it was one of the largest cars on the road at the time. This was a significant aspect of the Imperial, as it provided passengers with a spacious and comfortable interior. The Imperial’s full-size dimensions also gave it a commanding presence on the road.
- Spacious interior: The Imperial’s full-size dimensions allowed for a spacious interior, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. This made the Imperial a popular choice for families and those who needed a car with plenty of space.
- Comfortable ride: The Imperial’s full-size dimensions also contributed to its comfortable ride. The car’s long wheelbase and soft suspension provided a smooth and comfortable ride, even on rough roads.
- Commanding presence: The Imperial’s full-size dimensions gave it a commanding presence on the road. This was important for a luxury car, as it conveyed a sense of power and prestige.
The Imperial’s full-size dimensions were an important part of its appeal. They provided passengers with a spacious and comfortable interior, a smooth and comfortable ride, and a commanding presence on the road. These factors made the Imperial a popular choice for those who wanted the ultimate in luxury and comfort.
Luxury
The 1968 Chrysler Imperial was the epitome of luxury, with an interior appointed with the finest materials and amenities. This was a key component of the Imperial’s appeal, as it provided passengers with a level of comfort and opulence that was unmatched by other cars on the road.
The Imperial’s interior was trimmed in the finest leathers and woods, and featured plush carpeting and comfortable seats. The car also came equipped with a wide range of amenities, including power windows, air conditioning, and a stereo system.
The Imperial’s luxury was not just about comfort and convenience. It was also about status and prestige. Owning an Imperial was a sign that you had arrived, and it was a car that was often seen being driven by celebrities and dignitaries.
The Imperial’s luxury was a major factor in its success. It was a car that appealed to those who wanted the ultimate in comfort, convenience, and status. The Imperial’s luxury was also a reflection of Chrysler’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Today, the 1968 Chrysler Imperial is still considered to be one of the most luxurious cars ever made. It is a car that is admired by collectors and enthusiasts alike, and it remains a symbol of American automotive excellence.
Performance
The 1968 Chrysler Imperial was renowned for its impressive performance, thanks to its powerful V8 engine. This was a key aspect of the Imperial’s appeal, as it provided drivers with a thrilling and responsive driving experience.
- Acceleration: The Imperial’s V8 engine provided strong acceleration, allowing it to reach 60 mph in just 8 seconds. This was impressive for a car of its size and weight.
- Top speed: The Imperial’s V8 engine also gave it a high top speed, allowing it to reach speeds of over 120 mph. This made the Imperial one of the fastest cars on the road at the time.
- Handling: The Imperial’s V8 engine provided responsive handling, allowing drivers to navigate curves and corners with confidence. This was due in part to the car’s well-tuned suspension and powerful brakes.
- Braking: The Imperial’s V8 engine provided strong braking power, allowing drivers to stop the car quickly and safely. This was due in part to the car’s large brakes and powerful brake booster.
The Imperial’s performance was a major factor in its success. It was a car that appealed to drivers who wanted a thrilling and responsive driving experience. The Imperial’s performance was also a reflection of Chrysler’s commitment to engineering excellence.
Style
The 1968 Chrysler Imperial was known for its distinctive styling, which set it apart from other cars on the road. This was a key aspect of the Imperial’s appeal, as it gave the car a unique and unforgettable look.
- Aerodynamic design: The Imperial’s sleek and aerodynamic design was ahead of its time. The car’s curved lines and pointed front end gave it a futuristic look that was unlike anything else on the road.
- Hidden headlights: The Imperial’s hidden headlights were another distinctive styling feature. The headlights were concealed behind a panel that retracted when the lights were turned on. This gave the Imperial a clean and streamlined look.
- Wraparound windshield: The Imperial’s wraparound windshield provided excellent visibility and gave the car a sporty look. This was a feature that was not common on other cars at the time.
- Tailfins: The Imperial’s tailfins were another distinctive styling feature. The tailfins were large and swept back, giving the car a powerful and aggressive look.
The Imperial’s distinctive styling was a major factor in its success. It was a car that stood out from the crowd and made a statement. The Imperial’s styling was also a reflection of Chrysler’s commitment to innovation and design.
Comfort
Comfort was a key aspect of the 1968 Chrysler Imperial. The car’s spacious interior and plush seats provided passengers with a relaxing and enjoyable ride, even on long journeys.
- Spacious interior: The Imperial’s interior was one of the most spacious in its class. This provided passengers with plenty of room to stretch out and relax. The car’s long wheelbase also contributed to its spacious interior, as it allowed for more legroom and headroom.
- Plush seats: The Imperial’s seats were some of the most comfortable in the industry. They were made from high-quality materials and were designed to provide maximum support and comfort. The seats were also adjustable, so passengers could find the perfect position for their needs.
- Quiet interior: The Imperial’s interior was also very quiet, thanks to its sound-deadening materials. This made for a more relaxing and enjoyable ride, as passengers were not distracted by.
- Climate control: The Imperial’s climate control system was also top-notch. The system was able to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the car, even on hot or cold days. This made for a more comfortable ride, as passengers did not have to worry about being too hot or too cold.
The Imperial’s comfort was a major factor in its success. It was a car that was designed to provide passengers with a relaxing and enjoyable ride. The Imperial’s comfort was also a reflection of Chrysler’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Technology
The 1968 Chrysler Imperial was one of the most technologically advanced cars of its time. It was equipped with a range of features that were cutting-edge for the era, including power windows, air conditioning, and a stereo system.
- Power windows: Power windows were a relatively new feature in 1968. They were a major convenience, as they allowed drivers and passengers to open and close the windows with the touch of a button.
- Air conditioning: Air conditioning was also a relatively new feature in 1968. It was a major luxury, as it allowed drivers and passengers to stay cool and comfortable even on the hottest days.
- Stereo system: The Imperial’s stereo system was one of the best in the industry. It featured a powerful amplifier and high-quality speakers, which provided a rich and immersive sound experience.
These are just a few of the many technological features that were available on the 1968 Chrysler Imperial. These features helped to make the Imperial one of the most comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable cars on the road.
Safety
The 1968 Chrysler Imperial was renowned for its safety features, which were among the most advanced in the industry. This was a key aspect of the Imperial’s appeal, as it provided drivers and passengers with peace of mind knowing that they were protected in the event of an accident.
- Padded dashboard: The Imperial’s dashboard was padded to help protect occupants in the event of a collision. This was a relatively new safety feature at the time, and it helped to reduce the risk of head injuries.
- Seat belts: The Imperial was also equipped with seat belts for both front and rear seat occupants. Seat belts were not required by law in 1968, but Chrysler made them standard equipment on the Imperial. This was a significant safety feature, as it helped to keep occupants in their seats in the event of a collision.
- Collapsible steering column: The Imperial’s steering column was collapsible, which meant that it would collapse in the event of a collision to help reduce the risk of injury to the driver. This was another relatively new safety feature at the time, and it was a testament to Chrysler’s commitment to safety.
- Energy-absorbing bumpers: The Imperial’s bumpers were designed to absorb energy in the event of a collision. This helped to reduce the impact of the collision and protect the occupants of the car.
These are just a few of the many safety features that were available on the 1968 Chrysler Imperial. These features helped to make the Imperial one of the safest cars on the road, and they were a major factor in the car’s success.
Prestige
The 1968 Chrysler Imperial was not just a car; it was a status symbol. It was the car of choice for celebrities, dignitaries, and other high-profile individuals. This was due to a number of factors, including the Imperial’s luxurious interior, powerful performance, and distinctive styling.
- Symbol of success: Owning an Imperial was a sign that you had arrived. It was a car that was associated with success and achievement. This was due in part to the Imperial’s high price tag and exclusive features.
- Celebrity appeal: The Imperial was a popular car among celebrities. This was due to its luxurious interior and powerful performance. Celebrities were often seen driving Imperials to red carpet events and other high-profile occasions.
- Diplomatic use: The Imperial was also a popular car among diplomats and other government officials. This was due to its spacious interior and comfortable ride. Diplomats often used Imperials to transport foreign dignitaries and other important guests.
The Imperial’s status as a status symbol was a major factor in its success. It was a car that was associated with success, achievement, and luxury. This made it a popular choice for those who wanted to make a statement.
Collectible
The 1968 Chrysler Imperial is a highly collectible car today, with values rising steadily in recent years. This is due to a number of factors, including the car’s rarity, its historical significance, and its unique design.
The Imperial was a limited-production car, with only 14,241 units produced in 1968. This makes it a relatively rare car, especially considering that many of these cars have been lost to time. The Imperial’s historical significance also contributes to its collectibility. It was the last of the “big” Imperials, and it marked the end of an era in American automotive history.
Finally, the Imperial’s unique design also makes it a popular collector car. The car’s sleek lines and distinctive styling set it apart from other cars of its era. This makes it a highly desirable car for collectors who appreciate unique and stylish vehicles.
The collectibility of the 1968 Chrysler Imperial is a testament to its quality and craftsmanship. It is a car that is built to last, and it is a car that is sure to appreciate in value in the years to come.
Legacy
The 1968 Chrysler Imperial is remembered as one of the greatest American cars ever made for a number of reasons. It was a car that combined luxury, performance, style, and comfort in a way that few other cars could match. The Imperial was also a symbol of American excess and engineering prowess, and it remains a popular collector car today.
The Imperial’s legacy is due in part to its unique design. The car’s sleek lines and distinctive styling set it apart from other cars of its era. The Imperial was also one of the largest and most powerful cars on the road, and it offered a level of luxury and comfort that was unmatched by other cars.
The Imperial’s legacy is also due to its performance. The car’s powerful V8 engine provided impressive acceleration and top speed, and the Imperial’s handling was also top-notch. This made the Imperial a popular choice for drivers who wanted a car that was both luxurious and fun to drive.
The 1968 Chrysler Imperial is a car that is remembered for its luxury, performance, style, and comfort. It is a car that is truly representative of the American automotive industry at its best.
FAQs About the 1968 Chrysler Imperial
The 1968 Chrysler Imperial was a full-size luxury car that was produced by Chrysler. It was the tenth and final generation of the Imperial, and was available in two-door hardtop, four-door hardtop, and four-door sedan body styles.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the 1968 Chrysler Imperial:
Question 1: What engine did the 1968 Chrysler Imperial have?
The 1968 Chrysler Imperial was powered by a 440 cu in (7.2 L) V8 engine.
Question 2: What was the horsepower of the 1968 Chrysler Imperial?
The 1968 Chrysler Imperial had 350 horsepower.
Question 3: What was the top speed of the 1968 Chrysler Imperial?
The 1968 Chrysler Imperial had a top speed of 120 mph.
Question 4: How many 1968 Chrysler Imperials were produced?
There were 14,241 1968 Chrysler Imperials produced.
Question 5: What are the dimensions of the 1968 Chrysler Imperial?
The 1968 Chrysler Imperial is 225.8 inches long, 79.8 inches wide, and 56.4 inches high.
Question 6: What is the curb weight of the 1968 Chrysler Imperial?
The 1968 Chrysler Imperial has a curb weight of 4,700 lbs.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the 1968 Chrysler Imperial. For more information, please consult a reliable source such as a car enthusiast website or a classic car magazine.
Summary: The 1968 Chrysler Imperial was a powerful and luxurious car that was popular with buyers who wanted the best that Chrysler had to offer. It was the last of the “big” Imperials, and it marked the end of an era in American automotive history.
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Tips on Maintaining a 1968 Chrysler Imperial
The 1968 Chrysler Imperial is a classic car that requires special care and maintenance to keep it in good condition. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your Imperial:
Tip 1: Use high-quality oil and filters.
Regular oil changes are essential for keeping your Imperial’s engine running smoothly. Use high-quality oil and filters to protect your engine from wear and tear.
Tip 2: Check your fluid levels regularly.
Check your Imperial’s fluid levels, including the oil, coolant, and brake fluid, regularly. This will help you identify and fix any leaks before they become a major problem.
Tip 3: Keep your Imperial clean.
Washing and waxing your Imperial regularly will help protect its paint job and prevent rust. It will also make your car look its best.
Tip 4: Inspect your Imperial’s brakes regularly.
Your Imperial’s brakes are essential for your safety. Inspect them regularly for wear and tear, and replace them as needed.
Tip 5: Have your Imperial serviced by a qualified mechanic.
Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your Imperial running smoothly. Have your car serviced by a qualified mechanic who is familiar with classic cars.
Summary: By following these tips, you can help keep your 1968 Chrysler Imperial in good condition for many years to come.
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Conclusion
The 1968 Chrysler Imperial was a remarkable car that represented the pinnacle of American automotive engineering and design. It was a car that combined luxury, performance, style, and comfort in a way that few other cars could match. The Imperial was also a symbol of American excess and engineering prowess, and it remains a popular collector car today.
The Imperial’s legacy is one of innovation and excellence. It was a car that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in automotive design and engineering. The Imperial was also a car that was built to last, and many examples of this iconic car are still on the road today. If you are looking for a classic car that is both stylish and powerful, the 1968 Chrysler Imperial is a great choice.