1974 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron Sedan 440 cu in 7.2L V8

Summary:

Sublime in every aspect, and the best I've ever driven by far

Faults:

Nothing but routine maintenance; it was meticulously maintained by the previous owner, and it is in mint condition.

General Comments:

Incredible vehicle without an equal.

Handles surprising well for its immense size. Chryslers of the 1970s were always known for their smooth ride but better handling than Lincolns and Cadillacs.

Most comfortable vehicle I've ever been in. Hell, the seats are more comfortable than my home furniture.

The 440 is very quiet and smooth, it's not a race car by any means, but it'll move when you need it to. I love the throaty roar of the V8 when cruising along a country road.

The 3-speed TorqueFlite transmission is very smooth and powerful. I don't think that thing will give me any trouble if I take care of it.

The car is light brown with a white top, and it is absolutely beautiful in every way conceivable. I really hit the jackpot on this car. In my opinion, these Imperials look way better than any Cadillac and pre-1977 Lincoln. Don't know why more people didn't buy them back then; although more people did when they took this car and re-badged it into the New Yorker for 1976.

The car stops quickly for its size as well. I know it has 4-wheel disc brakes, so I'll bet that has something to do with it. My previous car was a Honda, you have no idea what an upgrade this car is. I love the eagle hood ornament, makes the road in front look so much better.

Had a hard time finding the gas tank at first, but then found out that it was behind the rear license plate. Very interesting location to put gas into.

Incredible car, worth every penny of the $3,500 I paid for it. Mint condition inside and out, and has no mechanical issues whatsoever. Gas mileage isn't the best, around 8 for town but up to 15 on the highway on a good day. However, I don't drive this car everyday, so I don't have to worry about the fuel.

I'm definitely going to take this car on long trips in the future. It's so much more comfortable than my Honda, and it has road presence that can't be matched. If you can find one in good shape and have the means of operating one, I highly recommend buying a 1974-1975 Imperial. The 1976-1978 New Yorkers are pretty much the same car, offered cheaper and without a couple of features, and I also highly recommend them as well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th November, 2012

5th Nov 2012, 15:54

You got a real gem there! $3,500 for a 20K mile car. It must be like new. I'm sure you'll take good care of the "old girl". Garaged and proper care, you should have it for the rest of your life.

I bought a 76 Royal Monaco (the Imperial's little sister) new, and 36 years later, I still have it. Although the car is showing its age, it still draws compliments. With 62K on the clock, it drives nice. Handling is much better than Cadillacs of the mid 70's vintage.

Best wishes!

1972 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron 440 7.4L

Summary:

Classy and powerful

Faults:

New shocks at 86k.

New drums, shoes, and return springs at around 90k.

Converted the A/C to R134a at 95k.

New water pump at 95k (bearings went).

New radiator and therm. at 95k.

Replaced cracked vacuum lines around 90k.

General Comments:

It's a powerful big car. It's fun to drive, and it turns heads. I've always liked the styling of these old Imperials.

I do all the work on it myself. I changed the rear diff to posi in late 2009.

I've driven it to Florida twice and had no problems. It fits 6 people no problem.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th April, 2010

3rd Jan 2012, 01:24

I always wanted to buy a 70's Imperial, but the 5-7MPG and 24 gallon gas tank means three fill ups during a long day of driving.

6th Nov 2012, 13:40

The old full size Mopars, no matter what engine, usually get about 10-12 MPG. I've had a Fury III with a 318, a Polara with a 318, and a Royal Monaco with the 360. Same MPG, regardless of engine and carb.

A friend had a 440 4 BBL in a Charger, and he got the same 10-12 MPG.

Now, I had a 66 Cadillac Deville convertible 30 years ago, and 8 MPG was the rule, city or highway.

7th Nov 2012, 08:55

I've had a good bit of experience driving 1960s through 1980s MoPar V-8 vehicles.

* 1967 Chrysler Newport, 383 2-barrel: 10 MPG city/15 MPG highway, kept in meticulous tune and with electronic ignition.

* 1971 Plymouth Barracuda, 340 4-barrel: 12 MPG mixed driving/up to 18 MPG highway, with electronic ignition and 2.73 rear end gears.

* 1973 Dodge Charger, 318 2-barrel: 14 MPG city/18-21 MPG highway.

* 1975 Dodge Charger, 318 2-barrel: 14 MPG city/18-19 MPG highway.

* 1985 Dodge Ramcharger, 318 2-barrel: 13 MPG city/17 MPG highway (rarely up to 19 MPG highway).