1969 Imperial


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As sales figures reflect, the new Fuselage design was a big hit with Imperial buyers. The 1969 Imperials were the longest in quite a while. New for 1969 were concealed headlamps and (a 1969 specialty) sequential turn signals in the rear. Upon activating the turn signal, the three chambers of the taillight would light up one by one, from the center of the car outward. When all three bulbs were lit they simultaneously went out again and the cycle restarted.

There were two model lines: The Imperial LeBaron, available in two and four door hardtop configuration, and the cheaper Crown Imperial. The most visible difference was the rear window. While the more expensive LeBarons had a small formal one, the Crown featured a regular size rear window. And while the vinyl top was standard on the LeBaron, it was an extra-cost option on the Crown. Judging from the original sales catalog, the Crown was planned as four-door sedan only. However, there is proof that it was available in two and four-door hardtop also.

This is a press photo of a 1969 Imperial LeBaron four-door hardtop with optional leather interior

Same car, no girl, photo taken with different angle.

Press photo of a 1969 Imperial LeBaron two-door hardtop

Another press photo of a 1969 Imperial LeBaron two-door hardtop

This image of a 1969 Imperial LeBaron four-door hardtop can be found in the corporation's annual report and shows a Plymouth Valiant in the background.


The introduction of the 1969 Imperial was helped by a considerable advertising campaign. This is one of the different print ads that appeared late in 1968 to make potential luxury car buyers aware of the all-new 1969 Imperial.

First ad of a series pointing out the differences of Imperials over the competition.

This ad starts with »All three American luxury cars wheigh about 21/2 tons, have huge engines, big elegant interiors and cost about $6.000 or $7.000.«

Well, that pretty much applies to today's SUV's except "elegant interiors" and the price. Which type do you prefer?

Another ad with almost the same copy text.

This ad claims that "Imperial for 1969 is a car so carefully and tastefully styled that it will look just as good ten years from now as it does today."

I wonder what used car dealers thought of that in 1979.

Just so you know, this ad informs the reader that a man doesn't buy a luxury car for himself alone.

»Should a luxury car break with tradition?« asks the headline of this ad. I think not.



This variation of the 1969 Imperial LeBaron advertisement actually shows the same car, this time from the rear. The headline states, »To a successful man, pride takes many forms«.

1969 Imperial Prices and Production
Body Type Code Model Manufacturer's Sug-
gested Retail Base Price
Production Total
YM41 Imperial Crown 4dr Sedan $5770.00 1,617
YL23 Imperial Crown 2dr Hardtop $5592.00 244
YL43 Imperial Crown 4dr Hardtop $5770.00 823
YM23 Imperial LeBaron 2dr Hardtop $5898.00 4,572
YM43 Imperial LeBaron 4dr Hardtop $6131.00 14,821




Click for the 1969 Chrysler and Imperial Price List.


1969 Imperial Colors
It is not easy to reproduce the original paint chips which is important to give you an authentic impression of the color and shade. The colors are listed below by their name and Chrysler color code. To find the correct color name of your Imperial, you have to find the corresponding code stamped on your fender tag or printed onto the build sheet.

1969 Imperial Colors
A4 Platinum Metallic
A9 Charcoal Metallic
B3 Bahama Blue Metallic
B9 Midnight Blue Metallic
E7 Dark Briar Metallic
F3 Surf Green Metallic
F8 Jade Green Metallic
F9 Dark Emerald Metallic
L1 Navaho Beige
M9 Deep Plum
Q4 Aquamarine Metallic
T3 Bronze Mist Metallic
T7 Tuscan Bronze Met
W1 Spinnaker White
X9 Formal Black
Y3 Champagene
Y4 Classic Gold Metallic

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