1973 IMPERIAL LEBARON
19,000 Mile, 50 Years One Family-Owned California Car
Please Click Here For Over 300 Additional Photos!
This 1973 Imperial Lebaron was purchased by the current owners father on June 3, 1974 from Mancini Chrysler Plymouth in Sunnyvale CA. At the time of purchase the Imperial had 12,050 miles. In their 50 plus years of ownership it’s obvious the car wasn’t driven much, mainly for special occasions and a few family trips to Reno/Tahoe before the families Town & Country station wagon was acquired. The owner loved cars and over the years acquired quite a few that were special to him and treated them as such, keeping the miles low. The daughters reminisced about a couple of trips to Reno where they would catch a nap while dad would play a few hands. I can’t imagine a more comfortable car to take a road trip in.
The overall condition of the car is excellent. Please see the 200+ photos in the linked gallery supporting the following information. It has been garaged and covered its entire life in an environment that was temperate and dry and its condition reflects such. The vinyl top is in excellent condition and is not pulling away or bubbling in any location. All glass is factory original showing no scratches. Chrome and trim are near showroom condition with no pitting and only very light scratches on trim pieces but not the chrome. The paint shows light wear, more from typical garage storage than road use. No rust is apparent on the body, even the fender skirts, when removed, reveal no signs of rust. All lighting (including headlight doors) and signals work as designed. The only non-factory item are the “curb-feelers” front and rear.
The Interior of the car looks as if it was restored but is all original. No cracks or scratches in any trim pieces. No stains, tears or pulls in any seat material or carpet. No fading panels, scratched gauges, broken down seat foam. Even the original rubber floor mats are in outstanding condition. Even the trunk is almost perfect. It is amazing! The only thing that is not operational is the AC system. These cars are well known for their “black box” type system and there are aftermarket suppliers providing a solutions. Otherwise, everything else works and will be reviewed in and operational video.
Underneath, the chassis reveals factory undercoating and only surface rust on unprotected surfaces. Tires absolutely need to be replaced as they are the tires that were negotiated on the bill of sale (radials) in 1974. They were kept on the car for originality. The original two-stripe GoodYear is in the spare location.
Driving the Imperial is a treat. It is a nearly 20’ boat that floats down the road. The car pulls strong, steers and stops straight and strong. Extensive maintenance was performed in preparation for the sale and is outlined in the maintenance section.
VIN & DATA TAG DECODE
VIN#– YM43T3C180650
Data Tag:
Sequence Number- 180650 128067- Order Number
T3C- 1973; Jefferson Ave MI, USA YM43- Imperial, 4Door Hardtop
D43- TorqueFlite Automatic Trans E85- 440ci 4Barrel
B17- Build Date 11/17/1972 JF8- Main Paint Forest Green Metalic
PDF6- Interior Trim Green JF8- Upper Paint Forest Green Metalic
L35- Cornering Lamps L31- Hood/Fender Mount Turn Signals
R48- Power Antena H53- Single Air/Temperature/AC
V1L- Full Vinyl Top- Parchment S61- Tilt/Telescope Steering Wheel
P41- Power Door Locks P33- Power Vent Window
M45- Fender Skirts G11- Tinted Glass All
V5L- Vinyl Side Molding- Parchment R32- Dual Rear Speakers
RECENT SERVICE
The following service has been carried out in preparation for sale.
- Oil, coolant, transmission fluid flushed/filled & filters replaced
- Coolant thermostat replaced
- Spark plugs & distributor cap replaced
- Repair damaged vacuum lines
- Drop gas tank, drain, blow out fuel lines, replace fuel filter
- Replace fuel pump
- Clean carb & changed air filter
- Flush brake fluid, replace front pads, replace rear brake hose
- Rebuilt brake booster and master cylinder
- Replace power steering box and pump
1973 IMPERIAL LEBARON GENERAL REVIEW
The 1973 Imperial LeBaron stood as an impressive example of American automotive luxury in the early 1970s. As part of the Chrysler Corporation’s Imperial brand, the LeBaron represented the pinnacle of craftsmanship, design, and technology in the full-size sedan segment. With its refined styling, powerful engine, and premium features, the 1973 LeBaron was one of the most prestigious vehicles on the market at the time.
DESIGN & STYLING
The 1973 Imperial LeBaron 4-Door retained the bold, imposing presence of the Imperial brand, with a design that reflected the larger-than-life aesthetic of the era with an overall silhouette characterized by sharp, angular lines and an expansive, formal roofline. The full-length rear quarter panels and deep character lines on the sides contribute to the car’s sense of strength and sophistication.
At the front, the LeBaron features an enormous, chrome-plated grille flanked by round, twin headlamps, a hallmark of the Imperial brand. The grille was meticulously detailed, conveying both authority and elegance. The body was further accented by chrome moldings, including sweeping fender lines and window trim, which added a sense of luxury and refinement. The rear of the car featured a unique wraparound tail treatment, including large vertical tail lamps that extended down the sides of the car. These elements collectively gave the LeBaron its signature appearance, setting it apart from other luxury sedans of the time.
INTERIOR & COMFORT
Step inside the 1973 Imperial LeBaron, and you’re greeted with an interior that emphasizes opulence and comfort. The cabin is a showcase of high-quality materials, including soft leather upholstery, rich wood trim, and plush carpeting. Available in a variety of colors, the interior appointments were designed to appeal to customers seeking the finest in automotive luxury. The LeBaron’s cabin was spacious, offering generous legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats, making it an ideal vehicle for long trips.
The front seats were plush, offering both comfort and support, while the rear seats were especially luxurious, with a split-folding design that allowed passengers to recline for maximum relaxation. Both front and rear passengers could enjoy individual climate control, courtesy of the air-conditioning system, which could be adjusted for optimal comfort.
The dashboard featured large, clear gauges, including a speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and other vital indicators, all framed by a rich wood trim. The center console housed the car’s advanced sound system, which included an 8-track player—a cutting-edge technology at the time. Power windows and power-adjustable seats were standard, offering convenience for both driver and passengers.
TECHNOLOGY & CONVENIENCE
The Imperial LeBaron was loaded with advanced technology for its time. In addition to its climate control system and premium sound system, the LeBaron also offered power windows, power door locks, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. The car’s premium audio system, which included the option of an 8-track player, allowed for high-quality sound reproduction, something that would have been a significant selling point in the early 1970s.
While the LeBaron wasn’t equipped with many of the advanced features we take for granted today, it was one of the most technologically sophisticated vehicles of its era. The car’s interior features were tailored to provide maximum convenience and comfort, making it an ideal choice for those who wanted a vehicle that felt more like a luxurious personal retreat than just a means of transportation.
PERFORMANCE & ENGINE
Under the hood, the 1973 Imperial LeBaron was powered by Chrysler’s 440 cubic-inch (7.2-liter) V8 engine. The 440 V8 produced 315 horsepower, providing ample power to move the large sedan with authority. This engine was mated to a Chrysler TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission, which offered smooth and effortless shifting.
The car’s performance was more about refinement than raw power. The 440 V8 engine provided more than enough torque for the LeBaron to glide smoothly on highways and navigate long stretches of open road. Despite its size, the LeBaron’s suspension system was engineered for comfort, offering a smooth and cushioned ride. The car was designed for cruising rather than spirited cornering, and its handling was more focused on stability and comfort.
While the LeBaron could reach speeds of up to 120 mph, its primary goal was to offer a comfortable, quiet ride. The suspension, featuring coil springs, torsion bars and shock absorbers, worked to smooth out road imperfections, and the power steering made the car relatively easy to maneuver, especially for a vehicle of its size.
SAFETY
The 1973 model year introduced several safety features, including energy-absorbing bumpers to meet federal crash standards. These bumpers were designed to absorb low-speed impacts and reduce damage to the vehicle. In addition, the LeBaron featured a padded dashboard, along with safety features like power brakes and an energy-absorbing steering column.
Inside the cabin, safety was also a priority. The car came equipped with seat belts for all passengers, and the padded interior surfaces helped reduce injury in the event of a collision. However, compared to modern vehicles, the LeBaron’s safety features were relatively basic.
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
The driving experience of the 1973 Imperial LeBaron is best described as serene and effortless. With its powerful V8 engine and smooth transmission, the LeBaron had plenty of power for highway cruising. The suspension system, designed to provide a soft, plush ride, absorbed road imperfections with ease, ensuring that passengers were comfortable even on rougher surfaces.
Although the LeBaron was a large vehicle, it felt surprisingly composed on the road. Its power steering made low-speed maneuvers, such as parking, relatively easy for a car of its size. The braking system, though not particularly advanced by modern standards, was more than sufficient for the LeBaron’s weight and power, with smooth and reliable stopping power.
While the LeBaron was not intended to offer sporty handling, it excelled as a luxury cruiser. Its focus was on providing a quiet, smooth, and comfortable ride, with an emphasis on refinement rather than agility.
FUEL ECONOMY
Given the size and weight of the 1973 Imperial LeBaron, fuel economy was not a strong suit. The large 440-cubic inch V8 engine consumed fuel at a rate of approximately 10-12 miles per gallon in the city and 14-16 mpg on the highway. This was typical for full-size luxury sedans of the era, but it was considerably less efficient than smaller or more fuel-conscious vehicles. For owners who prioritized luxury and performance, however, fuel consumption was a secondary concern.
PRICE & MARKET POSITION
The Imperial LeBaron 4-Door was a high-priced luxury vehicle, with a base price that placed it in competition with other premium sedans such as the Lincoln Continental and Cadillac Fleetwood. Its price tag reflected the high level of luxury and craftsmanship, and for many buyers, the LeBaron was a symbol of success and refinement.
The LeBaron was aimed at customers who appreciated traditional American luxury, and it was positioned as a status symbol for those who could afford its premium price. As a flagship model, the LeBaron offered more features, higher quality materials, and superior performance than Chrysler’s other offerings, making it the go-to choice for those seeking the ultimate in comfort and style.
The 1973 Imperial LeBaron 4-Door is a quintessential example of American luxury in the 1970s. It combined elegant, imposing design with a lavish interior and a smooth, powerful performance. While its fuel economy may not have been impressive, the LeBaron made up for it with its luxurious features, powerful V8 engine, and exceptional comfort. The car’s smooth driving experience, refined aesthetics, and advanced technology helped cement its status as one of the most prestigious vehicles of its era.
For collectors and classic car enthusiasts, the 1973 Imperial LeBaron represents a bygone era of automotive excellence. It remains a highly sought-after vehicle for those who appreciate large, luxurious cars from the 1970s.