Hard to believe these cars are 50 years old... Beautiful examples.

Even with owning two black 73 Imperials, I can't get enough of watching Imperials on screen.

I used to own a 73 Imperial, triple black. I LOVED that car and should never have sold it. I even loved the look of the bumper guards. Oddly I've never had folks want to race me as much in any other car!

American cars have a style that was unmatched. Absolute art.

I am mostly a GM guy but I love my Mopars too! The Imperial for me!

When Syd bought this car he kept it under cover. My son wanted to see if I could identify the brand and model. After running my hands over the car I identified it as an Imperial even though I wasn't sure of the year. Syd, Roger, my son, granddaughter and I piled into the Imperial and went downtown Pasedena for burgers. What fun.

I prefer the view over the hood from the interior and the dashboard on the Imperial. There’s something solid and well engineered about Chrysler products too. The Lincoln has a much better ride, and isolation from the road which is very desirable for prestige/luxury cars. I’d be happy with either.

Loved that era ❤️ Chrysler products. That wonderful gear reduction starter sound. Wonderful 383/440 engines........ great transmissions!! The Lincoln of that era was quiet and very pillow like. My grandfather loved them and the big Mercury. He had a Black 60s Mercury the grandkids called The Tank!! Any snow was no competition for The Tank! The Chryslers always impressed me most!!

Adam, I just want to thank you for making these videos. I look forward to listening to them every day when I walk my dog, and I will watch them numerous times. I’ve been a Euro-leaning car enthusiast for years, but have always had an appreciation for American cars and especially the off-the-beaten path and forgotten cars like you feature. Your car history and best/worst engine videos are my favorites. Keep em coming! You do a great job and have immense knowledge to share.

Imperial all day long! Gorgeous car, love the front end 😍

Very beautiful 72 Imperial LeBaron and 72 Lincoln Continental Adam.

Those are both awesome, amazing cars, and I love the black exteriors. In the early 80s I went to see a `65 Imperial, but didn't buy it. But the interior was unbelievably quiet. Also it had that speedometer like what your Lincoln has, which I had never seen before, and thought was so cool. My parents owned a `67 Imperial, from 1967 to `76. It was the Sedan model, not Crown or LeBaron. It was dark brown, and had cloth seats and an AM-only radio. But the wood inside, in those days, was real wood. I have a `67 Imperial color brochure, which says the wood was 100-year-old Claro Walnut, IIRC. My parents absolutely loved that car.

I love these cars. They make such a stylistic statement with their elongate, sharply creased forms.

Even though the Continental drive was short, there was enough to compare the interior noise between the two. Very noticeably quieter in the Continental, as expected.

That Lincoln is just sinister. I couldn't own it because I wouldn't be able to resist driving it on a regular basis.

I have been in both cars, soft ride = Lincoln Power and looks inside and out = Imperial The drive through your neighborhood is a nice change-up. Thanks for posting...

Thank you for the bit of nostalgia. I really enjoyed driving around in these cars back in the day. It makes me long for my old 70 Fury 3 New Jersey state police interceptor.

On of the most beautiful cars ever!

Adam you just have the best toy box ever! Your expertise is becoming evermore influential in these forgotten cars. In part, thanks to your efforts, these cars and their designers are finally starting to receive some of the recognition they deserve. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

2 extremely nice examples of very nice automobiles.

Should have shown the Imperial at night - the floodlit dashboard was incredible, and one of its coolest features. I owned a 1973 New Yorker Brougham and the effect at night was wonderful.

Both lovely cars, I've had a 73 imperial, 78 Mark V and Town Coupe, and 70 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham, and if buying another one would take the Lincoln as I prefer the quietness and softer ride more than the Imperial. Of course it depended upon one's brand loyalty and choice between a cushy ride (Cadillac and Lincoln) or handling (Imperial). Imperial was also for those who wanted to be different I recall an Automotive Mileposts review on the Imperial stating that Cadillac and Lincoln owners always looked at the Imperial driving by. Be that as it may, a delightful experience awaits the buyer of any of the 3. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all from Christchurch NZ

Wow, those cars are like No Other cruising down the road and now they are 50 years old!

The sound of riding in these cars takes me back to another time.

Love the fact that you can keep them out of the salt. Most of us aren't so lucky. Keep them just like that. Love seeing this. As I mentioned before, I share these with those who are too young to even remember. Happy holidays to all!

As a kid in the 60s, I loved the fender tip turn signal indicators, especially those on the 64-66 Thunderbirds and the ones on Caddys. I remember getting a brief ride in a Continental of that era and it was so solid and quiet!

I love Continental, Imperials, and your KZfaq channel. Thank you,

Even though the Lincoln drive was short I too can tell how quiet it's interior is compared to the Imperial but I'm not surprised - Lincoln's are known for being quiet & luxurious. Also by taking us along with you I love looking down the Lincoln's long hood with the famous Lincoln hood ornament. I miss cars with hood ornaments! Look forward to more of these two cars this Spring.

Happy holidays classic car fans. Hope you all and Adam have a great Christmas.

Imperial every time! It just has such presence.

The sounds and look of the Imperial remind me a bit of my grandparents' 73 Plymouth Fury, green on green. Loved that car!

When these were new I loved the handsome Lincoln and found the Imperial styling to be curious at best, with a front end looking somewhat like a typical back end, perhaps due to the shape of the hood's leading edge, which is quite trunk-like. But I now have a fuller appreciation for the Imperial, and it would probably be the one to have. Plus, it avoided the troublesome window lifts and slow steering of the Lincoln, and even offered optional rear air conditioning to go with those fabulous pillows.

Salt and brine will be tracked into your subdivision streets by cars coming in from the main roads, so I would take that into consideration. That Imperial interior is almost breathtaking! I thought that column looked different as viewed from the passenger side @1:25! It also allowed for an in-dash gear indicator. The Continental quarter window is almost Cougaresque.

I look forward to the full review. One thing I did notice: that Lincoln is MUCH quieter than the Imperial, which surprised me.

Great cars. I LOVE the seat fabric in the Lincoln. The gold interior is also wonderfully out of style yet attractive. Thanks for sharing these with us. I like car shows but you never really get more than a passing glance. I also wanted to sit in the cars and go for a ride (or even drive them). These videos are the next best thing.

Wow. Two awesome cars. Love them. Don’t see them very often

Wing/vent windows are one of the best features ever put on cars imo. So easy and so functional.

That Imperial interior is gorgeous!

Am I a bad person for not being able to choose one over the other. Each are special.

There is no current luxury cars made today that can match the beauty and style and luxury of your Imperial and your Lincoln. Gorgous cars!!

Adam, This would be an excellent opportunity to dispel the growing legend that you actually own that entire Michigan subdivision of brick bungalows and store your fleet in the garages tucked behind them 😉😉😉😉

Happy Holidays Adam.

The Imperial with the 440 must have a single exhaust with both a muffler and resonator, it’s a hushed motor sound from inside the cabin.

Adam, decisions and decisions, both models are very nice. If I was an older gentleman with means back in the day, I would have purchased new a 1968 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham, an early 70's Imperial 4 door, 1976 Cadillac Fleetwood, and then a 77-79 Lincoln Town Car, and or a Mark V. Loved the grill on those. I like the 4 doors better than the coupes. I would want the towing package on all cars so I could tow my Airstream trailer of the day. I like your 72, better if it was a 4 door, the steering wheel is not as handsome as the Imperial. But your 72 has a beautiful interior. I am surprised how much we have in common with tastes in cars. Years ago, I would only want Cadillac, my tastes are changing I guess after owning 6 in my life and my father had 3. I would not drive those lovely cars in the salt either. Thank You for sharing your collection and thoughts.

I grew up in a '72 Fleetwood Brougham: first car my Dad ever bought new. Yeah, the Imperial and Lincoln may have had better build and design quality, (even at 7, I could tell it was che-e-eap compared to our '68) but the Caddy had the bold looks down imho.

2 Stunning cars. I sure miss styling in automobiles

Those Imperials looked so gangster. The big Chryslers from then were great cars. We had a 71 Chrysler 300 4 door hardtop when I was a kid. First car I ever drove. My dad maintained it was the best car he ever owned.

That Imperial is incredible!!

That's the kin of car you really HAVE to buy if it comes up for sale. What a pair of beauties.

I always thought the front and rear of those Imperials were just a little odd looking but thanks to you showcasing them, I’m coming around to them. But, those two door Lincoln’s, they’re the entire package!

Always a pleasure to watch. There is so much to love about these cars. Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you and yours.

The Continental is awesome, especially being a black coupe, but the Imperial just has such a visual presence, what a gorgeous car.

We had a 72 Continental that my dad bought when I first turned 16 in 73. Just a silent cruiser and terrific highway car. The next year he traded for a 73 New Yorker which had many engineering similarities to the Imperial. Liked both cars, but would rate the Continental better hands-down. Love both of your low-mileage beauties!

Man you find the best examples

Thank you for posting this video. Both are beautiful cars, BUT the Chrysler is definitely the winner! Chrysler Motor Corporation cars of the 1969-72 era were the most beautiful cars on the road at the time. Truthfully, many squared off car body styles of the 1980s look far more outdated than that Imperial with it’s clean and flowing lines. I had the distinct pleasure of owning a 1969 Chrysler New Yorker and not only was it beautifully styled, but the ride was so smooth that it really felt like the car was floating on air.

This would be a tough choice for sure. Both are beautiful cars, the Imperial might win out because of its better handling.

Such handsome cars, especially the 1972 Imperial, the styling stunning... so stately and elegant if I can call it that way (at least that's how I would say it in my language) ☺

Absolute best KZfaq automotive channel. Merry Christmas!

2 beautiful rides, you lucky boy! The Lincoln is a little classier in its design and attention to detail, but The Imperial is truly over the top in its excess and attitude! I probably couldn’t choose between them if my life depended on it, and good thing you don’t have to! Thanks for sharing.

Ok very nice comparison video. My wonderful Dad had a deep love for big American cars, all through the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. The first I remember from when I was 9, when he brought me to pick up his new beloved 64 Imperial Crown Coupe, that was amazingly quiet. Then there was a 68 Chrysler Town&Country when there was another sibling making a 9 passenger important. But Dad didn’t like the huge Imperial and bought new Lincoln’s every couple years. A beautiful 71 Coupe, that tan the best with a premium gas 460/4brl dual exhaust, that I was clocked on radar doing 129 mph! On Rt 295 in of course Lincoln, R. I. ! Next was a 73 Coupe that was a dog. But in 75 he bought a beautiful Town Coupe’ that came with a fancy Landau Roof, with gold Lincoln Cross/Crests in the rear quarter windows. Finally a 78 Town Car in all baby blue. The Lincoln’s rode fantastic and super comfy. A friend of mine later on bought a 71 Imperial Coupe in all white. He used for SCUBA diving and was very good comfortable at. The trunk was so big we could fit two tanks and complete suits with 28 lb Weight belts. Along with a 12’ inflatable Zodia Raft including a 35 hp outboard engine, a Chrysler Marine of course. Along with the 5 gal gas tank, anchor and ropes, plus a 20 gallon cooler! With plenty of room for the two of us and all the rest of our gear. All he needed after the first time was add a leaf in the rear to help with the extra 500lbs, to keep the car level when fully loaded, along with the huge KONI shocks he found. The car was built with the factory towing package, so the gearing was lower than usual at 3:09, instead of 2:73 or so, plus had posi trac. That helped make that huge rear wheel drive car almost unstoppable in snow and boat ramps. The car was a life saver during the Blizzard of 78! When we put tire chains on over the huge Firestone Town&Country snow tires he added all around for his skiing trips up north! Like a tank in the snow. We also removed the original intake manifold and carb, to replace with a high rise and 4 brl Holley Carb, plus tubular exhaust headers, into 2 3/4” pipes all the way back, with nice quiet turbo flow mufflers and resonator tail pipes, that really woke that big old 440 up! Also raised the mileage all around when you tried, but step on it? OMG!

As a vintage MOPAR die-hard and admitted auto ‘hipster’, I would have to take the Imperial LeBaron. Far rarer (even when new) than the Lincoln; more imposing, futuristic fuselage styling; that winning 440 + 727 combo, and the undeniable steering/handling advantage offered via the torsion bar/leaf spring setup. While it may be argued that the interior trim & appointments were slightly more premium in the Lincoln, there’s a ‘substance’ and connectedness you get from the Imperial’s driving experience that’s lacking in Lincoln, apart from sheer acceleration. Both gorgeous vehicles in the end, and I’d take either over a Cadillac of the era! 😁 Thanks as always for the wonderful content, Adam. Happy holidays to you and yours!

Absolutely gorgeous vehicles. Also, appreciate your use of the term 'buggered up'. This tickles my pickle.

Interesting fact: The Chrysler 440/426 has the exact same bore spacing as the Porsche M28 V8 engine used in the 928. Arias, a company in California, has used Porsche 4-valve heads to produce a 502 Chevrolet DOHC 32 valve V8, since the Chevy big block is just slightly smaller but within tolerances. I don't know if they have produced a Chrysler version, but it could easily be done. Basically, the stock cam is left in place but not used. A belt cog is installed at the front of the cam drive gear that drives a Gilmer belt, which in turn drives the four overhead camshafts via a timing belt from some Renault car. On the Chevy, the result with catalytic converters is an engine that passes California emissions and makes 550 hp all day long with a perfectly smooth idle... This is all possible because the Porsche M28 is a big block V8.

The peak of luxury for FoMoCo and Mopar, what gems!!

Both these cars remind me of Adam's Caprice but I think the Caprice is prettier. In fact, of all the cars on here, I love that black Caprice the most. I had never seen a '70 Caprice before but now it's a dream car for me. I thank Adam for introducing me to that beauty and for showing us all the other loves of his life.

Thanks Adam

Merry Christmas Adam. Looking forward to this comparison and also one between your 70 Eldorado versus the Mark III. Regarding the Imperial which I love (see my avatar of my factory ABS 71) the noise levels compared to the Lincoln are quite obvious. The Continental is much quieter. Even so if I had to choose between my 70 Continental sedan and 71 Imperial LeBaron 4 door hardtop I would be very hard pressed to do so. They are both fantastic.

Hands down, the Lincoln. Much better interior and exterior design.

I like the front view out with those bladed fender tops.

We had a Cordoba with the fender tip turn signals. When you stepped on the gas, the left signal light would come on. It took us the longest time to figure out that the left signal light was wired to a vacuum switch. Of the two I am partial to the Lincoln. My mother had a gold 71 Town Car.

Syd's Imperial is amazing!

Love the Lincoln, but love the imperial more. Owned a 72 imperial myself.

I love both cars!!! Happy Holidays!!! 🎄⛄🤶

Such beautiful cars….I love them both. I’m actually looking at a ‘72 Imperial HT Lebaron sedan. It doesn’t have the same tufted interior and Im not sure why but it is a LeBaron. I’m a little skiddish about buying it, not because it isn’t gorgeous but because I haven’t owned such an old car in decades. In addition to the age, Im also concerned about lack of parts and service on it due to its age and rarity. But gosh, I have always loved the ‘72 and 73 Imperial. I have a feeling you will prefer the Continental in your comparison. If Lincoln did anything right…it was building a soft and quiet luxury car. Happy holidays!🎄👍

Merry Christmas Adam, and thanks for a great year "behind the wheel" of many a beautiful classic car. Cheers! 🍻

I will admit when I first came across your videos a year ago I thought you were a lightweight looking to make content. I can see that I was wrong. I wish I lived next door or down the street from you. Keep up the good work. Love me some full size American automobiles.

I have to admit, I have never seen "power" vent windows. Really cool. I miss vent windows.

Beautiful luxurious cars

THANK'S ADAM ,, THE 1972 LINCOLN.. THE SPEED O. IS CALLED A ROLLING DRUM,, WE LIKE THAT WE WERE INTERESTED WHAT THEY CALLED THAT ,, THANK'S SO MUCH!!!

George’s car’s Adam. I do agree that they look better in the darker colors! My uncle had the rolling speedometer on his 77 Lincoln Town Car. Happy Holidays to you Adam and looking forward to more videos from you next year.

This is awesome! Thank you Adam!

The Imperial is a gorgeous car!

I am much more familiar with the Lincoln products but the Imperial seems to be good competition. I've never driven a car with torsion bars except a VW bug so it would be interesting to experience the drive in the Imp.

So on black cars I don’t automatically think gold interior, but a friend of mine has a really nice ‘57 Hemi 300, and the only interior available was a gold almost exact color match to the one in this video, and it really works. It is so beautiful on both cars 😍

What I love about Chrysler back in the day they gave you a full cluster of gages GM and Ford only Speedo and fuel and dummy lights. Even though some cars from Ford and GM had them too but late 70s to 80s dummy lights told me if my.oil level was low or my battery or alternator was bad.

This Imperial and Continental are two really great American cars. I would love to own, or just drive, either one. My impression is the Continental might be the smoother/quieter of the two.

Both cars are gorgeous. I'd rather live with one of those over a current SUV.

Cool.

Definetly the Imperial. My favorite of all time.

My dad's 67 valiant signet had the fender mounted turn signal indicators and the arrows on the dashboard which did not illuminate I guess it was a way to save 2 bulbs

Beautiful Merry Christmas!

Fabulous.

The workforce in those times took alot of pride in there craft..

Love the Imperial ‘cause it’s so strange.

Never liked Chrysler products much, but the older Imperials were always a class car, and the 300 series caught my eye as well.

Syd Mead also designed the light cycles on the "Tron" movie (1982).

I like the Imperial better. Except for the seats. I would rather have cloth interior. But I would still drive it. I'd probably just cover the seats. I do like the gauges in the Lincoln though. The little squares arranged like that is nice

I like the Lincoln better, but there weren't as many Imperials on the road back when. Making the Mopar pretty desirable.

My instinct was I like the Imperial, but I'd rather own the Lincoln. I wish we had more time riding in the Lincoln so I'd be more confident in that opinion. I know you'll do more later; I shall wait for that!

When better cars are built... It's cars made fifty years ago! We gave up so much in the years since these fine autos were new.