1969 Imperial

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
	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 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.
	This ad starts with "All thre 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.
	»Should a luxury car break with tradition?« asks the headline of this ad. I think not.
	Just so you know, this ad informs the reader that a man doesn't buy a luxury car for himself alone. It doesn't mention, though, that a man also buys a luxury car to get young chicks.

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