IML: 57 Imperial, 57 Chrysler, 57 De Soto, etc
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IML: 57 Imperial, 57 Chrysler, 57 De Soto, etc



You asked:
 
    A friend of mine has a lead on a 1957 Chrylser 300 C Series . . . is this considered an Imperial or a Chrysler? What's the difference between an Imerial and a Chrysler? And are these cars fairly rare or pretty common?
 
I reply:
 
The full range of Chrysler Corporation cars included Imperial, Chrysler, De Soto, Dodge and Plymouth.  The car in question is a Chrysler, not an Imperial.  There is a certain family resemblance, and certain mechanical similarities, but the Imperial has a different chassis and body.  It was the top of the product line.  There were a number of different grades of Chrysler, with names like Newport and Saratoga.  Today's equivalent would be letters like LX, GLX, Limited, etc.
 
The 300 series was the sportiest of the Chryslers.  They only came as coupes or convertibles.  They were considered to be executive hot rods, go fast status symbols for the up and coming business man and salesman.  They are very nice cars and very collectible.  I'm sure they command better prices today than Imperials, because of their souped up position in the product line.
 
Hugh


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