Vehicle Description
1940 Chrysler Crown Imperial
If you were Chrysler, whose Imperial line was in a constant battle
with Lincoln for second place behind Cadillac at the top of the
luxury market, what could you do? Imperial was already as fine a
car as you could make it, buzzing with luxury, technological
innovation, craftsmanship and power. So, Chrysler created a badge
and trim level to add even more allure: the Crown. At the time of
the name's introduction in 1940, Crown was applied to
long-wheelbase automobiles, originally all closed cars.
For consignment, the first year first edition of the Imperial Crown
line from Chrysler. This car was owned by the consigner's father
since 1984, and prior to that it sat in a garage for 25 years. We
do not know exactly how many owners have had this car in their
hands, but we do know that the original owner paid cash.
Exterior
This prewar steel slab sided car is covered in dark green which
consigner states is mostly original paint. We cannot verify this
either way, so we will go with the consigner states! Chrome is
aplenty with the front bumper complete with vertical bumper guards,
and curving rods that protect the front of the curved front
fenders. A horizontal ribbed grille creates a point in the front,
and chrome trim spears run back from the hood to the rear at the
belt line. Badging looks good, as well as mirrors and door handles.
Not perfect, but hey its original! Black-wall tires are highlighted
by Chrysler badged dog dish style chromed caps and wheels are on
all 4 corners.
Interior
Beautiful seats and upholstery in light tan cloth, buttoned and
tufted have been redone in an older restoration. Slightly darker
door panels with stitched panels and a lower carpet panel, have
their original cranks, and the arm rests/door pulls have some wear.
The rear seat is plush to say the least, and is also buttoned and
tufted, and could be used as your grandmother's couch in her
drawing room. In the back of the front bench are convenient storage
boxes with locking doors. This would be in the and now for
something completely different department! Carpeting is showing its
age and is original, with many missing spots of it and plenty of
staining. The original dash is still installed, and is in poor
condition with chrome fading, missing panels, and broken Bakelite
buttons. Bad shape overall, and in need of restoration.
Drivetrain
A 323.5ci Chrysler L head Inline 8-cylinder engine graces an
unrestored engine bay. A single Stromberg 2V, Model AAV-2-barrel
carburetor rests atop the I8. A 3-speed fluid drive transmission is
attached to the back.
Undercarriage
All pretty good under here with no invasive rust, and structural
integrity is present. Some patina on the gas tank and other areas,
and the battery compartment is rusted through in the corners. Front
independent coil spring, and leaf spring suspension and drum brakes
all around.
Drive-Ability
Quick starter despite an older engine, smooth shifter when put into
gear, and smooth drive, and smooth transmission. Rides nicely, and
a totally comfortable interior which definitely has new seats with
just a few faults. Dash is functional for info but needs restored,
also noted the radio is inoperable.
Overall a mostly original exterior as stated by the consigner, and
an interior which definitely has new seats and original carpet dash
and headliner. Exterior shows nicely and chrome is good. This car
has spent 25 years in a garage and has had an owner since 1984.
Some work has been done, and it was sporadic. This is a great find,
as it its mostly intact, excepting for the dash. Seating is
wonderfully restored with a few faults, but otherwise good
condition. If you are looking for a Chrysler, not seen every day,
and literally in turnkey condition, then work your way to Classic
Auto Mall and we can make a deal!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
