Re: IML: Ranking of models and packages

[Christopher H <imperial67@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

With all due respect to Roger's enthusiasm for owning the top trim level of
Imperial, I feel some clarifications are needed in the interest of not
revising history.

The LeBaron name, like Fleetwood for Cadillac, has a grand history and comes
from that of a coachbuilder from the earlier part of the century that was
purchased by (and ultimately dissolved into) Chrysler Corporation (as GM did
with Fleetwood). The image of the name was deemed suitable for their finest
product, and the clever folks at Chrysler Corp marketing even went so far as
to use the word "Coachwork" on the badges on the car. (Which I don't think
are real gold, are they???)

While dealers might not have ordered many LeBarons for the lot (as with any
top trim level), there was nothing to prevent them from doing so... and it
is entirely possible to buy a LeBaron that was not custom-ordered by your
royal self, the 1960s luxury car customer. But because many of these
customers were the type who would want exactly the car they desired, and
because dealers would be smart not to pay inventory costs on a few examples
of the most expensive car in their lineup on their lot, it was less common
to find one in stock. In fact, Chrysler-Plymouth-Imperial dealers did not
tend to "floorplan" many Imperials at all, for the reasons stated above and
because they didn't sell nearly in the numbers of the lower-priced models
they sold.

But it was also quite common for people to special-order their Crowns,
Customs and even their lowly Chrysler Newports and Plymouth Savoys, if the
dealer did not have what they wanted. People just did this back then.

Air conditioning was just ramping up in popularity in the early 1960s.
Consider that only 33% of 1958 Imperials had it, but 60% had it by 1962. It
is only logical that those individuals willing to pay for the highest trim
level (LeBaron) were also willing to pay for more luxury options, so even
beyond their elevated standard equipment, it is more common to find a highly
optioned LeBaron than a loaded Custom.

Some prices to consider, all for 1961 4-door Southampton (hardtop) models:
- Custom, base MSRP: $5,111
- Crown, base MSRP: $5,649  <-- $538 jump from a Custom
- LeBaron, base MSRP: $6,428  <-- $779 jump from a Crown
- Air conditioning: $590.20  <-- About the same as the model jumps above

Roger's point is valid in that the LeBaron is the finest of the fine, so if
you want the top of the line, find a lovely LeBaron! (Though dear Roger, why
do you keep making our Crowns and Customs sound like Valiants?) And it's
only logical to create the Ghia limousine, which actually is a coachbuilt
car, from the top trim level, so if you really want the best, find one of
the handful of Ghia limos built each year! But the truth is, you can't order
a new one now anyway, so find the car "in stock" somewhere that speaks to
your heart and has the best combination of features, color and condition,
and you'll be off to a good start.

Chris in LA
67 Crown
78 NYB Salon
63 Dart


On 2/9/08 8:18 PM, RODGER D. REDDISH at FltSgt@xxxxxxx wrote:

> Hola David
>  
> The answer is in the history of the Le Baron name.  If the car is an Packard,
> or whatever brand name,  the value is upper by enough to see why.  The 1961
> owner of an new La Baron had to pay for the gold placed on the car, not so
> with the entry level Custom or the mid level Crown's ( find the gold  in the
> cars with an "L" or the "M" ).
>  
> In 1961 an want to be Imperial owner could drive over to the lot and have that
> Custom or Crown.  All Le Baron's were an special order only.  Find an Le Baron
> with out A/|C.  Then look at how many Custom's or Crown's that do not have the
> equiptment.
>  
> On an like note please look at the rear window of the 1961 Le Baron and
> compare it with Crown Imperial ( aka Lim-o ).  All Crown Imperial's ( the ones
> that were shipped from the plant to Ghia ) have the Le Baron package as an
> starting point.
>  
> There are some other points to look at, but I believe you are able to see the
> picture better now.
>  
> Rodger & Gabby
> COS
>  
>  
>>  
>> ----- Original Message -----
>>  
>> From: David  Randall <mailto:david.randall@xxxxxxx>
>>  
>> To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>>  
>> Sent: Saturday, February 09, 2008 10:28  AM
>>  
>> Subject: IML: Ranking of models and  packages
>>  
>> 
>> Folks,
>> 
>> I've searched on the site and elsewhere for this  info, and maybe I missed
>> it, but I don't quite understand  the rakings  of models and/or packages in
>> the Imperial line. In the '61s for example,  where does a LeBaron sit vs. a
>> Crown or Southampton?
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> 
>> 
>> David
>> '78 NYB  coupe
>> 
>> 
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