Re: Postwar LWB Market Production

Posted by jfrom@kanter On 2016/3/28 8:11:07

he 14,000 or so 49-54 long wheelbase Imperals, Chryslers, Desotos and Dodges were manufactured in-house by Chrysler's Briggs body division. Derham made some one-offs for Chrysler and Imperial divisions and of course some on request for individual owners both on standard and long wheelbases.. The 250 approx 55-56 catalog long wheelbase C-70 8 pass sedans and limousines were likewise made in-house by Briggs. There was one very special 55 Imperial Derham limousine made for the Eisenhowers with no C pillar , resulting in hardtop styling for the rear compartment. It also sported a sunroof so Ike could stand up and wave during parades.

In 57-65 and possibly later, factory offered Imperial limousines were constructed by Ghia of Turin Italy. At no time did Derham ever produce more than a handful of Imperial limousines per year, all were retail sales.

We have a LWB 55 Imperial in our restoration shop and it has none of the traditional Derham features, it's just a longer Imperial.