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

Photos by the author

 

In the year of 1962, if you were shopping for a 2-door hardtop in the luxury class, which would you pick–a Cadillac Coupe deVille, or this Imperial Crown?  Let’s explore that question . . .

In profile, the Cadillac and the Imperial share some common styling themes, such as the angled roof pillar.  Both cars are long, sleek, smoothly styled machines.  However, to most observers, the Cadillac’s lines look cleaner, “purer”–more unified overall.

But as I have pointed out before, there is a difference between what a car looks like in a picture, versus the way you experience it in real life.  And when you see the Imperial’s thrusting, highly sculptured forms, the effect is nothing short of dramatic!

Last year’s fins have been replaced with these chrome-and-black “grooves” topped by “rocket” taillights that seem to be shooting backwards into space at hypersonic speeds!

No, these are not ray guns pointed at the enemy, but the ’62 Imperial’s unique taillight housings which appeared for one year only.

Up front–there’s so much going on here.  You have to wonder what kind of mind would come up with such a design.  A truly baroque interpretation of both classical and futuristic elements in a violent collage that, believe it or not, somehow seems to work stylistically.

There are these graceful curves pressed into the Imperial roof.  In previous years, there was a bright metal edging, and you could get optional “Silvercrest” inserts for a really classy look.

Big “bubble” type wraparound windshield and rear glass provide all-around visibility that modern cars can’t match!

Even the Imperial fender script, outlined in gold, is bold and artistic.

The rear view mirror still has fins!

An Imperial eagle leads the way.

Interior shot.  We need a better look at that dashboard . . .

Here’s an image I got from flickr.  Wow, just wow!

Back seat.

Inspection sticker from Pennsylvania expires December 1994.

Original dealer emblem.

Yes, I found this rare Imperial Crown Coupe nestled in with other cars awaiting service at Nostalgia Motors in Boonton NJ, just a short distance from where I live.

This is one big car–overall length 227″, and 81.5″ wide.  Bigger than Cadillac in every outside dimension!

What did Consumer Reports have to say about the 1962 Imperial?  I just happen to have that in my files:

The free-standing head lamps are “silly and expensive”, according to CU. (LOL)

 

Having once owned a ’62 Imperial, I can tell you that the testers at CU (Consumers Union) are correct:  I found that ride, handling, and performance are generally more satisfying than Cadillac’s.  I think that the Imperial’s 413 engine with TorqueFlite transmission is a smoother, more responsive powertrain than the 390/Hydra-Matic of the Caddy.  Imperial’s Torsion-Aire ride is amazingly solid and level.  And the Mopar “Full-Time” power steering is quicker and lighter.  That combined with fairly flat cornering means this super-big car doesn’t feel ponderous at all (once you get used to seeing over the “aircraft carrier”-size hood!)

Apparently Chrysler Corporation “knew what they had”, and so they issued these “challenge” ads aimed at doctors, corporate executives, and other highbrow people.  The thinking was, “If we could just get Cadillac owners to drive our Imperial, they would immediately see and feel how much better our car is than what they’re used to driving.  Then they will buy!”

Um, it may not be that easy.  Especially when you’re running ads in BLACK & WHITE while Cadillac is showing you full color, jewels, well-dressed models gliding through elegant settings in tuxedos and gowns, and sleek, clean looking cars that are unmistakably “Cadillac”.

photo from driveshare.com

 

Cadillac had the highest owner loyalty in the industry, and that’s hard to break.  CU also reported that Cadillac had the highest resale value, and the lowest repair incidence of nearly all domestic cars.  (Imperial was improving, but some of its earlier models had problems).  Cadillac Motor Division was still screwing them together pretty well (but that would change before long!)

Me and Mechanix Illustrated’s Tom McCahill–two big Imperial fans!

 

To most people, the Imperial’s riding and handling virtues were not important enough to justify switching.  Style and prestige trump all other considerations.  Not that the Imperial didn’t have style–it was just a different kind of style that had a certain appeal to some, but not mass appeal.

So which to choose in ’62?  Tough choice–Cadillac looks so good and is an excellent car in many respects–and you feel like a prince behind the wheel.  But I’m the kind of person who appreciates the fine points of the way a car drives as well as its outside appearance.  And the ’62 Imperial, while not as “clean and pure” as the Cadillac, is certainly unique and fascinating to behold–with a personality all its own.  So once again, I side with the minority and choose Imperial for 1962!

Further CC reading:

My 1962 Imperial Custom-Rescuing The Big Green Monster by Stephen Pellegrino

Car Show Classic: 1962 Imperial Crown Convertible Coupe by Brendan Saur