1965 Chrysler Imperial Crown

The Imperial was Chrysler’s flagship luxury brand and ownership became a status symbol for both wealthy businesspeople as well famous celebrities. Such was the case of this ’65 Crown Convertible, owned by Hollywood film actress Katherine Hepburn.  While living in Los Angeles residing at the guest house of director George Cukor, Hepburn received this vehicle as a gift from fellow screen actor and admirer, Spencer Tracy with whom she was romantically involved.  Hepburn was fond of the Imperial brand as it represented a refined elegance without being overly ostentatious, as was evident in the car’s black-on-black motif.

While displaying a conservative appearance, the Imperial Crown Convertible offered a prodigious 340 horsepower from its 413 cubic inch V8 engine through a 3-speed automatic transmission.  By 1965 the flamboyant styling of the early 60’s Chrysler products were replaced by the subdued work of Elwood Engel.  A former Lincoln designer, Engel would add a raised rear trunk tire bulge like the Lincoln Continental’s signature rear to the Imperial lineup beginning in 1963.  The trunk bulge was eventually squared off and toned down in later models of the Imperial.  Many features appeared as standard on the Imperial Crown, such as power-operated windows, power brakes and steering, a power-retractable convertible top, and power door locks. Additionally, this car was fully optioned with power-adjustable seats, cruise control, and the very rare convertible option: air conditioning.

While living in both Los Angeles and Connecticut, Hepburn left the Imperial in the care of a young actor and businessperson Kent Perkins in LA.  In 1978, the car was sold to Perkins and his wife comedian Ruth Buzzi, after Hepburn relocated to New York on a permanent basis.  The car was partially restored while in Perkins’ ownership with new paint and was eventually donated to the Petersen Automobile Museum in 2003 and acquired by the Audrain in 2020.

Specifications:

• Engine: 413 cu in V-8, Carter 4-barrel carburetor  

• Transmission: 3-speed Automatic

• Power: 340 hp

• Torque: 470 ft-lb (637 Nm)

• Length: 227.8 in

• Width: 80 in

• Height: 57.2 in

• Wheelbase 129 in

• Speed: 0-60, 9.3 sec

• Top Speed: 121 mph

• Fuel Economy: 9.5 mpg

• Weight: 5511 lbs