Vehicle Description
1931 Chrysler Six Series CM Sedan
The new decade 1930 saw updated styling and engineering efforts for
Chrysler, which introduced the Chrysler Six Series CJ, which was a
downsized version of the Series 66, Series 70 and the Series 77.
The timing was not the best with the Wall Street Crash of 1929 and
the Great Depression beginning in September but Chrysler forged
ahead and updated their product line. While cars of the 1930's
shared common appearances across all manufacturers, some stylistic
features were introduced to distinguish, and Chrysler introduced
Pennon-type hood louvers on all Sixes, which was replaced mid-year
with vertical hood louvers that were more functional and dissipated
heat more effectively. The front headlight tie-bar was updated to a
curved appearance and the model number attached as a pendant to the
top of the bar. In 1931, Chrysler's former employer Buick
introduced the Buick Century which installed the large straight
eight from the Roadmaster and installed it in the entry-level
Special. The Series CJ introduced a different chassis from the
previous Series 60 and 70 in that it was closer to the ground, and
introduced hydraulic internal brakes, a fuel pump, rubber spring
shackles and hydraulic shock absorbers, while introducing a narrow
profile radiator that was slightly angled rearwards that was used
by the Chrysler Eight and Imperial. The 1931 Series CM was
essentially the Series CJ with cowl lights added at the edge of the
engine hood and cowl next to the front door leading edge. The
Series CM introduced the new Cord L-29 influenced Chrysler
corporate appearance shared with DeSoto, Dodge and Plymouth.
For consignment, a small pre war gem if you will in the form of a
1931 Chrysler Six Series CM Sedan. A well cared for example and all
original with a restoration done in the recent past with some photo
documentation all making for a very good driver with a roomy
interior and a smooth ride. Definitely worth a look for the serious
Chrysler collector.
Exterior
Wearing a respray in blue with a complimenting black, it maintains
a good shine, and shows very few faults overall in the finish.
White pinstriping adds accent to the blue, which snakes its way
around the upper door line, wrapping around the rear of the body. A
nicely preserved shield-like grille surround is filled with a black
mesh and its impressive style is highlighted by the curved headlamp
tie-bar. This grille is flanked by 2 large headlights along with
yellow fog lamps and dual marker lights just below. Adding a touch
of Chrysler class, a black bumper swoops across the bottom.
Overall, this is in very nice condition and sitting atop the
radiator surround is the familiar winged hood ornament/radiator
cap. The hood side panels are clad with traditional louvers
supporting the swooping hood top. Deep end of the pool black is on
for the deeply crowned fenders which melt into running boards,
complete with rubber step plates then swoop back up to create the
flowing rear fenders. A pleasant blue covers the center of the body
and shows off the styling cues nicely. Bringing up the rear is a
like new spare wheel and tire and below is the single combination
stop and tail light along with twin added tail lights and simple
split shiny chrome bumpers. Freshly restored body matching blue
19-inch wood spoke wheels adorn the 4 corners are wrapped in like
new period correct wide blackwall rubber.
Interior
A swing of any one of the 4 doors reveals some grayish tan
broadcloth door panels. These are in good condition, with nearly no
wear or soiling. An overstuffed front bench with some tuck and roll
stitching, also in grayish tan broadcloth matches the door panels
in nearly perfect condition. Another bench is in the back which
matches the front and stretches from armrest equipped door panel to
door panel. A swing down footrest is also in the back, lest we
leave our passengers wanting for comfort. More broadcloth for the
pillar liners and a lightly stained tan mohair headliner hangs
tightly above. Tan indoor/outdoor carpeting is on the floors in the
back and up front we note a textured black rubber mat. Upfront, a
simple black steel dash has a central panel and we see the original
gauges set within this panel. A spear of nicely stained oak appears
in front of the driver and passenger as it graces the nicely curved
top face of the dash. The original black plastic steering wheel
fronts this dash and presents in good used condition.
Drivetrain
The 217.8ci inline 6-cylinder engine is holding up well, and over
time is presenting in traditional black with a silver dome cylinder
head within the well sorted engine bay. A 1-barrel carburetor in
the form of a Stromberg carburetor sits beside the big 6, and a
3-speed manual transmission is in back. Turning the tires is a rear
axle weighing in with a 3.82 ratio. We note new fuel lines have
been installed as well as new hoses and belts to ensure
reliability.
Undercarriage
A drive up on our lift reveals light surface rust on a few
suspension components, but all else including the frame and
crossmembers, flooring and running board undersides are black
straight steel. Leaf spring suspension is seen front and rear, and
hydraulic drum brakes are all around. A single exhaust system is on
for spent fossil removal.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and smooth shifter as we tooled around the massive
Classic Auto Mall Test Track. The car handled well, drove fairly
smooth, and was overall a fun drive. If we had the time, we believe
this car would cruise on the highway just swimmingly.
Overall a mostly original car with a recent restoration, showing as
a shining star amongst our vast inventory. With no stone left
unturned during the redux, it runs as well as expected and looks
just dandy. Throw your picnic basket in the rear seat area and go
for a cruise with the missus enjoying some motoring, Chrysler
style.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.
