Most of the Chrysler stories done on this site stress the future. They talk about the growth the company has seen post-bailout. They talk about the new and upcoming cars, such as the Dodge Dart, and all the new features on current models. The future is what everyone in the car industry cares about, what’s around the next bend. The nice thing about this surprising chunk of news is how much of a step back in time it is.
The New York Times has an article about this upcoming weekend’s Greenwich Concours d’Elegance. Show goers have something extra to look forward to this weekend in the form of a 1973 Chrysler Imperial Limousine. It is a fantastic find and is being presented in its current state, meaning that it still has an ashtray full of cigarette butts and peeling paint. The showing of old limo will be the first time its seen public display since 1986.
Auto enthusiast Howard Kroplick discovered this car lover’s treasure. He says that he first saw the old car on the estate of William K Vanderbilt II in Centerport, NY. Mr Kroplick is a research volunteer at the estate which was converted to the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum in 1950. While putting together an exhibition about the Vanderbilt Cup races, he found it in a cottage with the bumpers removed to get the behemoth (20 foot long) inside. He asked around to figure out what was going to happen with this classic, and the museum was pretty clueless, pointing out that it would probably just be auctioned off. During a private auction last year, Mr Kroplick was the winner when he bid $275,000.
Mr Kroplick is still undecided on exactly what to do with his new purchase, whether to keep it as is in all its aging glory or to set about restoring it to a former glory. For the time being, it’s staying as is for the show this weekend. If you happen to be looking for something to do this weekend, the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance is running Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 5pm. Tickets are $30 a day or $45 for both days. Children under the age of 12 get themselves free admission as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
Definitely an exciting look back at the long road Chrysler has had up till now. While you won’t be able to drive away in an Imperial limo, you can view all the current line up online on Bayside’s website. Be sure to like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, and you’ll get all the news coming out of Chrysler as soon as it happens.