Re: IML: 53 imp

Hi;

I would be very suspicious of a car 50+ years old claimed to have only 18,000 miles. It may likely be 118,000 but it could be more then that. Those engines will easily run for 1/4 million miles or more with proper maintainance. I question why it would have spoked wheel covers on it, those cars had full wheel disk covers identical to my 54' with gold crowns in the center. Trim parts are hard to find, not atrociously expensive, but hard to find especially the ones specific to a limousine.

These cars are not supposed to have fog lamps, that would be an after market add on as would be a spot light. I take it that this car is a four door in that you mention the right rear window sticking. Depending on whether it is an early or a late production car it may also have a semi automatic and a 331 with an extended bell housing, as a rule cars with semi automatics tend to be worth less.

An early fifties Imperial would have to be in near perfect condition, complete, cosmetically correct, and mechanically sound to get anywhere near $16,000. Needing new shocks, or the window repaired, or the radio fixed is not acceptable, they should have been dealt with. Without pictures of the car I can't say for sure what it would be worth but $16,000 if definitely too high, he will find that out in short order so I would walk away and come back in a few months.

Best Regards

Arran Foster

1954 Imperial Newport

Needing A Left Side Tailight Bezel and other trim parts.

----- Original Message -----

From: The Thomas'

To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: Monday, August 08, 2005 7:54 PM

Subject: IML: 53 imp

Hello All, Does anyone have any idea what a 1953 imperial would be worth with 18000 miles on it? I ran across a man that has alot of old cars and this was one of the three Imperials he owns and would like to sell. The interior is in beautiful shape, the windows work very good except for the right rear sticks. The radio does not work. No a/c. I believe it has a 331 Hemi that runs so smooth and quiet it makes you drool. The paint job is in great shape, he has got wire spoked wheel covers on it now which realy dress's it up, along with fog lights which I am not sure are original. I drove it it handles good,could use new shocks and a good run.He would like $16000.00 for it. Is that alittle high? Are these cars hard to get or find parts for?

On a non Imperial subject, I bought a 1965 Dodge Custom 880 convertible from this same man, is there anyone who could tell me where to find any production numbers on that model. The car is in very good shape just needs alittle work, pinion seal leaks, I am going to switch it over to electronic ignition as the old distributor has some issues otherwise the 383 runs real well.

A big THANKS to all that respond, I am a proud owner of a very nice 1972 Imperial 4-door Blue