The three bigger Airflow series all bore the Imperial identify. Wheelbases measured 128,137.5, and 146.5 inches, respectively, for the Imperial Collection CV and the Custom Imperial CX and CW. The first two used a 323.5-cid, 130-horsepower engine, whereas the CW, the largest automobile Chrysler had ever built, employed a 384.8-cubic-inch straight eight rated at one hundred fifty bhp. Imperial prices began at $1,625 and ranged all the approach to $5,145 for the Collection CW limousines-the latter a figure $350 greater than a Cadillac V-12 in the identical body type.
Motor Development’s Rick Titus did take Ford to task over brakes, a minimum of for racing functions. “Ford’s designers selected to enlarge the entrance vented discs, however continued to make use of leftover Pinto drums on the rear…. It appears [rear disc brakes] died with the SVO. That is appalling, contemplating the Ford flies the tall flag of performance over the Mustang, yet doles its finest brakes out to whiney little 4-bangers and their luxo traces.”
In those days, drivers of Chrysler hemis and Oldsmobile 88 Rockets reigned as kings of the American street, anti-aging at the very least in standing begin acceleration and in speed (over a straight street). Chinetti argued forcibly that while an MG owner may brag about dealing with, a straightforward-shifting four-speed guide transmission, and good brakes, someone who had simply paid the far facet of $12,000 for his sleek Italian steed couldn’t use that form of rationalization after an American “barge” had just left him standing at a stop gentle.
With options like stiffer springs and shocks, sintered metallic brake linings, 4-speed guide gearbox, and extremely-fast power steering, the SS Impalas were the best-performing massive Chevys in history. However they could not final eternally. Authorities regulations and the advent of midsize muscle cars combined to do in sporty large automobiles of all kinds. Yet Impala SS remained thrilling proper to the tip. Even the ultimate 1967-69 models may very well be ordered with “Mark IV” 427 large-blocks packing 385-425 bhp.