Vehicle Description
From the very beginning, Chrysler Corporation was dedicated to
cutting-edge technology in their automobiles. In the 1920s, that
meant hydraulic brakes and mechanical fuel pumps in place of vacuum
tanks, features shared with names such as Duesenberg and Auburn but
very few others. Early styling was stodgy, and the lack of an
8-cylinder powerplant kept Chrysler from competing on equal footing
with some of the bigger manufacturers, certainly not GM. That all
changed in 1931 with the introduction of the all-new Imperial 8, a
top-of-the-line luxury car that could compete with anything from
Cadillac, Packard, or Lincoln. Still, there was a rather wide gap
between the basic Chrysler line and the Imperials, which is why
Chrysler introduced the CD8. Powered by a 240 cubic inch straight-8
and styled by Al Leamy, with a V-type radiator, wide profile, and
sporty lines echoing the designer's Cord L29. The larger
eight-cylinder engine and availability of four-wheel hydraulic
brakes endowed the CD series with sporting potential. A pair of
Chryslers was entered into the 1931 24 Hours of Le Mans with Henri
de Costier and Raymond Sommer at the wheels. A month later, Sommer
drove the Chrysler CD to a class victory and third overall at the
24 Hours of Spa. Only 1,462 CD 8 Roadsters and Sport Roadsters were
built for the 1931 model year, making these cars sought after
today, particularly among pre-war racing aficionados. This 1931
Chrysler CD 8 Sport Roadster benefits from a previous restoration
and is refreshingly honest, with an appealing patina on the paint
and brightwork. It is finished in a subdued color scheme featuring
black fenders and a maroon body with a tan convertible top. Bright
red pinstriping flows with the body lines and coordinates nicely
with wire wheels of the same hue. A few minor blemishes are noted
around the body due mostly to the age of the finish. The exterior
is further furnished with a raft of accessories, including dual
side-mount spares, side-mount mirrors, cowl lights, a rear-mounted
trunk, low-set yellow fog lamps, and the distinct Gazelle radiator
mascot. The interior is equally well-equipped with a full
complement of dashboard gauges, a heater vent, and a period
Motorola radio. The lovely interior features tan leather trim along
with a contrasting body-color dash and is well-equipped with a full
complement of gauges, a heater, and a period Motorola radio. The
upholstery is in overall good condition, with some character from
age and enjoyment, and likewise, the canvas top shows some fading
but is otherwise fair and functional. Beneath the hood sits
Chrysler's 240 c.i. 8-cylinder L-head engine that is well detailed
in the proper green finish. It remains an enjoyable driver, with
snappy performance and excellent road manners. By 1931, the
Imperial's styling had trickled down through Chrysler, resulting in
a range of lovely and desirable mid-market automobiles. Boasting
sporty coachwork and a lovingly maintained restoration, this CD8
Sport Roadster represents Chrysler quality and style at its finest.
Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details please
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https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7625-1931-chrysler-cd-8-sport-roadster/