Vehicle Description
Not long after Walter P. Chrysler took over the ailing Maxwell
Motor Company and renamed it Chrysler Corporation in 1924, the
ambitious Mr. Chrysler began work on a new flagship model. Maxwell
provided a good foundation for Chrysler to build upon, and he soon
earned a reputation for high-quality automobiles of exceptional
value. But his aspirations were much higher, as he wanted to a car
to reflect his desire to be at the top of the American automobile
industry. Chrysler's climb upmarket began in 1926 with the
introduction of the Imperial name. Initially, the Imperial name
applied to high-option standard cars, but by the start of the
1930s, it evolved into a unique, prestigious motorcar set well
above the standard Chrysler line. Walter P. Chrysler intended
Imperial to take on the likes of Packard, Cord, and Cadillac in the
highly competitive luxury car market. In 1931, Chrysler transformed
the Imperial from a trim package to an all-new motorcar, entirely
separate from the rest of the standard line. The CG Imperial
featured Chrysler's first eight-cylinder engine and a massive
145-inch wheelbase chassis with such niceties as a four-speed
gearbox and hydraulic shocks. But it was the body styling that
commanded the most attention. Walter Chrysler and vice president
K.T. Keller used the radical Cord L-29 as a benchmark for style,
going so far as to hire that car's designer, Alan Leamy, away from
Cord to style the Imperial. The "lowness" factor was so crucial to
Walter that engineers went so far as to consider front-drive, and
even a rear-engine design! These ideas never left the sketch stage,
but they reveal the level of commitment Chrysler had to achieve the
desired look. The efforts paid off, with the CG Imperial's
gracefully swept fenders and low-mounted, deep V-shaped radiator
grille, and raked windscreen giving the impression of effortless
speed even when parked. Backing up the styling was a powerful new
384.8 cubic-inch straight-eight producing 130 horsepower. The
Imperial also featured advanced suspension geometry and four-wheel
hydraulic brakes for outstanding handling ability and 100 mph
performance. Production totaled 3,228 cars, including 99 bare
chassis shipped to outside coachbuilders or for export. 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 favored by enthusiasts who prefer
to drive their vehicles as intended, thanks to the robust
straight-line performance and rewarding road manners. Our featured
Imperial is one of a mere handful of right-hand-drive export
chassis produced and is a well-proven touring veteran with an
intriguing history. Currently fitted with beautiful dual-cowl
phaeton coachwork in the style of Le Baron, this car was delivered
new to South Africa, reportedly fitted with sedan or limousine
coachwork. The origins of the current coachwork are not entirely
known, but it has been on the car for many years and paired with
this chassis while still in South Africa. It was in this
configuration that the late Mr. Apie Venter purchased the car from
a fellow member of the Pretoria Old Motor Club in 1966. Venter was
a founding member of that club and a lifelong collector of fine
automobiles. Soon after acquiring this Imperial, he and his wife
embarked on an extensive restoration that included a journey to
Michigan to research the car at the Chrysler archives. Apie and his
wife Rita did much of the work themselves and proceeded to enjoy
the car on numerous tours around South Africa, reporting that in
the thousands of miles it covered on tours and events, the big
Chrysler never once let them down. Today, the radiator stone guard
proudly displays badges of honor from its long life in South
Africa, including from the AA, FIVA, SAVVA, and The Crankhandle
Club. Following Mr. Venter's death in 2003, his cars dispersed
around the world. His prized CG Imperial came to the United States
in 2004, eventually joining the collection of its most recent
custodian, who is a lifelong member of the Classic Car Club of
America, and who became the ideal caretaker for the Venter's
beloved Imperial. In his hands, the Chrysler continued to receive
expert care and maintenance, and serve as a loyal tour car for many
more years. In 2013, it successfully completed the CCCA Re-Discover
America CARavan tour, which began in New York and culminated at the
Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. According to the car's
then-owner, it never once needed the services of the trouble truck
or occupied its trailer. After the tour, they hurried back East to
Hickory Corners, Michigan for the CCCA Experience Concours.
Chrysler was the featured marque that year, and this CG Imperial
proudly featured on the event poster. The beautifully built
coachwork captures the elegance, grace, and style of Le Baron's
original design, while the massive 145-inch wheelbase chassis
ensures perfect proportions. It is well-equipped with a radiator
stone guard, dual chrome trumpet horns, dual side-mount spares,
Gazelle mascot, and upholstered trunk. Finished in two-tone blue
with blue leather, the big Chrysler wears its moderate yet
attractive patina with pride, having served for decades as a loyal
tour car. The restoration is the one that the Venters performed in
the 1960s, attesting to not only the quality of the work they
performed but to the care and attention it has received in the
intervening years. It is suitable to enjoy as-is for tours and
events or could serve as the basis of a well-earned and
straightforward cosmetic restoration. Either way, this immensely
charming CG Imperial is ready to build upon the impressive legacy
paved by its past custodians. Offers welcome and trades considered
For additional details please view this listing directly on our
website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6581-1931-chrysler-cg-imperial-dual-cowl-phaeton/