Vehicle Description
125 bhp, 384.8 cu. in. L-head inline eight-cylinder engine,
four-speed manual overdrive transmission with free-wheeling, solid
front axle and live rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf-spring
suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 145
in. The 1931 CG Imperial was a bellwether of where Chrysler's
top-of-the-line models would be heading, as they were now entering
the Classic Era at full steam. Earlier Imperials had been
well-built, quality cars, but they were somewhat, dare we say it,
dull. This new model was wonderfully different. It was a grand
145-inch-wheelbase beauty that had a bold radiator shell canted
back at a rakish angle and a long hood that emphasized the great
power lurking below it, which was a 384.8-cubic inch
nine-main-bearing unit that could produce 125 horsepower. The
fenders flowed behind Duesenberg-like bumpers, and the headlights
became sleek bowls. SERIAL NUMBER 7802566 The authenticity of the
rare Convertible Coupe offered here has been verified by noted
Chrysler Imperial historian Joe Morgan, who himself owned this car
over a decade ago, having acquired it from David Buck, of Arizona.
According to Mr. Morgan, the car retains its original body, frame,
and engine with which it was delivered in San Francisco, and in its
present restoration, it is finished in the same attractive colors
as when new: Abbott Gray and Tonawanda Green. Remarkably, the car
eventually made its way through unknown parties from San Francisco
to West Africa, from which it was repatriated to the U.S. by Mr.
Buck. Following its restoration, the car was purchased from Mr.
Morgan by Alfred Wallace, of Rhode Island, and was acquired, in
turn, from him by its present owner. The restoration has mellowed
significantly with age, with the lacquer finish showing much patina
throughout, cracking on the cowl, and chipping around the panel
gaps. Similarly, the driver's side window has dropped slightly and
would benefit from adjustment. Correct Trippe Safety Lights are
fitted to the front bumper, a stone guard is mounted over the
radiator, and proper chrome wire wheels are fitted, including the
side-mounts, which bear Cord-badged mirrors. The tan leather
interior is still tight and clean, as are the carpets, and the
dashboard and instruments are clear and fresh. The odometer records
12,378 miles, presumably since restoration. As the car has been
maintained in storage for the last few years, a proper servicing
would be recommended to the new owner. However, it should be noted
that the brakes, including the master cylinders, were rebuilt in
2010 and the ignition and transmission were sorted at the same
time, receipts for which are on file. This elegant and desirable
Chrysler Imperial, featuring a very seldom-seen body style, has
much potential for CCCA CARavans, for which CG Imperials are
famously ideal.
