IML: Chrysler Newport Imperial packages??

[<mamrom@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Here is one that I can't still figure out on this same Thread of discussing models. Why was a car called "Chrysler Newport Imperial" when a Chrysler Imperial was still in productions back in the 70's? -Anthony


>From: Christopher H <imperial67@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>Date: 2008/02/10 Sun AM 09:55:16 CST
>To: "IML (main)" <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>Subject: Re: IML: Ranking of models and packages

>With all due respect to Roger's enthusiasm for owning the top trim level of
>Imperial, I feel some clarifications are needed in the interest of not
>revising history.
>
>The LeBaron name, like Fleetwood for Cadillac, has a grand history and comes
>from that of a coachbuilder from the earlier part of the century that was
>purchased by (and ultimately dissolved into) Chrysler Corporation (as GM did
>with Fleetwood). The image of the name was deemed suitable for their finest
>product, and the clever folks at Chrysler Corp marketing even went so far as
>to use the word "Coachwork" on the badges on the car. (Which I don't think
>are real gold, are they???)
>
>While dealers might not have ordered many LeBarons for the lot (as with any
>top trim level), there was nothing to prevent them from doing so... and it
>is entirely possible to buy a LeBaron that was not custom-ordered by your
>royal self, the 1960s luxury car customer. But because many of these
>customers were the type who would want exactly the car they desired, and
>because dealers would be smart not to pay inventory costs on a few examples
>of the most expensive car in their lineup on their lot, it was less common
>to find one in stock. In fact, Chrysler-Plymouth-Imperial dealers did not
>tend to "floorplan" many Imperials at all, for the reasons stated above and
>because they didn't sell nearly in the numbers of the lower-priced models
>they sold.
>
>But it was also quite common for people to special-order their Crowns,
>Customs and even their lowly Chrysler Newports and Plymouth Savoys, if the
>dealer did not have what they wanted. People just did this back then.
>
>Air conditioning was just ramping up in popularity in the early 1960s.
>Consider that only 33% of 1958 Imperials had it, but 60% had it by 1962. It
>is only logical that those individuals willing to pay for the highest trim
>level (LeBaron) were also willing to pay for more luxury options, so even
>beyond their elevated standard equipment, it is more common to find a highly
>optioned LeBaron than a loaded Custom.
>
>Some prices to consider, all for 1961 4-door Southampton (hardtop) models:
>- Custom, base MSRP: $5,111
>- Crown, base MSRP: $5,649  <-- $538 jump from a Custom
>- LeBaron, base MSRP: $6,428  <-- $779 jump from a Crown
>- Air conditioning: $590.20  <-- About the same as the model jumps above
>
>Roger's point is valid in that the LeBaron is the finest of the fine, so if
>you want the top of the line, find a lovely LeBaron! (Though dear Roger, why
>do you keep making our Crowns and Customs sound like Valiants?) And it's
>only logical to create the Ghia limousine, which actually is a coachbuilt
>car, from the top trim level, so if you really want the best, find one of
>the handful of Ghia limos built each year! But the truth is, you can't order
>a new one now anyway, so find the car "in stock" somewhere that speaks to
>your heart and has the best combination of features, color and condition,
>and you'll be off to a good start.
>
>Chris in LA
>67 Crown
>78 NYB Salon
>63 Dart
>
>
>On 2/9/08 8:18 PM, RODGER D. REDDISH at FltSgt@xxxxxxx wrote:
>
>> Hola David
>>  
>> The answer is in the history of the Le Baron name.  If the car is an Packard,
>> or whatever brand name,  the value is upper by enough to see why.  The 1961
>> owner of an new La Baron had to pay for the gold placed on the car, not so
>> with the entry level Custom or the mid level Crown's ( find the gold  in the
>> cars with an "L" or the "M" ).
>>  
>> In 1961 an want to be Imperial owner could drive over to the lot and have that
>> Custom or Crown.  All Le Baron's were an special order only.  Find an Le Baron
>> with out A/|C.  Then look at how many Custom's or Crown's that do not have the
>> equiptment.
>>  
>> On an like note please look at the rear window of the 1961 Le Baron and
>> compare it with Crown Imperial ( aka Lim-o ).  All Crown Imperial's ( the ones
>> that were shipped from the plant to Ghia ) have the Le Baron package as an
>> starting point.
>>  
>> There are some other points to look at, but I believe you are able to see the
>> picture better now.
>>  
>> Rodger & Gabby
>> COS
>>  
>>  
>>>  
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>  
>>> From: David  Randall <mailto:david.randall@xxxxxxx>
>>>  
>>> To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>>>  
>>> Sent: Saturday, February 09, 2008 10:28  AM
>>>  
>>> Subject: IML: Ranking of models and  packages
>>>  
>>> 
>>> Folks,
>>> 
>>> I've searched on the site and elsewhere for this  info, and maybe I missed
>>> it, but I don't quite understand  the rakings  of models and/or packages in
>>> the Imperial line. In the '61s for example,  where does a LeBaron sit vs. a
>>> Crown or Southampton?
>>> 
>>> Thanks,
>>> 
>>> 
>>> David
>>> '78 NYB  coupe
>>> 
>>> 
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>> 
>
>
>
>
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