Vehicle Description
In the matter of just a few short years, Walter P. Chrysler took
the remains of the failed Maxwell Motor Company and transformed it
into one of America's most successful car companies. Incorporated
as the Chrysler Corporation in 1924, they rapidly earned a
reputation for building automobiles of notable performance and
quality at a reasonable price. Walter P. Chrysler's ambitious plans
saw the arrival of the flagship Imperial model as early as 1926. At
first, the name applied to the top of the line standard cars.
However, by 1931, the Imperial nameplate evolved into a unique
automobile set well-above the rest of the Chrysler line. The
Imperial aimed squarely at Packard, Pierce-Arrow, and Cadillac for
top honors in the highly competitive luxury car market. Of the
several models offered, the CG Imperial was the real flagship of
the fleet. Chrysler's spectacular new motorcar had a massive
145-inch wheelbase chassis, with a distinctly styled, low-slung and
rakish appearance. Walter P. Chrysler and K.T. Keller used the
radical Cord L-29 as a benchmark for the CG. The "lowness" factor
was so crucial to Mr. Chrysler that engineers considered a
front-drive and even a rear engine design! These ideas never left
the sketch stage, but they revealed Chrysler's level of commitment
achieving their desired look. And what a look it was! The CG
Imperial's gracefully sweeping fenders, low-mounted, deep-Vee
radiator grille, and long hood gave the impression of effortless
speed even when parked. 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 a favorite of
Chrysler's, and even when founders Tom Hibbard and Ray Dietrich
left the firm, the stunning designs kept coming, thanks to the
efforts of Ralph Roberts. While overseeing the Imperial's design
process, Roberts hired Cord L29 designer Al Leamy to lend his
expertise, which accounts for the visual similarities between these
two legendary automobiles. The statement made by the styling was
backed up via a mighty 384.8 cubic-inch straight eight producing
125 horsepower. A powerful eight-cylinder engine, four-speed
synchromesh gearbox, advanced suspension geometry, and four-wheel
hydraulic brakes gave the Imperial exceptional road manners with
near-100 mph performance. Despite its apparent virtues and stunning
appearance, Chrysler built just 339 examples 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 outstanding handling and straight-line performance. Our
featured 1931 Chrysler CG Imperial Custom Line is one of just two
known survivors with LeBaron's marvelous 2/4-passenger rumble seat
coupe coachwork. This stunning automobile left Detroit, destined
for Oakland, California on April 10, 1931. The history goes cold
for some time, until the 1970s when it was discovered by Jerry
Jensen, who kept it for many years in his California workshop
awaiting restoration. Years later, fellow restorer and marque
expert Joe Morgan found the car and bought it along with a similar
convertible coupe. Upon inspection, Mr. Morgan discovered this car
had its original engine, chassis, firewall, and most of the
original body. While records are unclear as to how many CG
Imperials left the factory as LeBaron Custom Line Coupes, only two
are known to survive today, and Mr. Morgan used the other original
car as a guide for restoring this one. Under his care, this
exceptional Chrysler received a meticulous nut-and-bolt restoration
to concours standards. Completed in 2006, it debuted at the Pebble
Beach Concours d'Elegance later that same year. Since 2007 it has
been part of two very prominent collections. An object of pure
elegance, this LeBaron Coupe is beautifully restored and presented
in excellent condition, finished original 1931 Chrysler colors. The
livery is understated and ideally suited to the shape, with the
main body finished in medium tan, and a subtle darker shade applied
to the fenders and belt line. Dark red wire wheels, pinstripes, and
oxblood red interior add a carefully judged splash of color.
Accessories include a Gazelle mascot, mesh stone guard, faux
cabriolet roof, trunk rack, and dual side-mount spare wheels with
polished covers. Thanks to this car's exceptional care in a series
of prominent collections, the paint and brightwork remain in
fabulous condition, still very suitable for display on the concours
field. In the inviting cabin, the simple, body color dash features
restored white-faced instruments arranged in an orderly fashion;
easily read while traveling at high speed. Wood-grained trim
surrounds the windscreen and side windows, all restored to an
exceptionally high standard. Rich, beautiful oxblood red leather
covers the seat and door panels, with matching deep red carpets.
The same red leather repeats in the generous rear rumble seat. The
fit and finish of the upholstery are outstanding, with a marvelous,
slightly broken-in character that is lovely and welcoming. At 384
cubic-inches, the CG's inline eight-cylinder is the largest
available in the 1931 Chrysler line. As with the body and interior,
the engine detailing is outstanding; presented as original in black
with a silver-painted cylinder head and chrome tappet cover. It
runs exceptionally well, delivering its 125 horsepower with
exceptional smoothness and a subdued growl from the exhaust. The CG
is widely recognized as one of the best driving American Full
Classics, and this car is no exception. The four-speed synchromesh
gearbox with freewheeling, four-wheel hydraulic brakes and
carefully designed suspension make the big Chrysler an absolute joy
to drive. The Imperial's low-slung 145-inch wheelbase chassis (the
longest produced by Chrysler) provided the ideal platform for
designers to create some of the most elegantly proportioned
motorcars of the period. This Custom Line Coupe by LeBaron is no
exception, and its superb, expert restoration has aged gracefully.
It remains worthy of concours competition, although it would be a
shame not to take advantage of its performance on road events like
CCCA CARavan Tours. As one of just two known survivors, the
opportunity to acquire this splendid Chrysler Imperial is virtually
unrepeatable.
