1961 Imperial – One Frankenstein Of A Car, Found In Mary Shelley’s Land

Here’s one rather sinister-looking find. It’s a creature-like automotive creation since its inception, and even more so in its current condition. A ’61 Imperial (Trim level? Crown or LeBaron? Your guess is as good as mine), composed of how many discarded Imperial bodies? A couple, at least. A Frankenstein of a find, waiting to be brought back to life in Crickadle, England, and posted at the Cohort by Nathan Williams.

The Frankenstein references are not gratuitous. The ’61 Imperial, as acknowledged by many, is quite the creation. Even its creator, Dr. V. Exner, had found the creature had gone beyond his control: “… by 1959, it was obvious that I’d given birth to a Frankenstein”, he reputedly said. Something Paul wrote about in the older site, when he covered a much better looking ’60 model.

Sans free-standing headlights (Really! No aftermarket need for those in this!), this is one sinister visage. Mary Shelley only knew of carriages, and human beings are certainly a more emotionally interesting subject to tackle, but doesn’t this one deserve its own Frankenstein-like literary work?

’61 was the last year of the Imperial’s Ex-huberant late-50s tall fins, while the gunsight taillights would remain around for one more year. After that, Dr. Exner’s creation would progressively return to normality. But if you’re on the admiring end of these creations, Stephen recently wrote a love song on the ’62 models. So go and check that one out, before the villagers arrive with torches in their hands.

 

Related CC reading:

Vintage Car Life Road Test: 1961 Imperial Crown – “The Imperial Is Running Third In A Three Car Race…”

1962 Imperial Crown Coupe: A Baroque And Futuristic Creature – “I, Captain Ahab, Have Spotted The Great White Whale!”

Curbside Classic: 1959 Imperial – I Don’t Care, I Love It!