Hi All, I would agree with ther member who wrote that the LeBaron emblems may have been retro-fitted. One of our IML members, Richard Burgess, is now restoring a '60 Crown (confirmed as such by the VIN numbers) with several pieces of 'original-appearing' "LeBaron" trim. Originally sold in Washington, DC in the Summer of 1960, original documentation shows that the dealer sold the orignal purchaser a 'Crown' with the "LeBaron Trim Package" (fender emblems, sail-panel medalions...). The itemized bill of sale showing these additions can be seen at:
http://www.imperialclub.com/Yr/1960/Burgess/Page01.htmAs for using the interior as a guide to the car's 'LeBaron'/'Crown' origins... Remember, the horizontally wide-pleated door panels were standard on the LeBaron, but not 'exclusive'. They were attendant with the optional 'biscut-pattern' leather or leather/cloth combo interior (
http://www.imperialclub.com/Yr/1960/Showroom/Upholstry/Page08.htm). It would have been nothing for a dealer wanting to sell a $7-8000 dollar luxury car to have his service staff switch out the silver and gold 'Crown' embossed door panel inserts for the black and gold ones reading 'LeBaron'. I think this 'flexibility' is one of the more interesting footnotes in Imperial marketing (quite probably Imperial's way of participating in the long-established Chrysler Corp. tradition of offering 'Spring Specials' with upgraded trim to spike sales...).
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