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Chrysler Imperial Convertible.

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Here is one thing Chrysler doesn’t really need: a new Imperial luxury convertible. With the brand‘s future still in flux, why not imagine what a top-of-the-line Imperial Convertible could look like? A car with a very small market, and yet…

This would be a true top-of-the-line for the Chrysler brand. Something that’s really “not for everyone”. The market for a 2-door luxury coupe is pretty small these days. And the one for a convertible version is even smaller.

A big, super luxurious 2-door convertible. Of course, based on Stelantis’ new STLA large platform, just like the new 2025 Dodge Charger. Another large new coupe that is already about the size of a Mercedes Class S.

A new Imperial would not compete with Bentley or Rolls-Royce, unlike the Cadillac Celestiq. No. This would not be cheap but would still be a Chrysler. It would have to be priced under Cadillac and the foreign luxury brands. Chrysler hasn’t had anything new in many years, and people need to be reacquainted with the brand. And what better way to come up with something that will get noticed everywhere it goes? Like the VW ID.Buzz and even the Cybertruck.

The Imperial used to be the top-of-the-line Chrysler from 1926 to 1993. It was even its own brand from 1955 to 1975.

The last Imperial 2-door coupe was the 1981/83 model. It was conceived by “marketing genius and cheesy cars lover” Lee Iacocca. That “new” Imperial coupe adopted that “bustle back” design trend started by the 2nd generation Cadillac Seville, and followed by the Lincoln Continental. The name “Imperial” came back from 1990 to 1993 for a sedan, competing with the FWD Lincoln Continental and Cadillac Sedan DeVille of that era.

A new Imperial convertible based on the STLA platform could be something a bit retro-futuristic.

Of course, we all know these big 2-door luxurious convertibles are gone, and so are people who used to buy them. Even Mercedes gave up on the S-Class convertible a few years ago…

Chrysler’s CEO keeps saying the brand is coming out with a new Crossover/SUV. And a redesigned Minivan. With maybe a sedan later. There is no mention of a convertible for the brand that probably sold more than anyone else…

Conversation 28 comments

  1. Cool looking car, but (as you stated) it’s not what the brand needs. Convertibles and coupes are extremely low volume body styles. Chrysler desperately needs some well executed slightly upscale urban crossovers to return the brand to relevance. I think the brand would do well competing in the “mainstream premium” space that Buick currently occupies. I think the brand has squandered too much of its luxury cred to ever face off against the German big three luxury players (Mercedes, BMW, Audi) or Cadillac.

  3. Rendering is beautiful. Why not take a shot instead of keep losing except for the Rams. If priced right could be a major success. A lot of people love rag tops

  4. Imperial convertibles are always dear to me. I was fortunate to have owned a 1968. It’s still absolutely beautiful to me!

  5. All very much true here. Chrysler changed from all EV vehicles to hybrid this year in a announcement. Actually this Imperial could work. Known for luxury and power and under Chrysler throughout it’s long history. In the early years it was all about Imperial, Lincoln, Cadillac and Chrysler New Yorkers.

  7. You know it’s a shame, but Chrysler and so many other
    auto makers. Don’t have the imagination to make anything other than an SUV today and Chrysler in particular would not be smart enough to come out with a car that is as beautiful as this illustration that you have created.

  8. No more disappointments again, risk taking in the auto industry is part of what keeps us buying them, certainly a looker and ,yes I’d buy one, and turn in my Crossfire.

  9. I think there’s enough demand for all that’s sleek and has beautiful lines for this car to become the new flagship for Chrysler. How many more jellybean shaped crossovers do we need?

  10. Optional rear doors, similar to the Saturn 3-door (but make it 4-door), could still be a convertible too.

  11. Although the concept cards I’ve seen Chrysler display I think would be a phenomenal so please Chrysler release the Chrysler imperial convertible. I believe it would be a big splash.

  12. It would seem without a distinctive Chrysler grill as shown, this is an Electric vehicle. The pushback on electrics at this time is so strong, any risky or “limited” niche platform is not the way to go. If Chrysler wants to get back in the Luxury market with Cadillac (Lincoln already abandoned that) then it’s got to be gas powered

  13. I speak with middle aged people, who would love to buy a full size Chrysler convertible, large enough to take out other coupe, large enough for 4 people to fit with 4 sets of Golf Clubs in trunk, at least 2 sets!

  14. Wow that car is absolutely beautiful, and it would be a nice halo car for Chrysler unfortunately I know they won’t build it cuz everybody is so infatuated with these damn crossovers that have no style whatsoever but it’s nice to imagine

  15. If they want to create something why not create something everyone wants. A small commuter low price easy access truck. I have a Japanese Acty truck, why can’t we build one. Everyone who sees it at the garden shop or lumber yard loves it

  16. One of my favorite cars was my Chrysler New Yorker-Fifth Avenue, a true land yacht. Landau top, opera lights, black with a red interior. The big V8 gave me over 150k miles with no trouble at all. I’m one of those who would love to see a big American luxury convertible hit the road again. The Lincoln continental concert convertible was hot, so the Imperial would give my generation something to swoon over again.

  17. Number one on the list has to be a luxury sedan with impressive style and presence. No copy cat. That’s easily achievable by using the new Charger chassis. Priced reasonably, it would offer competition to Cadillac and the other players. Next would be the coupe and maybe the convertible. Can still be based off the same chassis to save on cost . And 3rd would be a crossover, based off another product from Stellantis, but add unique, distinctive styling and competitive pricing.

  18. I bought my wife a 2006, red Crossfire Roadster with white interior. She still loves that little convertible. True, it had it’s problems but, I’m it’s cheif mechanic and I keep that little gem running like a sewing machine! America needs a sassy convertible but, please Chrysler, make it gas powered, with some respectable HP. Don’t build another underpowered PT Cruiser or Prowler. High performance and technology have come together to achieve acceptable mileage and performance. Besides, no one buys a luxury car and worries about fuel cost. This is a fun car, not a commuter car!

  19. The 1981-83 Imperial coupe was its own marque, not a Chrysler. It was also designed before the Seville was, and did not copy the Seville’s bustle back design, because the Seville at the time had an ordinary trunk design.

  21. I find the body clean, sleek, and futuristic. Trump won’t be in office beyond 2028 and then we’ll have the sense to elect a President with the future in mind and electric will come roaring back.
    Those who don’t believe in Global Warming will one day be embarrassed by their unbelief when the poles are melting at an alarming rate. Heck, that is happening already.

  22. I agree that this rendering is slab sided and boring. I’m not sure this is the time for a Chrysler come back with an electric vehicle. It’s so clear to me: Chrysler should return with beautiful new design 300 four door sedan with the BigHemi (6.1L or 6.4L) engine. This would appeal to all those people who want a CAR, not an EV, SUV, crossover or truck.

  23. All I am suggesting is to make sure that a twin turbo Hemi V8 is in the Ultra-Delux Premium Package and them Dodge boys will come… have an AWD package too and every Demon owner will be possessed with envy!

  24. All I am suggesting is to make sure that a twin turbo Hemi V8 is in the Ultra-Delux Premium Package and them Dodge boys will come… have an AWD package too and every Demon owner will be possessed with envy!

  25. The 300 the Imperial or the Cordoba will never see the light of day wishful thinking is a shame

  26. I own a Chrysler 200s convertible and I absolutely love it. It’s my daily driver. I’m serious about maintenance and I have had no trouble with it at all. The performance is excellent for what it is. I think Chrysler should go for it! More of us ex bikers are enjoying the open road in our convertibles, instead of bikes. Much safer!

  27. Chrysler needs to come out with a replacement for the 300. I think if they came up with a new design it probably would do well. I’ve been driving a Chrysler 300 for 10 years and I like them. But I wouldn’t be opposed to a new design. Hope something comes soon.

  28. Just build the damn coupes and convertibles to order, quit telling us there’s no demand for them, I’m a single man, what the hell do I need with an suv?

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