Green Hornet (2011) – 1965 Chrysler Imperial
Classic Detroit muscle has always been a great fit for superheros. The Green Hornet is no exception. Black Beauty is an awesome name for a car of such caliber, a 1965 Chrysler Imperial. Also known as the top of the Chrysler line. Elwood Engel the same guy that brought us the 1961 Lincoln Continental, designed this generation Imperial. The lines are straight and long as with most cars of the time. As you can see Black Beauty earns it’s name. The car is nearly completely black. You might miss the Green Hornet’s green headlights. But you won’t miss the sound of a Big Block Chevrolet…

What? No Mopar? That’s right folks. Reports show that the movie cars were powered by Chevrolet engines. I’m sure they’ll dub over the engine sounds with the factory 440 and 413 V8 these monsters came with. Most of the On Screen Cars were modified with full roll cages. Some were beefed up to take side impact. Your template movie car on the inside. Guns? Oh yea. Two large guns as well as missile launchers. I think actor Seth Rogen will have plenty of fun with those. I have to say though the weapons array reminds me of Triple X.
So who’s the designer? Sources say Sony Pictures put the screen cars together. I would have thought George Barris (the creator of the car in the original ’60s TV series). But You can hear the display staff at Comic Con video confirm it isn’t. None the less an amazing retro re-creation of a Dean Jeffries* design. Don’t forget to watch the trailer (below). I’ll be putting it on my list to watch. Catch ya next time!
* Correction from http://www.theblackbeauty.com, Dean Jeffries did the original design of Black Beauty on the TV series.















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September 20th, 2010 at 11:52 pm
That is an awesome ride. I dig it ! Great write up!!
September 21st, 2010 at 11:26 am
George Barris had nothing to do with the creation or building of the Black Beauty TV or Movie cars. The TV cars were built by Dean Jeffries.
September 21st, 2010 at 11:48 am
Thanks for the correction. Will make the changes shortly.
October 10th, 2010 at 4:07 am
Originally a 1966 Chrysler Imperial rebuilt by Hollywood customizer Dean Jeffries at a reported cost of $50,000. It was sent to George Barris for finishing touches. A vertical grill was formed with a repeating gun inset concealed into the center. Flap headlights were used to confuse the oncoming villains. A multiple gas nozzle was built into the lower rolled pan and has an electric trap door.
October 31st, 2010 at 8:39 pm
I dig this website!