There were 127 limos produced in 1955 by Chrysler. In 1956 there were 175 limos built by Chrysler. Then in 1957 Ghia began to build the limos for Chrysler and 36 were produced.
The numbers on limos are as follows:
1958 31
1959 7
1960 16
1961 9
1962 0
1963 13
1964 10
1965 10
There were 132 limousines built by Ghia for Chrysler.
I am an authority on Imperial limousines. I am the owner of the 1965 Pearl S. Buck limousine which I own for over 25 years and a 1964 Ghia limo built for the White House during JFK administration. The White House limo was featured at the Invitational "T" Building at Carlisle in July 04'. There is a special hour long "Car Crazy" "Chrysler's at Carlisle" episode scheduled on the Fox speed channel set to air sometime in February-March in which I was interviewed along side the 64' limo. I also own a 1948 Derham Imperial limo with blinded quarters. My newest acquisition is a 1969 Stageway limo that will be restored one day.
I also own a collection of limo only literature from 1956-1965.
Jan Witte
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, December 29, 2004 4:16 AM
Subject: Re: IML: James Brown's '59 Limo
It appears the the reporter was numerically challenged.......the limo is actually a 1955, so the 331 Hemi and production run of 12 are both factual.
It sold @ Christie's Retromobile Auction in Paris in February of this year for $56,400. It was 'valued at $35,000 to $45,000' prior to bidding.
Shucks!
Bob
----- Original Message -----
Sent: 12/18/2004 2:22:59 PM
Subject: Re: IML: James Brown's '59 Limo
Hummm, 331 hemi! Ghia limos must have had a longer lead time than previously reported! :)
Roy
67 Crown FDHT
In a message dated 12/18/2004 8:48:34 AM Pacific Standard Time, swampyankee@xxxxxxx writes:
LOS ANGELES - Soul singer James Brown's rare 1959 Chrysler Imperial
limousine, used by the "Godfather of Soul" in the 1970s, will be on the
auction block next month.
Only one of 12 ever built, the limo is powered by a 331 cubic inch FirePower
Hemi engine and is valued at $45,000 to $55,000. It ferried Brown and his
entourage, up to eight people, when he owned it in the 1970s.