The 1957 Chrysler Crown Imperial Convertible: What Buyers Need to Know

Quick answer: The 1957 Chrysler Crown Imperial Convertible is one of the rarest full-size American convertibles ever built. Only 312 were produced. Powered by a 392 cubic-inch Hemi V8 producing 325 horsepower, it combines legitimate scarcity with Virgil Exner's iconic "Forward Look" styling — making it a serious collector's car, not a nostalgic curiosity.

Production stopped at 312 units. That number matters more than any description of the car's styling ever could. When a convertible is this rare, condition and documentation determine everything — the price spread between a numbers-matching original and a poorly restored example can exceed $100,000.

What Made the 1957 Crown Imperial Different From Other Imperials?

Chrysler separated the Imperial into its own brand in 1955 to compete directly with Cadillac and Lincoln. By 1957, the Crown Imperial sat at the top of that lineup.

The convertible body style was the rarest configuration offered. Standard equipment included:

• 392 cu in FirePower Hemi V8, 325 hp
• TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission — one of the first fully automatic units in production
• Power steering, power brakes, power windows
• Air conditioning (optional, but period-correct on surviving examples)
• 129.0-inch wheelbase — longer than any domestic competitor at the time

Virgil Exner's "Forward Look" design gave the car its signature fins, dual headlights, and chrome treatment. These weren't stylistic accidents. Chrysler was deliberately signaling a break from the conservative proportions of the early 1950s. The 1957 model year represented the peak of that design language before it was scaled back in subsequent years.

What Should You Verify Before Buying a 1957 Crown Imperial Convertible?

Most survivors have been restored. That's not automatically a problem — but the quality and accuracy of the restoration determines whether you're buying a show-quality investment or an expensive project.

Check these before any purchase:

Matching numbers. The engine stamp, VIN plate, and trim tag need to align. A non-matching Hemi drops the value significantly. Ask for documentation, not just the seller's word.

Body integrity. Unibody construction means rust in the rocker panels, floor pans, or torque boxes is structural — not cosmetic. Verify in person. Photos hide the critical areas.

Convertible top mechanism. Power convertible tops from this era are complex. Replacement parts are scarce. A top that operates correctly and seals properly is worth paying a premium for.

Transmission condition. The original TorqueFlite units are durable, but a rebuild runs $3,000–$6,000 if needed. Factor that into your offer if you can't verify recent service.

Documentation trail. A car with a build sheet, original window sticker, or continuous ownership history commands more at auction. Without paperwork, you're pricing on condition alone.

What Does a 1957 Crown Imperial Convertible Actually Sell For?

Prices vary sharply based on restoration quality and provenance. Fully restored, show-quality examples with matching numbers have sold at major auctions in the $150,000–$250,000 range. Driver-quality restorations without matching documentation typically trade between $75,000 and $120,000.

The low production number — 312 units — creates a floor on value that most other 1957 convertibles don't have. Even a rough survivor commands attention. But rough doesn't mean cheap to fix. A full rotisserie restoration on a car of this size and complexity runs $80,000–$150,000 at a qualified shop.

Know your ceiling before you make an offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many 1957 Chrysler Crown Imperial Convertibles still exist?
Exact survivor counts aren't publicly confirmed, but estimates suggest fewer than 100 remain in any condition. The Imperial Club of America maintains registry records that can help verify a specific car's history.

Is the 1957 Crown Imperial a good investment?
Scarcity supports long-term value, but condition and documentation determine return. Numbers-matching, well-documented examples have appreciated steadily. Unverified restorations carry more risk.

What engine does the 1957 Crown Imperial Convertible use?
The 392 cubic-inch FirePower Hemi V8, rated at 325 horsepower from the factory. This engine is widely regarded as one of the strongest V8s of the era.

What should I look for when inspecting one?
Prioritize structural rust, matching numbers, convertible top operation, and transmission condition. These four areas carry the highest repair costs and the greatest impact on value.

Before You Make an Offer

Have it inspected by a marque specialist — someone with direct experience on late-1950s Chrysler products, not a general classic car mechanic. The unibody construction, Hemi specifics, and era-correct trim details require a trained eye. One pre-purchase inspection fee is a fraction of the cost of buying a problem you didn't see coming.