The Chrysler Imperial (1981-1983) stands as a beacon of American automotive luxury from Lee Iacocca's celebrated comeback era. This FS-platform 2-door coupe returned the Imperial nameplate to the market after a hiatus, showcasing a blend of opulence and performance with its 318 cu in (5.2L) V8 and iconic design. Known for its Frank Sinatra signature edition, this model was not just a car; it was a piece of history, embodying the elegance of the early 1980s and the opulent lifestyle that Sinatra represented.
In Salt Lake City, the Imperial holds a unique place among collectors and enthusiasts alike. The limited production run of fewer than 12,285 units across three years makes each example a rare find. As the personal-luxury coupe segment flourished during this era, the Chrysler Imperial became a symbol of sophistication, featuring luxurious appointments, digital dashes, and unique design elements like its bustle-back trunk and opulent vinyl roof.
📖Generation guide
Imperial (FS-platform) • 1981-1983
This unique generation signifies the revival of the Imperial after its discontinuation in 1975. The vehicle boasts a distinct longer wheelbase and luxury trims, especially notable in the Frank Sinatra signature editions.
Eldorado • 1953-2002
The Cadillac Eldorado underwent numerous transformations with its peak during 1971-1978. The classic boattail design remains iconic, especially the 1971-1973 years.
Mark V • 1977-1979
The Lincoln Mark V featured Designer Series variants, including Bill-Blass and Givenchy, blending luxury with unique design, representing a pinnacle of American automotive artistry.
Riviera • 1963-1999
Buick Riviera is celebrated for its styling and performance, particularly the 1971-1973 boattail variants, which symbolize the height of luxury sports coupes.
Known issues by generation
The 1981-1983 Chrysler Imperial is notable for its early-Federal-era Bendix EFI, which is infamous for its reliability issues, often leading to retrofitting with carburetors. Additionally, the digital instrument cluster is prone to failure, with scarce replacement parts. The TorqueFlite A904 transmission may suffer from shift quality and valve body wear, necessitating extensive rebuilds. Common rust issues include bubble formation on the vinyl roof and typical body-on-frame rust points, including rocker panels and trunk floors, reflecting the vehicle's age and the environmental conditions in which it was operated.
Donation value by condition + generation
The value of the Chrysler Imperial (1981-1983) varies significantly based on condition and originality. Driver-quality examples are generally valued between $5,000 and $12,000, while clean Frank Sinatra signature editions can command between $15,000 and $30,000. Exceptional low-mileage, original-paint EFI cars with full Sinatra-package documentation have risen in value, often exceeding $30,000. Factors such as original paint, numbers matching engines, and complete authenticity documentation (including a factory-build sheet, Marti report, and dealer invoice) are essential for achieving collector-tier valuations.
Donation process for this model
Donating your Chrysler Imperial is a significant way to contribute to the preservation of automotive history. For valued collector cars, especially Sinatra signature editions, we strongly recommend obtaining a qualified appraisal, as IRS Form 8283 Section B is critical for donations over $5,000. Documentation such as the factory build sheet, dealer invoice, and window sticker are mandatory for establishing authenticity and value. Enclosed transport is recommended for clean, original-paint examples to ensure they arrive in pristine condition.
Salt Lake City regional notes
For Chrysler Imperial owners in the Salt Lake City region, there is a wealth of resources available for restoration and preservation. The climate has generally helped preserve these vehicles, but awareness of body-on-frame rust issues remains crucial for maintaining their value. Numerous classic-American-iron specialists are available to assist in restoration, particularly for vinyl roof and trim work. The local collector community shows appreciation for Designer-Series and Sinatra-signature models, enhancing visibility and potential value as interest in these unique vehicles continues to grow.