The Chrysler 300 was discontinued last December, but it earned its retirement.
First launched in 2005, it carried the flame as Chrysler’s flagship for the better part of two decades.
But it nearly took a back seat to something royally luxurious.
The 2006 Chrysler Imperial concept revealed at the Detroit Auto Show drew inspiration from the grand Imperial models that were among the finest cars of their day. It featured the same retro-modern flavor as the 300, but on a larger scale.
FRIDAY FANTASY: THE RETRO CHRYSLER CHRONOS PREDICTED THE FUTURE
Based on the 300’s platform, it had a wheelbase stretched by 17 inches and a far more ornate styling. The sedan’s formal roofline bracketed by V-shaped hood and trunk lid. Its 22-inch wheels may look right at home today, but they were dramatic at the time.
MORE FRIDAY FANTASIES FROM AMERICAN CARS AND RACING
Entry to its two-tone cabin was provided through coach doors and the seating position was seven inches higher than a 300’s, making it feel more like a Rolls-Royce Phantom.
“The Imperial’s exterior artfully blends a stately nobility, hand craftsmanship, and modern dynamic sculpture and proportion,” exterior designer Mike Nicholas said at its release.
The rear-wheel-drive car was powered by the same 340 hp 5.7-liter V8 found in the 300C, but never made it into production. Neither did a 300 Executive Series with a six-inch stretch that it unveiled as a concept at the New York Auto Show later in the year, but a standard wheelbase version with the name and some upscale features did go on sale in 2008 as the company was spiraling toward bankruptcy.
Chrysler has finally put its past behind it and this year previewed its future direction with the electric and autonomous Halcyon Concept, which has something in common with the Imperial: It hasn’t been confirmed for production yet.
