American Imperial

American Imperial

American Excellence 1957 Imperial Crown
1:43 | $90

showroom  American Excellence 1957 Chrysler Imperial Crown

Chrysler’s top-line Imperial, with Virgil Exner’s all-new “Forward Look” body and equally new torsion-bar chassis, became a separate line for 1957. It consisted of the base Imperial, Imperial Crown and Imperial LeBaron, with 2 and 4-door sedans and a convertible. The Crown Imperial limo was a totally different car. American Excellence has just released this gorgeous resincast model of the mid- level Imperial Crown Southampton, an upgraded-interior, 4-door sedan that was the best-selling 1957 Imperial. Its high-gloss two-tone paint is as good as that on three-figure models, and although the pink is a shade more lavender than the original 1957 paint, the separation lines are perfect. The name badges and gas cap trim are silver decals, but everything else on this detailed beauty, including the V- shaped “basket handle” is either plated plastic or a carefully fitted photo-etched piece. The basket handle fits perfectly in spite of the compound curves, and the overall shape and details match photos perfectly, though the etched outer rims of the “gunsight” taillights should be a circle instead of an oval. Side windows have been left open, which makes it easier to see the plush upholstery, accurate dash, and detailed speedometer. Dimensions are accurate, too. What a beauty. —Wayne Moyer miniauto.com

Updated: July 29, 2014 — 12:24 PM
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