First introduced in 1931 and sporting the name of a prominent coachbuilder owned by Briggs Manufacturing Company, the LeBaron took many shapes and sizes. Part of the Chrysler Imperial lineup until its discontinuation in 1941, the LeBaron returned in 1955 when the company turned Imperial into a separate division. The nameplate remained in production through 1995 and became Chrysler’s first compact car in 1977.
In 1957, the LeBaron became Imperial’s range-topping trim level, slotting above the base model and the mid-range Imperial Crown. Starting in 1960, the LeBaron gained a more formal roof and a smaller rear window for enhanced rear-seat privacy. The 1963 Imperial LeBaron you see here hails from that era.
1963 was the final model year for the “Forward Look” design language introduced by Virgil Exner in 1955. The 1963 Imperial was far from outlandish in terms of rear fins and chrome but featured “floating” headlamps. Mounted on posts behind the front bumper, the lights did not touch the front fascia due to cutouts designed specifically for this look.
But that’s not the reason why I’m talking about a somewhat undesirable Imperial from the era. This gorgeous four-door hardtop has a feat very few classics can brag about: it’s an unrestored and highly original survivor. And while it may seem like it’s actually a semi-survivor that has been repainted and reupholstered, this Imperial is the real deal.
It may seem impossible at first glance, but the gold paint adorning the body is the same it got from the factory more than six decades ago. Look close enough, and you’ll notice a bit of patina here and there. The same goes for the chrome trim. Shiny in most places, it shows some weathering on the headlamp bezels and the bumpers.
The interior is just as spectacular. Finished in what Chrysler called Alabaster at the time, the off-white upholstery is flawless except for a few creases. The door panels, the carpets, and the dashboard are pretty much in perfect condition. And yes, it still features the square steering wheel. This car has power everything, including the vent windows, and it all works smoothly.
How did this LeBaron soldier on in such great condition for more than a half-century? Well, our host doesn’t provide a detailed history of the car, but it’s safe to say this big Mopar was pampered and garaged since it was new.
The engine bay doesn’t disappoint, either. It’s not exactly squeaky clean, but that’s because the LeBaron gets driven regularly. What you’re looking at is a 413-cubic-inch (6.8-liter) V8 rated at 340 horsepower and 470 pound-feet (637 Nm) of torque. That’s enough grunt to push the nearly 5,000-pound (2,268-kg) to a top speed of 120 mph (193 kph).
This four-door is also a one-year gem. While largely similar to the 1962 version, the 1963 Imperial got a few notable changes front and rear. Highlights included a revised front grille and new rear fins without the rocket-style taillights. It’s also a rare classic, as Chrysler sold only 1,537 LeBarons that year.
And while it may seem like such a car would cost a fortune, our host says it’s for sale for $23,900. Sure, the Imperial LeBaron is nowhere near as desirable as other Big Three classics from the era, but I still think it’s dirt cheap for a fully-blown survivor.