Vehicle Description
In 1931, Chrysler's Imperial name graduated from a high-end trim
package to an all-new motorcar, entirely separate from the rest of
the line. The flagship CG Imperial featured Chrysler's first
eight-cylinder engine, fitted to a massive 145-inch wheelbase
chassis, with advanced features like a four-speed gearbox and
hydraulic dampers. To clothe the impressive chassis, Walter P.
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 tweak the Imperial's
styling. The L-29's "lowness" was so critical to Mr. Chrysler that
engineers went so far as to suggest using a front-drive or even a
rear-engine design! While these suggestions never left the sketch
pad, such ideating pointed to the engineers' dedication to the
design brief. When the CG emerged, it did so in spectacular fashion
- with gracefully swept fenders, a low-mounted, deep V radiator
grille, and raked windscreen, giving the impression of effortless
speed even when parked. Ensuring the CG's performance lived up to
its looks, the L-head straight-eight developed 135 horsepower from
384.8 cubic inches. The chassis featured advanced suspension
geometry, hydraulic dampers, and four-wheel hydraulic brakes to
match the car's 100 mph capability. Production totaled 3,228 cars,
including 99 bare chassis shipped to outside coachbuilders or for
export. Today's collectors view the CG Imperial as one of the most
beautiful Classic Era cars and certainly one of the prettiest
Chryslers ever produced. Favored by enthusiasts who prefer to drive
their vehicles as intended, the CG Imperial rewards drivers with
superlative performance and impressive road manners. Chrysler
outsourced production of the standard Imperial bodies to Briggs,
though buyers seeking something more exclusive could select one of
four semi-custom designs created under the LeBaron banner. Of the
multitude of body styles available on the CG chassis, few match the
beauty and drama of the LeBaron Roadster. Their interpretation of
the 2/4-passenger rumble-seat roadster is among the finest
expressions of this sporting Classic Era body style. Paired with
the CG's gorgeous front-end styling, the LeBaron Roadster has
stunningly elegant lines with minimal adornment to spoil its
graceful profile. Experts suggest that about a dozen CG Roadsters
survive, and this stunning example has been the pride of the Kleptz
collection since the 1970s, with a superb restoration that has
withstood the test of time. According to widely-respected Imperial
historian and expert, this car wears LeBaron roadster body number
98, mated to a correct specification CG chassis and engine from a
sedan. The history file contains an intriguing letter written by
William S. Castle of Speedway, Indiana, who outlines the car's
possible history from the 1940s when it was owned by a GM employee
named Ed Berlin. Ed was based in the Cleveland area and used the
Imperial as a daily driver, as there was a shortage of GM cars
available after the war. An enclosed photo dated 1949 shows the car
in its proper spec, complete with a few bumps and scars from the
rigors of daily use. When Frank acquired the CG Roadster in the
1970s, it was a sound, complete car due for a much-deserved
restoration. Accompanying photos show it was stripped down to a
bare chassis and painstakingly restored by Frank, to his usual high
standard. He selected a striking and timeless light gray livery
over an oxblood red chassis, accented by red coach lines and red
upholstery playing beautifully against the body color. Period
accessories include dual side-mount spares, chrome wire wheels with
black wall tires, Gazelle mascot, stone guard, cowl lamps, and
more. The restoration's quality is reflected in a coveted CCCA
Senior Premier Award, proudly affixed to the cowl. Following a
period of storage, the CG remains in remarkably well-preserved
condition. Close inspection reveals only a few very minor blemishes
that do little to detract from the otherwise excellent
presentation. The mottled oxblood leather remains supple in both
the driver's compartment and rumble seat, and a full set of side
curtains supplements the black canvas top. Chrysler's big
135-horsepower L-head eight is authentically detailed with proper
paint finishes and hardware and shows a light patina from
occasional use and storage. The stout L-head engine has been
carefully reawakened and now runs well, with excellent oil
pressure. The four-speed gearbox shifts well, and the car feels
snappy and refined on the road, just as a CG Imperial should. With
minimal preparation, this gorgeous and highly desirable CG should
prove to be a most entertaining and exciting entry for CCCA CARavan
tours or other events and will undoubtedly bring its next caretaker
much joy, just as it has in its nearly five decades with Frank
Kleptz. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details
please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6847-1931-chrysler-cg-imperial-roadster/