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Expert 5K+
Posts: 7806
Location: Williams California | I bought this '56 Imperial on a brief description, as it was a loaded car, missing the engine block. Sounded like a good parts donor, but after picking it up, noticed a small tag affixed to the data plate, reading 'Show Job'. I'm hoping someone will find the desire to buy this car whole, if there is no interest, it is probably best for parts. It was probably produced for one of the big new car expositions, such as the L.A. auto show, to highlight available options on the new models.
It is equipped with these options-
Front and rear Air conditioning
Power steering
Power brakes
Torqueflite transmission
Power seat
Power windows
Hi-Way HiFi record player
Gasoline heater
The engine was taken apart many years ago, when a cold snap froze the water in the cooling system, cracking the block and both heads. I have the heads, but the block was tossed, and the internals saved. The car was last titled in 1960, and stored in a warehouse for the last thirty years.
I have enough projects to last the rest of my life, and will not be restoring this one.
---John
('56 Imperial 002.JPG)
('56 Imperial 001.JPG)
('56 Imperial 003.JPG)
('56 Imperial 004.JPG)
('56 Imperial 005.JPG)
('56 Imperial 006.JPG)
('56 Imperial 007.JPG)
('56 Imperial 008.JPG)
('56 Imperial 009.JPG)
('56 Imperial 010.JPG)
Attachments ---------------- '56 Imperial 002.JPG (126KB - 341 downloads) '56 Imperial 001.JPG (125KB - 294 downloads) '56 Imperial 003.JPG (125KB - 293 downloads) '56 Imperial 004.JPG (127KB - 267 downloads) '56 Imperial 005.JPG (125KB - 257 downloads) '56 Imperial 006.JPG (126KB - 280 downloads) '56 Imperial 007.JPG (125KB - 260 downloads) '56 Imperial 008.JPG (127KB - 275 downloads) '56 Imperial 009.JPG (126KB - 274 downloads) '56 Imperial 010.JPG (126KB - 280 downloads)
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Expert 5K+
Posts: 7806
Location: Williams California | Here is a photo of the data plate-
('59 SF convertible 004.JPG)
Attachments ---------------- '59 SF convertible 004.JPG (126KB - 250 downloads)
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Expert
Posts: 3575
Location: Netherlands | Cool find.
I think it just needs a good polish as a start. Then the project is already halfway there
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Regular
Posts: 75
Location: Sarpsborg, Norway | Do you have a picture of the VIN plate John? They might have done a type of show car to highlight the new Torqueflite, but from what I can see from the ID tag it was built on th March 3rd. 1956. They started building the Imperial with the new TQ in mid December 1955 if I remember correctly. But a really loaded car. Front AC?? That would be the first I have heard of in a 56, maybe a later install? Power steering, brakes, windows and seat came standard on all 56 Imperials from what I know. Maybe it was a car ordered to be exposed at a large dealers showroom so greater care where taken building it with better finish and body fitments?? |
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Expert
Posts: 2788
Location: USA - KY |
That is interesting - it would be great to know more about this car's history.
Nifty find, big m!
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Expert 5K+
Posts: 7806
Location: Williams California | mopar56 - 2014-11-19 3:05 PM
Do you have a picture of the VIN plate John? They might have done a type of show car to highlight the new Torqueflite, but from what I can see from the ID tag it was built on th March 3rd. 1956. They started building the Imperial with the new TQ in mid December 1955 if I remember correctly. But a really loaded car. Front AC?? That would be the first I have heard of in a 56, maybe a later install? Power steering, brakes, windows and seat came standard on all 56 Imperials from what I know. Maybe it was a car ordered to be exposed at a large dealers showroom so greater care where taken building it with better finish and body fitments??
Here is a photo of the VIN plate-
('59 SF convertible 010.JPG)
Attachments ---------------- '59 SF convertible 010.JPG (126KB - 263 downloads)
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 782
Location: Edmonton, Alberta | Hi John
I hope you can find a good home for that car. I think it's quite a unique car and it looks very complete; it would be a shame to see it parted out.
Gord |
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Expert 5K+
Posts: 6498
Location: Newark, Texas (Fort Worth) | John: I posted it on an Imperial Club site:
http://www.imperialclub.com/classifieds/Imperials_For_Sale.html
I will delete if you don't want it there, Marc. |
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Expert 5K+
Posts: 7806
Location: Williams California | Thanks, Marc!
Would rather find a home for it than to part it out.
---John |
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New User
Posts: 3
| Well I wrote you asked for details n price, you didn't answe me? I could be interested. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 836
Location: Layton, Utah | Waaaay cool car that needs to be brought back. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 915
Location: Pau, S-W France | Ther's also the Highway HiFi record player ! |
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Expert
Posts: 1324
Location: Hickory, NC | Very cool car! I'd definitely fix that sucker up and drive in luxury! I might keep the gas heater disconnected so my car doesn't explode in a ball of fire. (That'd be my luck) |
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Regular
Posts: 62
| Now that I have found my decoded data plate example from one of my old "The Final Word" columns published in Mopar Muscle magazine, I can decode the following data plate codes: A=5=Power antenna; D=1=Electro Touch Tuner radio with rear speaker; F=6=Instant Heat gas heater; G=1=All tinted "Solex" glass. If there had been a 6 above the S, then that would signify the 3-speed TorqueFlite transmission. Furthermore, according to Chrysler TSB #953-CH, dated February 22, 1956, the TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission entered production on the 1956 Imperial C-73 at serial number C56-6700. However, even though this Imperial has serial number C56-2323, the tag that reads "SHOW JOB" most likely explains the presence of the Highway Hi Fi and the TorqueFlite transmission. This car has an interesting history to it, which should be investigated further. More information will be found on the microfilm copy of the IBM punch card archived at the Chrysler Historical Foundation. |
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Expert
Posts: 1324
Location: Hickory, NC | Very interesting information. Maybe the "show job" was showcasing the Torqueflite. I'd be interested in what the IBM card read. |
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