The 1960-1963 Imperial
Crowns were the last Exner-styled Imperials. All shared a new 1960
bodyshell and retained separate frames, even though other Chrysler
products switched to "Unibody" construction after '59.
Initially designed with swollen fins, florid front, and simulated rear-deck spare tire outline, the 1960-1963 Imperial Crown was then facelifted with throwback "classic era" freestanding headlamps (in pods on short stalks within pocketed fenders) and gull-like rear "wings." The last were plucked for '62 and 1956-style "gunsight" taillamps appeared on the straight-top fenders.
Elwood Engel, Exner's successor, put taillights back in the fenders on the (again) mildly refurbished '63s, and the previous year's split grille was replaced by a group of little rectangles. Chrysler's wedgehead 413 was used all years, and there were few mechanical or chassis changes from 1957-1959.
Interiors continued to be luxurious, set off by a commanding but gimmick-laden dash. It was awash in pushbuttons for transmission (standard TorqueFlite automatic), heating/air conditioning, etc.
Pluses of the 1960-1963 Imperial Crown:
4d sdn, 1,594; Southampton htp sdn, 4,510; Southampton htp cpe, 1,504; conv, 618
Production of the 1961 Imperial Crown:
Southampton htp sdn, 4,769; Southampton htp cpe, 1,007; conv, 429
Production of the 1962 Imperial Crown:
Southampton htp sdn, 6,911; Southampton htp cpe, 1,010; conv, 554
Production of the 1963 Imperial Crown:
Southampton htp sdn, 6,960; Southampton htp cpe, 1,067; conv, 531
Specifications of the 1960-1963 Imperial Crown:
Length, inches: 228.0 (1960), 227.1 (1961-62), 227.8 (1963)
Wheelbase, inches: 129.0
Weight, pounds: 4,720-4,865
Price (new): $5,403-$5,782 (U.S.)
Engines for the 1960-1963 Imperial Crown:
 1962 Crown convertible. See more pictures of Imperial cars. |
Elwood Engel, Exner's successor, put taillights back in the fenders on the (again) mildly refurbished '63s, and the previous year's split grille was replaced by a group of little rectangles. Chrysler's wedgehead 413 was used all years, and there were few mechanical or chassis changes from 1957-1959.
Interiors continued to be luxurious, set off by a commanding but gimmick-laden dash. It was awash in pushbuttons for transmission (standard TorqueFlite automatic), heating/air conditioning, etc.
Pluses of the 1960-1963 Imperial Crown:
- Cheaper than pre-1960 Crowns
- High luxury
- Surprisingly roadable
- Questionable 1960-61 styling
- Still rust-prone
- Thirsty
- Spotty fit and finish
4d sdn, 1,594; Southampton htp sdn, 4,510; Southampton htp cpe, 1,504; conv, 618
Production of the 1961 Imperial Crown:
Southampton htp sdn, 4,769; Southampton htp cpe, 1,007; conv, 429
Production of the 1962 Imperial Crown:
Southampton htp sdn, 6,911; Southampton htp cpe, 1,010; conv, 554
Production of the 1963 Imperial Crown:
Southampton htp sdn, 6,960; Southampton htp cpe, 1,067; conv, 531
Specifications of the 1960-1963 Imperial Crown:
Length, inches: 228.0 (1960), 227.1 (1961-62), 227.8 (1963)
Wheelbase, inches: 129.0
Weight, pounds: 4,720-4,865
Price (new): $5,403-$5,782 (U.S.)
Engines for the 1960-1963 Imperial Crown:
| Type | Size | Horsepower | Years |
| ohv V-8 | 413 cid | 340/350 | 1960-1963 |
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