Re: IML: 1960 Imperial. Why was it a one year only design?

[richard burgess <lecrown60@xxxxxxxxx>]

In fact, the 1960 bodyshell lasted in some form clear up until 1966.  If you open the squared off rear doors on a '64-'66 you will see the curved door jamb dating back to '60.  Cowl and windshield opening also lasted to '66.  They did flatten the curve of the windshield glass. The only changes to the floor pan were reduction of the transmission hump as the trans was replaced and parking brake moved to the rear allowing more leg room.  You would be surprised how little difference there really is between a '60 and '66 engine compartments, despite going to the unibody front end.  Even the '64-'66 front end never changed that radically, same goes for the '61-'63.  Given the low production, Chrysler got a good 6 years out of that platform and body.  They were just really adept at changing one major element on the car every few years that made a big difference.  The chassis was used continuously from 1957 to 1966 as well, I believe.  When Chris Hawkins '66 LeBaron is parked next to my '60 LeBaron nobody would ever guess they were so similar underneath it all.  All you have to do is open the back door. 

 

If you have ever compared a '59 to a '60, side by side, there is another amazing aspect.  Everything looks the same but different.  Parts are not interchangeable.  Interior parts, trim parts, body parts, all have a very similar form.  Its amazing to me the change was not any more radical than it was.

 

Richard Burgess

'60 LeBaron sedan

'60 Crown sedan

 

 

 

Henry Hopkins <hhrp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

The 60, 61, and 62 bumpers rear bumpers were the same. The 61,62 and 63
front bumpers were the same, I believe. Basically, the change from 60 to 61
was a new front clip, body wise and a reworking of the rear fins/taillights.
They're the same from the cowl back to the reworked fins. Of course, the
dash board changed. My opinion is that the 61, 2,3 dashboards are not
nearly as classy as those for 59 and 60.
----- Original Message -----
From: "jsadowski"
To:
Sent: Saturday, May 21, 2005 8:50 PM
Subject: Re: IML: 1960 Imperial. Why was it a one year only design?


> The doors & all glass was interchangeable through 62. The deck lid fits
> 60-63. If you need rear quarters, these are also 60-63.
> John
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Greg and Russell" <65luxuryliner@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> To:
> Sent: Saturday, May 21, 2005 8:03 PM
> Subject: IML: 1960 Imperial. Why was it a one year only design?
>
>
> With all the recent postings regarding the 1960 Imperial, I'd like to ask
> the List why was this striking car a one year only design? If this has
been
> discussed before, my apologies for asking. I'm curious as to why Chrysler
> would have gone to the trouble and expense of tooling up for a car whose
> bodystyle would only last one year. Was any of the sheetmetal
> interchangeable with the '59 or '61?
>
> Greg McDonnell
> '65 Crown convertible
>
>
>
>
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