The Chrysler Imperial (1981-1983) is a hallmark of American luxury, crafted during Lee Iacocca's comeback era for Chrysler. This unique 2-door coupe, built on the FS platform, showcased a revival of the Imperial nameplate after its hiatus since 1975. With distinctive features like the iconic Bendix Electronic Fuel Injection and the Frank Sinatra signature edition offerings, this vehicle represents a golden era of personal luxury coupes.
Revive Auto celebrates the legacy of the 1981-1983 Imperial by inviting owners in St. Paul to donate their vehicles. Whether your Imperial is a pristine Sinatra edition or a project car, your donation helps keep the rich history of American automotive craftsmanship alive. Each Imperial tells a story, and by donating, you help nurture the appreciation for these unique automobiles.
📖Generation guide
Imperial (FS-platform) • 1981-1983
The Imperial nameplate returns with this exclusive 2-door coupe, featuring a longer wheelbase and luxurious trim, making it a standout in the golden age of American luxury.
Eldorado • 1953-2002
Notable for its peak in the 1971-1978 generation, with luxurious offerings including the 500 cu in V8, exemplifying Cadillac’s dominance in personal luxury.
Mark V • 1977-1979
The last classic Lincoln with Designer Series options by Bill-Blass, Cartier, Givenchy, and Pucci, highlighting the essence of opulence and tailored aesthetics.
Riviera • 1963-1999
Signature styling metrics peak in the 1971-1973 boattail generation, with the GS Stage 1 representing Buick's performance luxury pinnacle.
Biarritz • 1971-1978
Cadillac's ultimate personal luxury convertible with distinct styling and the revered 500 cu in V8 engine, featuring hand-crafted luxury.
Known issues by generation
The Chrysler Imperial (1981-1983) is celebrated for its unique design and features, yet it comes with known issues. The Bendix EFI system can be notoriously unreliable, leading many owners to retrofit carburetors. The digital instrument cluster, while iconic, is prone to failure and costly to replace. Additionally, the TorqueFlite A904 transmission can exhibit shift-quality issues over time. Body-on-frame rust points, particularly in the rocker panels and trunk floors, are common due to the vehicle's age, necessitating a disciplined approach to maintenance and preservation.
Donation value by condition + generation
The value of the Chrysler Imperial (1981-1983) varies significantly based on condition and documentation. While driver-quality models generally range from $5,000 to $12,000, well-preserved Frank Sinatra signature editions with complete documentation can command $15,000 to $30,000. Low-mileage, original-paint examples with retained EFI systems can exceed $50,000. Original paint and numbers-matching components are essential for collector value, with verified authenticity significantly enhancing the car's worth in collector circles.
Donation process for this model
Donating your Chrysler Imperial (1981-1983) is a straightforward process but requires special attention to detail. For signature editions, a qualified appraiser is highly recommended to establish the vehicle’s fair market value, especially if it exceeds the $5,000 threshold for IRS Form 8283 Section B. Key documentation, including factory build sheets, Marti Reports, cowl-tags, and dealer invoices, is crucial to underpin its authenticity. Enclosed transport is advised for vehicles with original paint to ensure they remain in pristine condition.
St. Paul regional notes
In St. Paul, owners of the Chrysler Imperial (1981-1983) can find specialized services that honor the unique design and history of this model. Being part of the rust-belt, it's essential to consider body preservation when evaluating your vehicle. The local collector community appreciates the distinctiveness of Designer-Series and Sinatra-edition cars, which enhances visibility and potential value increase. Restoration shops specializing in vinyl roofs and landau-bar trim can assist in maintaining these automotive treasures.