The Chrysler Imperial (1981-1983) embodies the golden era of personal luxury coupes. As a revival of the Imperial nameplate, this classic two-door coupe represents Chrysler’s bold resurgence under Lee Iacocca during the early 1980s. The FS-platform models not only boast a distinctive design but also serve as a symbol of the American automotive spirit, blending luxury and performance in a remarkable way.
In New Haven, enthusiasts recognize the rarity and cultural significance of the Frank Sinatra Signature Edition, produced as a limited-run homage to the legendary entertainer. Featuring exclusive color packages and luxurious trims, these models stand as a celebration of both automotive excellence and American pop culture. By donating your Chrysler Imperial, you contribute to preserving this unique chapter in automotive history.
📖Generation guide
Chrysler Imperial FS-platform • 1981-1983
This single generation marked the revival of the Imperial nameplate, featuring the signature 318 cu in V8 with Bendix EFI. The limited Frank Sinatra Signature Edition highlights its status.
Known issues by generation
The Chrysler Imperial (1981-1983) is known for several distinct issues. Most notably, the Bendix Electronic Fuel Injection system, introduced during the early Federal EFI era, often proved unreliable, leading many owners to retrofit with carburetors. Thus, EFI-retained examples are quite rare and desirable. The digital instrument cluster is another common point of failure, with scarce availability of replacement clusters. Additionally, the TorqueFlite A904 transmission can experience shift-quality issues due to valve body wear, and body-on-frame rust is prevalent in these models, particularly in rocker panels and trunk floors. Maintaining documentation for Sinatra signature authentication is also crucial for preserving value.
Donation value by condition + generation
The value of a Chrysler Imperial from 1981-1983 varies widely, with the Sinatra Signature Edition commanding a significant premium. Driver-quality models can range from $5,000 to $12,000, while well-documented Sinatra editions can achieve values between $15,000 to $30,000. Pristine, low-mileage examples with original paint and retained EFI systems may surpass $50,000. It's essential to ensure proper authentication through documentation such as the factory build sheet and dealer invoice, as well as to consult valuation tools like Hagerty or auction comps from Barrett-Jackson.
Donation process for this model
At Elm City Autos, we encourage donations of the Chrysler Imperial (1981-1983) with a thorough understanding of collector-specific elements. For Sinatra Signature Edition models, we strongly recommend seeking a qualified appraiser, as IRS Form 8283 Section B is highly applicable. This form is crucial for donations valued over $5,000. Additionally, for valuable models, we suggest enclosed transport to protect their original paint, alongside ensuring all pertinent documents are included, such as the Marti Report and factory window sticker.
New Haven regional notes
In New Haven, owners of the Chrysler Imperial (1981-1983) will find a supportive community of classic American car enthusiasts. Given its unique status as a body-on-frame luxury vehicle, it’s important to recognize the regional differences in preservation, with rust prevention being a key aspect in the Northeast compared to sunbelt states. Various local shops specialize in vinyl roof restoration and luxury automotive servicing, making it easier to maintain and restore these iconic cars. The visibility of Sinatra Signature and other Designer-Series vehicles in the regional collector community emphasizes the importance of these cars in American automotive history.