Chrysler introduced the Imperial in 1926. The Imperial was a series of high end luxury cars that for most of their production life represented the top of the Chrysler model lineup. Imperials were available in a wide range of body styles during their lifetime. In 1955, Chrysler decided to make Imperial an independent brand, with no Chrysler badging. The Imperial was sold independently of Chrysler until 1983, when the brand was dissolved. The Imperial name would be used again for a Chrysler model in 1990. Chrysler produced the Imperial in seven generations: 1st Gen (1926-1930), 2nd Gen (1931-1933), 3rd Gen (1934-1936), 4th Gen (1937-1939), 5th Gen (1940-1948), 6th Gen (1949-1954), and 7th Gen (1990-1993).