Some cars carry a legacy — not just of the brand they represent, but of the people who owned and loved them. This 1981 Chrysler Imperial, now up for auction with no reserve on Hagerty, is one of those cars. Bought brand new and held by the same owner for over four decades, this Sterling Silver beauty is a true survivor from the “New Chrysler” era.
With only approximately 85,000 miles on the clock (mileage is believed to be accurate despite a replaced cluster), this Imperial comes with a rich backstory that ties in with one of the biggest comeback stories in American automotive history. Lee Iacocca had just stepped in as Chrysler’s chairman in 1979, and the Imperial was the brand’s return to form — a luxurious, bold flagship meant to reestablish Chrysler as a player in the premium market.
Under the hood is the trusted 5.2-liter (318 cubic-inch) V8, originally equipped with a high-tech (for the time) electronic fuel injection (EFI) system designed by Chrysler’s aerospace division. While the EFI system proved unreliable, this example had its factory warranty carburetor swap done by a Chrysler dealer — a common fix that’s kept many of these cars on the road.
The Imperial’s Sterling Silver Crystal Coat paint still shines, despite a minor respray following a small accident about 30 years ago. The Red velour interior, complete with a Mark Cross luxury touch, is a plush, time-warp reminder of 1980s elegance. You’ll find features like a digital instrument cluster, thermostatic air conditioning, power everything, and a disappearing headlamp setup that still manages to impress, even if the doors only open.
Some imperfections are worth noting: slow power accessories, a sticky high-speed choke, hidden headlight doors that won’t close, and a mild transmission vibration around 55 mph. There’s also a small battery drain and some rust under the trunk lid, but nothing that should scare off a dedicated Mopar fan.
This Chrysler Imperial also made the pilgrimage to Woodward Dream Cruise in 2018, where it stood nearly alone as these Imperials are getting harder to find. It has never seen snow, and the seller is looking for someone who will appreciate this rare piece of American luxury history as much as he has for the past 44 years.
A clean CARFAX report, original keys, and the owner’s manual are included with the sale. This isn’t just a car — it’s a story, a statement, and a slice of Chrysler’s rebirth that’s ready for a new chapter. Bidding ends on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. EDT.
1981 Chrysler Imperial Image Gallery:
