1954 Chrysler Imperial

This motor car is being sold as part of an overseas collection. It has been imported under the Bonhams temporary admission customs bond and is therefore subject to the lower rate 5% import tax if the car is to remain in the UK & purchased by a private individual. The 5% is calculated on the final selling price. For example, if the car sells for £8,000, then £400 is added, making the total amount payable of £8,400.

The winning bidder will receive a receipt for the final hammer value, and proof that HMRC fees are paid. If the car is subsequently exported abroad within 30 days then these fees are refundable.

Lastly, there will be a nominal administration fee of £350 for processing the NOVA application, and payable direct to the shipping company. A completed and processed NOVA will provide you formal proof that all duties & taxes are paid in UK and thus allow you to register the vehicle with the DVLA

In common with the majority of cars in this collection, this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section.

We have not started or driven the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

It is available for view and inspection at our HQ near Abingdon and we will be delighted to show the car to you and/or your appointed engineer.

In common with many vehicles from the vendor’s collection, this 1954 LHD auto Chrysler Imperial car comes with very little history and no service records.

We know that the VIN is 7780423.

We know that the odometer currently reads 43,307 miles.

We know that at some point it was sold by Pete Moore Chevrolet of Pensacola, Florida.

And we know that it entered the vendor’s static display car collection in 2019.

In general, this car presents very well.

The bodywork is fairly true, the panels are pretty straight, and there are relatively few dinks, dimples, creases or folds of any significance to report.

The shiny black paintwork is impressive in most places, too, as is the chrome work – with the exception of the front bumper, which is foxed and pitted.

All shut lines and door gaps seem consistent and even.

There is a sizeable (a couple of inches) area of cracked and missing paint at the bottom of the n/s/f wing, in which surface rust has taken up residence.

The n/s/f wing also has a split and crack in the paint at the bottom.

There is some discoloured paint on top of the n/s/r fin and a piece of badging missing from above the ‘Imperial’ name on the n/s.

There are numerous paint chips on the boot, bonnet, and o/s/f door and wing.

The wheels look fairly good, although the paint is flaking away from the centres of the hub caps.

The interior, which has clearly been properly restored and refurbished at some point, is good in parts.

We’ll start with the good.

The leather/vinyl upholstery is in very reasonable condition and the steering wheel, dashboard, instruments and all interior fixtures and fittings look fine.

The headlining is decent, too.

Now for the not-so-good news.

The padding on top of the dashboard has a split in it and has been discoloured in patches by, we would imagine, sunlight.

More importantly, the carpets and door cards have been absolutely ravaged by moths and are in a sorry state.

We can’t make any claims about the functionality of switches, knobs, levers, toggles, buttons, dials or other electrics as we haven’t started the vehicle.

The cavernous boot appears to be OK. It is currently home to a spare wheel and various bits and pieces.

Everything we can see underneath appears to have a decent amount of structural integrity.

There is some rust dust and flaking in evidence and, clearly, you’ll want to see it for yourself before reaching your own conclusion.

The engine and engine bay seem to be in good condition with everything in its right and proper place.

The car doesn’t come with a service history or any record of work done.

Currently, it has neither an MoT certificate nor a V5.

It must be registered in the country of your choice and you will need to contact the appropriate vehicle licensing agency for instructions on how to do this. Any paperwork shown in the gallery in no way constitutes any kind of licensing or registration certification.

We haven’t tried to start or drive the car so our understanding of it is somewhat limited.

That said, provided the car’s engine and mechanicals are in proper working order and amenable to recommissioning, we think the task of restoring this imposing and grand vehicle to its former glory might prove very rewarding.

We’re confident to offer this car for auction with an estimate of £8,000 - £14,000, plus Bonhams bond payment and £350 NOVA fee.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions.’