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1963 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron

57,464 MILEAGE
Sedan BODY TYPE
413 V-8 ENGINE
Automatic TRANSMISSION
Gasoline FUEL

1963 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron Description:

1963Chrysler Imperial LeBaron David: 303.947.0444


The 1963 Imperial came in four trim levels: Custom, Crown, LeBaron, and Ghia Limousine. Like its contemporaries, the upper trim level LeBaron came with a higher level of standard equipment and specialized trim exclusive to the nicest of the Imperials. However, Imperial offered a specialized roof treatment in the LeBarons. This custom bodywork, which was available only on the LeBarons, included a modified rear window treatment which gave it a limo-esque air. The smaller back window combined with the larger sail panels provided privacy and luxury that made the car much more distinctive than other Imperials or Cadillacs or Lincolns of the day. A steel roof panel was inserted in the stock rear window hole and finished with lead. The smaller back window also was used on Ghia Limousines.

This LeBaron includes an incredible host of options on top of the standard LeBaron. It has automatic a headlight dimmer that changes the headlights from low beam to high beam, power door locks, Auto-Pilot which is a cruise control, dual air conditioning including a rear evaporator and blower unit just like on a modern Escalade, power windows and power wing vents, search tune AM radio with a foot treadle allowing you to change stations without removing your hands from the steering wheel, power trunk release, right hand outside mirror, vanity mirror, 6-way power seat, and the ultra rare automatic day/night rear view mirror, of particular note on this car, every one of these items still works.

I purchased the car out of Palm Springs, the car was originally purchased new at Vine's Chrysler Plymouth in Long Beach, California. When I received the car, I realized that it had been a color-change car. As you can see from the photos it was very extensive and well done. I'm convinced that this was done when the car was new. It was common in those days for a customer to personalize a car to his tastes because back then body and paint was relatively inexpensive compared to today's costs. The paint has an incredible patina to it and I chose it to leave it that way instead of color sanding and buffing it because it adds to the air of originality. Shortly after purchase I went overboard with the mechanicals on this car. It had a burnt valve so I pulled the entire engine out, did a valve job on both heads, inspected the cylinder bores and bearing condition, replaced all seals and timing chain, rebuilt the carburetor, cleaned out the radiator, replaced the water pump and fan clutch, rebuilt the steering gear and power steering pump, put in new ball joints, tie rod ends, etc., installed a new front pump in the transmission, and recently removed the tail-shaft housing and replaced all of the seals in it (see photo), the rear axle was disassembled, inspected, new seals installed and new swing arm bushings installed, the brakes to include master cylinder, wheel cylinders, linings and booster were also replaced. And finally, new white wall tires were mounted and installed.

The air conditioner is of particular note due to the dual unit. This was a Chrysler exclusive on their non-limo cars. Cadillac and Lincoln did not offer this option. The compressor was removed, new seals installed, all new hoses fabricated and the system was converted to R-134 specifications. The rear unit is completely separate from the front air conditioner, and to increase performance I upgraded the electric motors on the dual fan rear system. Also, a new push button control for the AC was installed in the dash, a new electroluminescent transformer and new glove box liner was also installed. To complete the mechanical rebuild/upgrade a Power Master alternator was installed because at idle in gear the factory alternator could not keep up with the demands of the dual AC unit.

The interior as received was original and very nice. The leather was starting to get brittle, so before I ever drove the car I stabilized and re-moisturized the original leather using Color-Plus Soffener and a specialized application method. I would heat the interior of the car to 100º using a small electric floor heater, heat the conditioner in a microwave, apply the conditioner to the leather and cover it with plastic sheeting, I would then let the heater run for 48 hours, then remove the plastic and scrub off the excess conditioner using saddle soap and a minimal amount of water. I repeated this process no less than 5 times to make the crunchy original leather back into a soft and supple, now usable interior.

The original carpeting was good except for under the driver's feet. I pulled all of the seats out, re-dyed the carpet and had gorgeous custom mats made that appear just like the original carpeting. Also the rear package shelf had suffered sun damage, so I disassembled the rear AC vents, installed new package shelf material and dyed everything to match. All four trim panels on the doors were removed and the window mechanism were cleaned, regreased and the window motors were disassembled, cleaned and repacked with grease.

On the exterior of the car, a NOS LeBaron emblem replaced the faded original, NOS tail light lenses and backup lenses with new front park lamp lenses were located and installed. Also I prefer the 1962 hubcaps, so a restored set were located and installed, I also restored the original hubcaps and put them in the trunk. My son, who was just learning how to drive, was following me one day and he bumped into the back car, so the rear bumper has been beautifully re-chromed. I've always attempted to leave this car as original looking as possible and the result of all the work and preservation on the inside and out has resulted in an extraordinary good driving car that is usable every day. To support that, a new gas tank and electric fuel pump was applied. But to the person who wants to someday paint this car in the trunk you will find a number of NOS weather strips (pictured). The exhaust system was reproduced using the original Y-pipe which is a testimony to the absolute lack of rust in this California desert car.

What's wrong with the car: The original chrome on the car is extraordinary, however the mirrors have suffered more than the rest of the chrome on the car (pictured), also the front bumper at some point should probably be re-chromed. Note the pictures and you will see from the closeup shots that the exterior chrome is almost perfect and non-pitted, the interior chrome is near perfect. The trunk interior is marginal but presentable as original. At some point it should be replaced, both carpeting and cardboard. As stated before, the interior carpeting is worn but appears just fine with the custom mats. The rear springs have sagged and should be re-arched, however I put on a set of Ghia spec coil over shock absorbers and the result is a superior than stock ride. At one point in its past, someone attempted to pry the steering wheel off (not me) and broke the horn contact off of the impossible to find, perfect steering wheel. So at this point the car has no horn. The top of the right front fender has blemish in it and the car has been extensively touched up. And finally, when I installed the 100amp alternator, for some reason the alternator gauge no longer indicates properly.

The color combination of this car is very 1963 Frank Sinatra Palm Springs and I prefer the color change car to the original white. Theinitialimpression presented by this magnificent Imperial is enhanced by, like all NGD Cars, it is usable and pleasure to drive daily.

David: 303.947.0444

Click on any of the photos below to be taken to the full gallery.


Features:

Item location:Westminster, Colorado, United States
VIN:9333210436
Year:1963
Mileage:57,464
Make:Chrysler
Model:Imperial
Type:Sedan
Trim:LeBaron
Color:Cream
Interior color:Red
Engine:413 V-8
Cylinders:8
Fuel:Gasoline
Transmission:Automatic
Drive type:RWD
Drive side:Left-hand drive
Vehicle Title:Clear