Looking back on 1950s America, so many aspects of that decade seem so unbelievably cheesy. From the ridiculous educational films that were out-of-touch and often grossly misinformed, to the large hairstyles and doctor-promoted cigarette brands, 1950s America was a crazy, wild, and weird place to live.
But one thing the 1950s got right was cars, and famed Chrysler designer and visionary Virgil Exner helped pen some of the most timeless and sought-after vehicles of that, or any era. A lot of five Exner-designed Chrysler Imperials is going up for grabs, reports Hemmings Auto Blog. and Hollywood Wheels expects the lot to bring as much as a million dollars.
The late 1950s in particular is seen as a golden age for car design, and the late 50s Chrysler Imperials set a new standard for luxury and style. Exner’s fondness for tailfins and flair for dramatic styling was in full effect on these range-topping, HEMI-powered Chryslers, and this lot of five are all said to be in exceptional condition. Each model year, from 1957 to 1961, is represented, and only the 1960 model lacks the optional air conditioning unit, which added a whopping 10% extra to the cost of an already-expensive car.
Under the hood of the 1957 and ‘58 models is a 392 cubic-inch HEMI V8, while the rest of these excellent Chryslers make due with a 350 horsepower Wedge V8. These are, without a doubt, some of the classiest collector cars on the market, and they are all selling together as a single lot. If it sells, this lot of five classy Chryslers should sell for between $850,000 and $1 million.