Vehicle Description
Not long after Walter P. Chrysler took over the ailing Maxwell
Motor Company and renamed the firm Chrysler Corporation in 1924 did
the company make way for a new flagship model. Chrysler rapidly
grew, thanks to a reputation of performance and outstanding
quality. Imperial was an appropriately lofty name, given Chrysler's
aspirations in the market. At first, it was applied to
range-topping standard cars; however, by 1931, the Imperial
nameplate had evolved into a unique automobile set well-above the
rest of the Chrysler line. Imperial was positioned to take on the
likes of Packard, Cord, and Cadillac for top honors in the highly
competitive luxury car market. Several models were offered, but it
was the CG Imperial that was the real flagship of the fleet.
Chrysler's spectacular new motorcar sat atop a massive 145-inch
wheelbase chassis, while the body styling featured a distinctly
low-slung and rakish appearance. Walter Chrysler and K.T. Keller
used the radical Cord L-29 as a benchmark for style, going so far
as to hire L-29 designer Alan Leamy away from Cord to style the
Imperial. The "lowness" factor was so crucial to Walter that
engineers proposed a front-drive and even a rear engine design!
These ideas never left the sketch stage, but they revealed the
level of commitment Chrysler had to achieve their desired look. And
what a look it was, the CG Imperial's gracefully swept fenders and
low-mounted, deep-Vee radiator grille and raked windscreen gave the
impression of effortless speed even when parked. The statement made
by the styling was backed up via a mighty 384.8 cubic-inch straight
eight producing 130 horsepower. The powerful eight-cylinder engine
coupled with advanced suspension geometry and four-wheel hydraulic
brakes afforded the Imperial outstanding handling ability and near
100 mph performance. Despite its exquisite style and proven
ability, the CG Imperial remained a very limited car that hardly
made a dent in Packard or Cadillac sales. Only 339 examples were
built over three years. Today's collectors consider the CG Imperial
to be one of the most beautiful cars of the Classic Era, and
certainly one of the prettiest Chryslers ever produced. They are
also favorite among enthusiasts who prefer to drive their vehicles
as intended, thanks to the robust straight-line performance and
rewarding road manners. Much like its competitors, Chrysler offered
the Imperial as a bare chassis or equipped with a variety of
high-quality, "Custom Line" bodies. Most buyers selected from the
range of highly attractive catalog bodies, many of them courtesy of
the masters at LeBaron Carrossiers, Inc. LeBaron was founded in
1920 by Thomas Hibbard and Ray Dietrich, who were both employed by
Brewster at the time. Chrysler favored LeBaron for many years, and
LeBaron bodied Imperials are counted among the most desirable and
visually stunning motorcars of the Classic Era. This 1931 Imperial
LeBaron Custom Line convertible coupe is one of just ten of its
kind built; exquisitely restored to concours condition. With a
massive 145-inch wheelbase chassis, the gorgeous LeBaron styling
brilliantly captures the essence of Chrysler's vision for the long,
low, and sleek Imperial. This example has been under
single-ownership since 1967and is being offered for the first time
in over 50 years. Part of an extensive collection of classic era
automobiles, the Chrysler benefits from a nut-and-bolt, concours
quality restoration completed in 2008. It presents in gorgeous
maroon with subtle red coach lines, with chrome wire wheels and
wide whitewalls enhancing the sporting essence of the body. The
bold, deep-vee radiator with horizontal chrome slats is topped with
the evocative Gazelle mascot. Other accessories include dual
sidemount spare wheels with chrome mirrors, and a body-color trunk
fitted to a factory trunk rack. The presentation is exquisite, with
outstanding paint and impeccable brightwork and detailing.
Beautiful light tan leather covers the front seat, interior panels,
and rumble seat. It is restored with the same fastidious quality as
the rest of the car, using the finest materials. As a step up from
the roadster, the Convertible Coupe offered better weather
protection via its more substantive top and roll-up side windows.
However, it shared much of the roadster's sporting appeal with the
painted metal dash and simple, clear instrument layout. This crisp
and inviting interior has mellowed only slightly from use, and it
remains in lovely condition. At the heart of the Imperial is
Chrysler's "Silverdome" Eight. Displacing 384.8 cubic inches, the
Chrysler engine exactly matched Packard's engine in size, and
produced 130 horsepower, about ten more than its rival. In this
car, a slightly later CL-series engine is fitted, which essentially
is of the same displacement and output as the CG engine. A
smooth-shifting three-speed manual backs the engine, and while the
overall design is somewhat conventional, it is beautifully
engineered and constructed, imparting the Imperial with the
outstanding road manners for which they are well known. The engine
is finely detailed with its signature bright silver head, topped
with chrome hardware and fasteners, befitting of a
concours-restored car. Gorgeous and highly desirable, this Imperial
is available for the first time in 52 years. Shown at the
prestigious Meadowbrook concours in 2009, it benefits from
meticulous care as part of an important collection. While built in
relatively small numbers, the CG Imperial established Chrysler as a
major player in the market, and its timeless beauty and grace make
it one of the most desirable luxury cars of the Classic Era.
