Among the last expressions of famed stylist Virgil Exner's highly successful "Forward Look" designs for Chrysler Corporation, the elite-level 1959 Imperial lineup also featured several firsts. Chrysler Corporation’s famed hemispherical-head V-8 was replaced by the new and simpler 413 cubic-inch "Wedge" V-8 with a single Carter four-barrel carburetor, developing 350 hp and 475 ft-lbs. of peak torque while weighing 101 pounds less than the "Hemi" it replaced. The 1959 Imperials were also the first cars to be assembled at Chrysler’s all-new Dearborn, Michigan plant, where each vehicle received stringent quality-control checks at every station.

In addition to their dramatic styling, tailfins, and gunsight-style taillights, the 1959 Imperials were quite likely America's most technologically advanced automobiles. Among their many modern features were 6-way fingertip-controlled and swiveling front seats and a pushbutton-actuated heater/air conditioner. These "Jet Age" innovations extended further to the pushbutton-controlled TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission, Auto-Pilot cruise control, radio, power windows, and power door locks. Optional Imperial features debuted for 1959 included an air-suspension enhancement to the torsion-bar underpinnings, a self-adjusting rear-view mirror, and an electronic headlight-beam changer.

This 1959 Imperial Crown Southampton hardtop coupe is an exceptional specimen, one of only 1,728 produced for 1959. According to its original trim tag, it was factory-finished in Persian Pink over a white leather interior – the combination it retains today, including the majority of the original paint finish. Features, options, and passenger amenities range from the six-way power-adjustable and swiveling front seats to the ornate Flite-Sweep deck lid with embossed spare tire motif, the stainless steel Silvercrest roof treatment, Custom Conditionaire heater, Touch Tuner AM radio with rear speaker and power antenna, Auto Pilot cruise control, power windows, remote driver's side mirror, and bold Imperial hood ornament.
 
The original owner, Frederick C. Williams of Mechanicsburg, Ohio, retained the rare Imperial for 44 years, eventually selling it in 2003 to Charles J. Jandik of nearby Richfield, Ohio. The title at the time noted 60,284 actual miles. When Mr. Jandik passed away in 2007, the Imperial joined the noted collection of Glenn Boyd in Wake Forest, North Carolina, at approximately 62,500 miles. Mr. Boyd retained the Imperial Crown in his fleet and drove the Imperial just 550 miles until he passed away in 2022, after which time it was acquired at auction with 63,089 actual miles by noted collector and auctioneer, Michael Leith, under whose watch the Imperial was driven sparingly and carefully maintained.
 
A special postwar American luxury automobile with excellent engineering, commanding presence, and true rarity, this 1959 Imperial Crown Southampton Coupe is offered ready to own, show, and enjoy. Experience it in person by calling us today to arrange a viewing and prepare to add it to your personal collection!