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I have tracked down one of the 1981-83 Imperial limos along with pictures of
it. It is owned by a fellow in Iowa. He and I have been conversing and he
tells me at least five '80s Imperial limos were done. Two were 24" stretches
(his and one for a Chrysler VP at the time), and the other three were 30"
stretches. One of the 30" stretches was purchased by Burt Reynolds
(probably the one used in his movies painted army green). Another was 30"
stretch was purchased by Frank Sinatra, while the last went to Universal
Studios (where I'm told it still resides) in Hollywood. The 24" stretches
were converted by Russ Brown and Associates outside Detroit. The 30"
stretches were done by a company called ASC, also located somewhere outside
Detroit. I saw an 82 Imperial limo (30" stretch) in Salt lake City back in
'89 painted gold that was owned by the Mormon Church, and the driver told me
it was converted by a company in Ohio (possibly Hess and Eisenhardt, who did
the 73 Secret Service limos). As to their fates, I don't know. I remember
seeing 2 for sale in 1989 in Hemmings Motor News. The fellow selling them
was Bill Ziegenbein (outside Detroit), and I think the two might have been
Frank Sinatra's and the Chrysler VP. I have tried to contact Bill to find
out where the two went, but to no avail. One was seen outside Phoenix in
1986 and was owned by a Chrysler/Plymouth dealer out there, but don't know
if it is one of the five I have mentioned, or another. I have spoken to a
conversion company, and they have told me one could be converted today, but
in addition to the Imperial, you would need a 1979-81 Newport or Dodge St
Regis for the center door pillars, an additional set of Imperial doors, and
a roof. I was thinking it would be neat to do, as there are many
(unfortunately!!) of these Imperials in junk yards.
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