The Chrysler Imperial (1981-1983) represents the epitome of American personal luxury coupes, embodying an era when design and opulence took center stage in the automotive world. Produced during Lee Iacocca's remarkable comeback phase for Chrysler, this vehicle is a testament to innovation, featuring early electronic fuel injection and a lavish interior that resonates with the grandeur of the early 1980s. The Imperial's revival of the nameplate, after a hiatus since 1975, is marked by a distinctive FS-platform design that combined elegance and performance.
In Charlotte, we invite owners of this rare classic to consider donating their Chrysler Imperial to Drive to Give. This model, especially in its limited-run Frank Sinatra signature edition, has become a coveted collector's item. With only about 12,285 units produced across three years, the Imperial stands as a unique piece of automotive history. Donating your vehicle not only contributes to preserving this legacy but also supports a worthy cause in our community.
📖Generation guide
Imperial • 1981-1983
The only generation of the FS-platform two-door coupe, featuring the signature Frank Sinatra edition and early EFI technology, marking Chrysler's comeback after the Federal bailout.
Eldorado • 1953-2002
With peak production from 1971-1978, the Eldorado remains an icon of luxury, showcasing stunning designs and powerful engines.
Mark V • 1977-1979
The last of the classic Lincoln Mark series, available in designer trims like Bill-Blass and Givenchy, showcasing opulence and style.
Riviera • 1963-1999
The Riviera's classic styling peaked in 1971-1973, with the boattail design and GS Stage 1 performance models becoming highly sought after.
Biarritz • 1971-1978
A symbol of Cadillac luxury, the Biarritz combined elegance with performance, making it a desirable collector's item.
Known issues by generation
The Chrysler Imperial (1981-1983) is known for its unique challenges, particularly the Bendix EFI system, which has a reputation for unreliability, prompting many owners to convert to carburetors. This makes surviving EFI-equipped models particularly rare and valuable. Additionally, the digital instrument cluster is notorious for failure, making replacements scarce and costly. Owners should also be mindful of potential issues with the TorqueFlite A904 transmission, which can suffer from shift quality and wear, requiring expensive rebuilds. Lastly, common rust points on the body-on-frame construction can affect the rocker panels, trunk floor, and frame rails, especially in areas susceptible to moisture.
Donation value by condition + generation
The value of a Chrysler Imperial (1981-1983) can vary significantly based on condition and authenticity. While base models may range from $5,000 to $12,000, a well-preserved Frank Sinatra signature edition with complete documentation can command $15,000 to $30,000. Exceptional low-mileage, original paint EFI-retained examples may exceed $50,000, highlighting the importance of factory documentation, including build sheets and VIN codes. As these vehicles continue to gain recognition, ensuring proper authentication and maintenance records is essential for maximizing collector value.
Donation process for this model
Donating your Chrysler Imperial (1981-1983) is a straightforward process, but for valuable Sinatra signature editions, we strongly recommend consulting a qualified appraiser to determine the proper value. For vehicles exceeding $5,000, IRS Form 8283 Section B will be necessary to facilitate tax deductions. Clean, original paint examples may require enclosed transport to protect their condition. Essential documentation includes the factory build sheet, dealer invoice, and any specialized reports that authenticate the Sinatra package, ensuring your donation reflects its true worth.
Charlotte regional notes
In Charlotte, the community of classic car enthusiasts is vibrant, providing numerous opportunities for restoring and preserving vehicles like the Chrysler Imperial (1981-1983). Owners can find specialists who understand the unique rust issues of body-on-frame cars and the importance of maintaining the vehicle's original luxury trim. The visibility of Sinatra signature models within the local collector community only adds to their allure, making donations of these vehicles particularly impactful for both preservation and charitable purposes.