It's possible that the Ghia limos had the Hemi in 1959, but 'normal' production Imperials?
To verify the Hemi Imperial Limos, we would have to know WHEN Ghia got the chassis and body to modify and when those cars were built. Allowing for the time to get them shipped to Ghia, the cars may well have GOT THERE after the next year's cars (with factory 413s in them) were in production, very possibly. Especially if they were produced at the end of the Hemi-vehicle model run. Which means we would need to see Order and Sequence Numbers on the data plate, then speculate as to when those cars were built in the USA.Well, there had to be a transition between 392s and 413s somewhere along the line. However, I highly doubt it was in large enough numbers for a rumour such as this.
By the way I've never heard of this rumour before today. It would have to be fully verified like it was with the onsey twosey 1972 Six packs that squeaked through.
Ghia limos did carry over year specific body design, the 1961 limousines are in fact 1960 Imperials. Cadillac did the same with the 1965 Series 75, which was a 1964 design, while the rest of the Cadillac lineup was a completely new design.To verify the Hemi Imperial Limos, we would have to know WHEN Ghia got the chassis and body to modify and when those cars were built. Allowing for the time to get them shipped to Ghia, the cars may well have GOT THERE after the next year's cars (with factory 413s in them) were in production, very possibly. Especially if they were produced at the end of the Hemi-vehicle model run. Which means we would need to see Order and Sequence Numbers on the data plate, then speculate as to when those cars were built in the USA.
Considering all of the time dynamics in getting the cars built and across the water to Ghia, then back across the water to the USA, that in itself makes sense to me. Which would also indicate a build date in one model year (with the 392 Hemi) and the later sales date during the next model year.
Perhaps the OnlineImperalClub has some information in this area? Seems like I remember reading something, way back then, that the Ghia Limos could have a prior model year's "look", yet sold as new in "the next model year"? ONLY the Ghia Limos were this way, it was noted.
To me, this is not a "rumor", but very possibly "fact".
BTAIM,
CBODY67
It was mentioned in the said video by a person who seems to be quite knowledgeable about Chrysler products of the time.By the way I've never heard of this rumour before today
59-65 Cadillac 75 series limos and 59-64 commercial chassis Cadillac's (hearses, ambulance flower cars etc.) Are a 59 cowl. The limos and commercial chassis use the 59/60 dash to 62 and 63-65 use a 63-style dash. The front half on a limo or commercial chassis from 61-65 looks about the same but the back has to meet with the 59 cowl. The sheet metal from a commercial chassis and limo will not interchange with a regular Cadillac from 61-65. Starting in 65 on the commercial chassis the front groups are the same as a regular Cadillac of the same years and 66 in the limos The 59 Limo windshield which is a few inches taller was used on the limos from 59-65 and 59-64 commercial chassis. Pic of my old 61, dog leg windshield and 59 dash.Ghia limos did carry over year specific body design, the 1961 limousines are in fact 1960 Imperials. Cadillac did the same with the 1965 Series 75, which was a 1964 design, while the rest of the Cadillac lineup was a completely new design.
Yes, did come across it while searching, makes sense. The question remains if there were regular production Imperials in '59 factory fitted with the 392.I found a webpage on Ghia Imperial limos at ch300imp.com/ghialimo_us.htm . It relates the story of how Chrysler and Ghia collaborated to do the '57 Imperial Limos. Chrysler initially contracted (and paid for) 75 limos. With much less than that sold in '57, it mentioned that the 1958 and 1959 Limos were actually re-touched 1957 models . . . with the 392 Hemi in them. Quite an interesting webpage!
Enjoy!
CBODY67
I think his statement about the Imperials is not describing any specific Imperial, just that there were some made with the 392. So it makes sense to me that they could be the 7 Ghias.
As far as I’ve always seen published, all ‘59 Imperials had the 392 Hemi. It was the only Mopar that still used it in ‘59. Imperial sometimes lagged behind tech updates, by one year. For instance, ‘68 Mopars (when optioned with it) got turn-signal stalk cruise control except the Imperial retained the old auto-pilot system.Just watched a Jay Leno Chrysler 300G video, a 300 club member mentioned that some '59 Imperials were made with the Hemi engine. Is anyone aware if there is evidence that this is indeed true?
I have to disagree with that.As far as I’ve always seen published, all ‘59 Imperials had the 392 Hemi
Well, I’ve seen different published, now!I have to disagree with that.
Here's part of the '59 Imperial Sales brochure. http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chrysler_and_Imperial/1959_Chrysler/1959_Imperial_Brochure_2/1959 Imperial-11.jpg
Another '59 Imperial. https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/crowning-achievement-1959-imperial-crown-southampton
Another 1959 Chrysler Crown Imperial | ClassicCars.com Journal
This is correct. Chrysler built "kit" cars (there are photos of the kit no doubt somewhere on the web) and I did a thorough article on the Ghia limos in the WPC News. Jeff Godshall also did a detailed article in either SIA, or a Hemmings publication (can't recall which title/date). Chrysler built 75 of these kits and shipped them to Ghia. Between production problems in Italy, and the fact that Chrysler ended up having to rewire virtually every car that was shipped back to them, the number of cars built and sold was far less than they had hoped. So, yes, the '59 Ghias are "59-ed" 57s.I found a webpage on Ghia Imperial limos at ch300imp.com/ghialimo_us.htm . It relates the story of how Chrysler and Ghia collaborated to do the '57 Imperial Limos. Chrysler initially contracted (and paid for) 75 limos. With much less than that sold in '57, it mentioned that the 1958 and 1959 Limos were actually re-touched 1957 models . . . with the 392 Hemi in them. Quite an interesting webpage!
Enjoy!
CBODY67