Vehicle Description
The Chrysler Imperial line was introduced in 1926 with the
intention to rival other luxury brands of the time including
Cadillac, Lincoln, Duesenberg, Pierce Arrow, Cord and Packard.
Imperials became the top-of-the-line flagship vehicles produced
under the Chrysler name until 1954, after which it became a
standalone brand. Chrysler's Imperial gained popularity with
government officials, royalty, and various celebrities with its
luxurious accommodations and seating capacity comparable to a
limousine. Featured in a variety of body styles including a
two/four passenger roadster, a four-seat coupe, five-passenger
sedan and phaeton, and finally the seven-passenger sedan and
limousine.
The early model years featured a six-cylinder engine, and in the
first year produced, the Imperial set a transcontinental speed
record. And for this reason, it was selected as the pace car for
the 1926 Indianapolis 500. The model years of 1929 and 1930 were
largely unchanged as efforts were more focused on the up-and-coming
1931 Series CG Straight Eight. This new Chrysler Imperial was given
a flathead straight-8 with Stromberg Model DD-3 carburetion, a new
vee-type radiator with a long hood and flowing open fenders, along
with a slanted, split windshield with tilt-open feature. An
isolation mount dubbed "Floating Power" was also introduced which
was a new means of attaching the engine to the chassis to reduce
vibrations felt by passengers.
Offered here is a beautiful restored 1931 Chrysler Imperial CG
7-passenger sedan finished in a sharp two-tone paint scheme of
Silver and Black with a Gray wool broadcloth interior and woodwork
trim with a rich gloss. This Imperial is the first year to feature
Chryslers new straight 8 engine, displacing 384ci (engine #CG1069)
and a rating of 125 horsepower, paired with a 4-speed manual
transmission. Unique to this generation of Imperials were
functional, vertical hood louvers that were thermostatically
controlled with auto-adjusting radiator shutters that will open to
allow more air flow. Other options include adjustable front seat
and steering column, luggage rack with trunk, heater, dual side
mounted spares with hard covers, dual interior sun visors, rear
window shade, 18" wire spoke wheels, dual cowl vents, safety glass
by Lockheed, open face rust proof fenders, and hydraulic brakes.
Improvements for road use include integrated turn signals in the
taillights and an auxiliary electric fuel pump.
Of the 3,228 Chrysler CG Imperials that were built for 1931, only
403 of them displayed the iconic styling of the 7-Passenger 4-door
sedans represented here. This sedan carries an early body #19 and
was said to have been delivered new to Thomas Minnick Jr, a
Philadelphia commissioner and popular politician. A rare survivor
with formal coachwork by Briggs Manufacturing, with a
well-preserved restoration by Lavine Restorations completed in
2006. This Imperial CG shows 51,196 on the odometer, remains in
terrific condition, and is a CCCA (Classic Car Club of America)
full classic. CG Imperials are among the most exquisite of any
CCCA-recognized Classics and areviewed by many collectors
asthemostelegant Chryslers ever produced! Thank you for your
interest and please don't hesitate to come see this beauty in our
showroom or call for more details!
