For the 1955 model year, the Imperial was launched and registered as a separate marquee, apart from the Chrysler brand. It was a product of the new Imperial Division of Chrysler Corporation, meaning that the Imperial would be a make and division unto itself, and not bear the Chrysler name. Chrysler introduced Forward Look Styling by Virgil Exner, who would define Imperial's look (and the look of cars from the other four Chrysler divisions) from 1955 to 1963.The 1956 models were similar to the '55's, but had small tailfins, a larger engine displacement of 354 cu in with 280 brake horsepower, and a four-door Southampton hardtop sedan was added to the range. With a wheelbase of 133.0 inches, longer than the previous year's by 3.0 inches, they would have the longest wheelbase ever for an Imperial. This also contributed to an increase in their overall length to 229.6 inches, making them the longest non-limousine post WWII American cars until the advent of the Imperials of the "Fuselage Look" era.The car you see here is a highly optioned '56 Imperial four door that comes finished in its original colors and still retains its original interior! This is a true, 74,000 original mile car that has known history in the Imperial Club. The original owners of the car were in Oklahoma and owned the car until 1997 when it showed only 66,000 original miles. Between 1997 and now, the car had only had 3 additional owners. The car is almost all-original; it was repainted but has never been disassembled. If you look closely at the nose of the car, you'll notice the extra hood ornament. This is the same as that found on the 1956 New Yorker; the original owner had this installed by the dealer. The paint on the car is finished in its factory colors of Surf Green with a Mint Green roof. Like we said, the car has never been disassembled and retains all of its original gaps and body lines. All of the doors shut in the classic fifties style with little effort. The front and rear bumpers are both original for the car and in great condition with no pitting or damage. The same goes for the trim surrounding the car and incredible tail lights, Inside, the interior is all original and was actually covered up until the second owner purchased the car in 1997. You can see the beautiful original condition of the "Imperial eagle" upholstery which shows virtually no wear. The front seat is power and all functions work as they should. All power windows go up and down with no issues and the A/C blows cold. The previous owner went though the entire system to be sure it kept up with the Florida heat. Under the hood, the original Chrysler 354 Cu In Hemi V8 runs great and starts up with no issues. The car comes with power steering and power brakes which operate with no issues. The engine compartment is very clean with no damage. In the nicely upholstered trunk, you will find a full size spare and jack. The underside of the car is very solid and has been undercoated in the past. On the road, the car is amazing to drive. I wouldn't hesitate to drive this car across the country. It's extremely comfortable and very smooth on the road. The car has ton's of power and goes down the road straight with no fading to either side. With it's newer radial tires, the car is very drivable. Currently the mileage shows 74,122 and is said to be original. VIN number is C564918.