World Classic Autos Index > Guides Index > Imperial 1946 - 1954
Imperial 1946 - 1954
The postwar Imperial was a large and luxurious Chrysler. It wasnt until 1954 that the Imperial became a separate brand within the Chrysler Corporation.
Crown Imperial
The first post war Crown Imperial was essentially the same as the 1942 model and it continued so until 1948. It was powered by a 323 ci 135 hp 8 cylinder engine. The Crown Imperial came in only one body style an eight seater 4 door Limousine for 1946. In 1947 a sedan was added to the range. The essential difference between the two was that the sedan did not have a division window.
The early 49 models were really left over from 1948. The new series C47 didnt come on stream until March and was available as both a sedan and a limousine. The C50 was a revised model for 1950. Minor changes were made for 1951 and even fewer for 1952. Very little was change for 1953. Like the Imperial the Eagle ornament badge was added. Changes were kept to a minimum in preparation for the all new models due in 1954.
Numbers Series Year Serial Numbers Engine Numbers C40 1946 7810001 - 7810166 C40-1001- C40 1947 7810167 - 7810907 C40-1001- C40 1948 7810908 - 7811347 C40-1001- C40 1949 7811348 - C40-1001- C47 1949 7813001 - 7813088 C47-1001 - 1095 C50 1950 7813501 - 7813916 C50-1001 - 1433 C53 1951 7814501 - 7815000 C51-8-1001 - C53 1952 7815101 - 7815306 C52-8-1001 - 59631 C59 1953 7816001 - 7816162 C53-8-1001 - 86292 C66 1954 7817001 - 7817100 C542-8-1001 - 40478
Imperial
The Imperial was based on the New Yorker. It was also powered by 323 ci 135 hp engine. For 1950 it was offered in standard and deluxe format. In 1951 the Imperial was for sale at a lower price than the New Yorker on which it was based. Three 2 door body styles were added to the range. It was now available as a coupe, hardtop and convertible. The 1952 models were almost identical to 1951 models, although the convertible body style was dropped.
Custom Imperial
1953 Imperial had a different wheelbase from the New Yorker. The Eagle hood ornament was fitted for the first time. Power brakes and windows were now standard. The coupe was dropped from the range but in March a 2 door Newport Hardtop was added in its place. Changes were kept to a minimum in preparation for the all new models due in 1954.
C46-2 1949 7107801 - 7107850 C46-1001 - 28838 C49-N 1950 7146001 - 7156654 C49-1001 - 43041 C54 1951 7736501 - 7753512 C51-8-1001 - C54 1952 7753601 - 7763596 C52-8-1001 - 59631 C58 1953 7765001 - 7773869 C53-8-1001 - 86292 C64 1954 7775001 - 7780767 C542-8-1001 - 40478
Parts