Vehicle Description
EPITOME OF CHRYSLER'S EARLYPROWESSRARE TOP-LINE CHASSIS BUILT FOR
1931 ONLYCCCA FULL CLASSIC RECOGNITION & ELIGIBILITYMULTIPLE AACA &
CCCA AWARD-WINNING RESTORATIONPREVIOUSLY OWNED BY THOMAS F.
DERRO2005 & 2010 BODY-OFF-FRAME RESTORATIONS384 CI INLINE
8-CYLINDER ENGINEADVANCED ENGINEERING & RENOWNED DRIVING
EXPERIENCEACCOMPANIED BY LIST OF AWARDS 2008-11READY TO TOUR, SHOW
AND ENJOY! Rightly considered an icon of American industry, Walter
P. Chrysler formed his self-named automotive marque from the ashes
of the Maxwell-Chalmers merger in 1923. Beginning with a
70-horsepower Six built at the former Chalmers plant in Detroit,
the new Chrysler debuted at New York's Commodore Hotel in January
1924. Featuring hydraulic brakes, a tubular front axle, aluminum
pistons, and full-pressure lubrication, the new Chrysler
represented the best and latest thinking in automobile design at
introduction a tradition that would continue throughout company
history. Delivering strong performance at a medium price point,
Chrysler enjoyed immediate success with 32,000 produced by the end
of 1924. In addition to their remarkable performance and
durability, further attention was generated by new hill climb and
speed records set by Indy legend Ralph De Palma with the new
Chrysler in 1924 and 1925, establishing a stellar motorsports
record that continues today. International acclaim came in 1925
when famed British record-setter Sir Malcolm Campbell hit 100 mph
at Brooklands with a streamlined Chrysler. The company's first 24
Hours of Le Mans entries came in 1928, the year Chrysler acquired
Dodge Brothers, with Chryslers finishing a credible 3rd and 4th in
class, followed by 2nd, 3rd, and 4th at the Belgian 24-hour Grand
Prix fabulous results for such a young company on its maiden
outings. That enviable competition record continued in earnest with
a succession of events through the early 1930s, including the debut
of a Chrysler-powered entry at the 1930 Indianapolis 500. In 1931,
Billy Arnold, the 1930 Indy 500 champion, set several stock-car
racing records at Daytona behind the wheel of a Chrysler.At the
turn of the 1930s, Chrysler introduced the mighty Imperial Eight
and continued to update and reorganize its core six-cylinder
offerings. At the top end of Chrysler's model range was the
8-cylinder CG Imperial, a premium model featuring a 145-inch
wheelbase chassis, ideal for a wide array of factory-built Standard
Line and coach built Custom Line bodies by LeBaron. Considered one
of the best-proportioned and attractive automobiles of its era, the
CG Imperial's basic styling was penned by Al Leamy, the self-taught
design genius responsible for Cord's L-29. As with the L-29, the CG
Imperial was low and long, featuring gracefully swept fenders and a
striking vee-shaped chrome radiator shell. All Chryslers had a
well-deserved reputation for performance, and the CG Imperial's 385
cubic-inch "straight eight" delivered, with its robust 125
horsepower rating. Their smooth four-speed synchromesh
transmission, four-point engine mounts, hydraulic brakes,
well-tuned suspension, and advanced steering geometry ensured that
they were refined, with a surprisingly easy and comfortable
experience. Introduced in July 1931, the CG Imperial was only
produced through that December, with a few completed as 1932
models. According to marque experts, 3,228 CG Imperials were
produced in all. This dashing 1931 Chrysler CG Imperial benefits
handsomely from a body-off-frame restoration that was completed in
2010 and remarkably well-maintained ever since then. It is believed
that this CG Imperial was originally fitted with closed coachwork
and then accurately and carefully converted to its present Roadster
body some 70 years ago. In the 1980s, it joined the collection of
the late Thomas F. Derro, once regarded among the greatest classic
auto collections in the Northeastern United States. Subsequently,
it joined another esteemed prewar automobile collection and
received its first body-off-frame restoration in 2005. The next
owner acquired this CG Imperial, which already had a CCCA National
First Prize Award to its credit, in 2007. Another restoration was
commissioned in 2010, which included a paint refinish and the
addition of a new convertible top, matching boot cover, and new
side curtains, plus careful attention to fine details. Following
this restoration, the CG Imperial earned a succession of honors,
including the AACA Grand national First Prize, AACA Diamond Jubilee
Award, and AACA Walter P. Chrysler Award, plus multiple Best in
Class awards and numerous other accolades. Additionally, this CG
Imperial served as the November photo subject for the 2012 AACA
national calendar. A study in pure "Jazz Age" glamour and grandeur,
this 1931 Chrysler CG Imperial features handsome two-tone livery,
complemented by the Autumn Leaf upholstery and Tan Haartz canvas
folding top. A CCCA badge, numbered 0903, is affixed. Desirable and
correct period accessories include dual side mounted spares with
mirrors, twin Pilot Ray driving lights, a color-matched trunk rack
to the rear, and a chrome stone guard to the radiator, which mounts
AACA badges. Renowned since new for delivering an outstanding,
user-friendly driving experience, the rare CG Imperial is an ideal
CCCA Full Classic automobile, eligible for an exceptionally wide
array of shows, events, and classic tours. Expertly restored and
maintained, it is simply a wonderful example of what many
collectors regard the pinnacle of Chrysler engineering and style
during the 1925-48 Classic Era recognized by the CCCA. Be sure to
see this rare and exceptionally handsome 1931 Chrysler CG Imperial
Roadster for yourself by contacting us for viewing arrangements,
full details, and prepare to make it yours today!
