Since we have a Lancer CC today, it might be useful to examine the origins of the Valiant and Lancer’s “fuselage” design, which originated here. The Imperial D’Elegance dates from 1958, and Exner says that it was part of an exercise to maximize visibility, eliminating both the B and C pillars. The Lancer’s horizontally-ribbed grille, so different than the Valiant’s “classic” one, also appears to originate here. Other aspects of this pretty far-out design can be seen in other Chrysler products of the early sixties, for better or for worse.
I think that the front end would make a better rear end.
That is kind of what they did with the Valiant, scaled down somewhat. I see a pretty clear resemblance.
It is absolutely hideous.
At least it’s not as bad as that thing posted earlier.
Who would have figured in 1963 that ten years hence, that greenhouse would be everywhere on GM’s Colonade sedans. That elliptical front wheel opening also showed up on the 69 Impala.
I have seen this picture before, but in looking at it afresh, it strikes me that the parts of the car from the cowl forward do not really seem to fit with the rest of the thing. I think the front end was quite attractive, and certainly the kind of thing that could have served as a concept for production cars. It was certainly better than what Chrysler actually served up in showrooms in 1961-62. The combined bumper/grille would become a Mopar fixture by 1970
Ummm…the less said the better…
I’m with Zackman on this
Picture if you can this car without the eyebrows and a smoothed out front fender with hidden headlights. To me it would all then blend. As it is you would need an ugly stick to look at in real life.
It looks like it has stoned eyes and a mouth agape in a permanent duh position. I have to think George Lucas was inspired, at least at the subconscious level, by 50s and 60s car designs when he created the faces for some of the Star Wars characters.
The front really reminds me of the Chrysler Norseman.
Yes! The Valiant roof and door region is the first thing that struck me when seeing this photo. Lose the silly front end, look from the cowl back and you really see it. Especially that graceful C-pillar. Trim down the fin and it inspires the Valiant’s similar line from the cat’s-eye taillight.
Here’s a rear view from the Imperial Club page. Sort of a ’59 Buick look. Its trunk lid resembles today’s CC Lancer.
Also Laurence has a nice artist’s rendering of this car in his Valiant CC (link in his Lancer CC).
A horrendous looking car but there are lots of styling cues lifted from it and not only by Chrysler That front wheel arch went to Ford, the roof went on the early valiant, theres more but ya’ll can see that.
The front end actually screams TORONADO at me, the rear looks like if Ford made an attempt at the Galaxie a few years early.
The front end eyebrows actually ended up on the 1960 imperial…
Just out of curiosity, does this car still exist?