Review Flashback! 1982 Imperial

Tom Appel

6 years ago

There are few automobiles to which more “firsts” and “lasts” can be awarded than the 1981-1983 Imperial.

High-End Haunches: The Luxury Bustlebacks of 1982

Often referred to as the “bustleback” Imperial, this distinctively designed luxury coupe can also be credited with a few “only” awards as well. Let’s break these distinctions down:

Frank Sinatra Edition Imperials included a box set of Old Blue Eyes’ music.

The bustleback Imperial was the first…

Chrysler product to feature electronic throttle-body fuel injection
Chrysler product to feature electronic instrumentation
Chrysler product with a digital trip computer
Chrysler product to break the $20,000 barrier

The bustleback Imperial was the last…

Rear-drive Imperial
V8-powered Imperial
Stand-alone Imperial (subsequent Imperials would be Chrysler models)

The bustleback Imperial was the only…

Chrysler to be offered as a “one-price” car (see pricing below)
Chrysler car to be offered with a fuel-injected 318-cubic-inch V8
Car to be offered with a licensed Frank Sinatra trim level

These Imperials didn’t sell well at all, with 1982 sales coming in at just 3466.

Consumer Guide’s reaction to the 1982 Imperial was mixed, as you’ll read below. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to spend time in or around one of these bustleback rarities, please tell us about it. The place for comments is down below.

The 12 Slowest Cars of 1983*