Vehicle Description
For the 1932 model year, Chrysler refined its superb CG Imperial
with revised front-end styling and a host of smartly style new
bodies. Central to the new CL-series Imperial was its gracefully
reshaped front fenders, a bold deep-v radiator shell, and a revised
hood that extended to the base of the windscreen, accentuating the
car's already impressive length. As with the CG, Chrysler's
superbly refined 385 cubic-inch inline-eight developed 125
horsepower, ensuring snappy performance. Briggs Corporation
produced the standard closed bodies, while a series of semi-custom
bodies built under the LeBaron nameplate was also available.
LeBaron was a subsidiary of Briggs Corporation at that time,
although none of the style and prestige were lost, thanks to
Briggs' chief designer Ralph Roberts's enormous talent.
This CL Imperial offered from the Frank Kleptz Collection is one of
49 LeBaron Convertible Sedans produced in 1932. Experts believe it
is one of approximately ten known survivors. Meticulously restored
by Frank Kleptz in the early 1970s, it presents today in very good
condition, suitable for touring or for shows and concours events
with refurbishment. Frank's obsession with the CL Imperial began in
1965 when he spotted a scale model kit of the '32 Imperial
Convertible Sedan and fell in love with its elegant shape. Of
course, Frank would never be satisfied with just a model and was
determined to track down the real thing. For years, he religiously
scanned the pages of Hemmings Motor News, finally seeing one listed
in 1969, but unfortunately, he missed his opportunity to buy
it.
Finally, another chance came in 1971. Resolute not to miss this
one, Frank immediately hopped on a plane to Boston to see it. Once
there, he learned this was the same CL Convertible Sedan he missed
two years prior, but sadly, it was seriously burned while in
storage in Florida. Undaunted, Frank purchased the CL and trailered
it home to Indiana to begin the restoration process. While
researching its history, Frank discovered the original owner was
Mr. George Deas of New York. Frank tracked down Mr. Deas in the
early 1970s, learning the CL lived a charmed existence, being
driven only twice a year - to Florida in the autumn and back to New
York in the Spring. Mr. Deas adored his CL Imperial and planned to
keep it for the rest of his life, but the fire put a halt to that
dream in 1962, after thirty years and about 40,000 miles. He also
learned that MPC used this and another car as the reference for the
1/25 scale model kit that started the journey!
Frank had the engine running within a few days of getting it home
with the help of a friend. Buoyed by that achievement, he spent his
evenings combing through every last nut and bolt and aligning bits
of charred wood with holes in the body to re-create the structure.
He even kept small parts he restored on display in a glass case to
show signs of progress and stay motivated. Finally, after years of
painstaking effort and with the help of a select few experts and
friends, the magnificent LeBaron Convertible Sedan returned to the
road.
The first outing was a CCCA Grand Classic, though the car wasn't
quite finished for judging. It later appeared at the Hoosier Auto
Show, where it scored Best in Show against a judged field of more
than 500 cars. Throughout the years, Frank and this Imperial
appeared at numerous events through the CCCA and other groups,
winning multiple awards and accolades along the way. It was
featured in calendars and other club publications, and the history
file contains numerous photographs before, during, and after its
restoration.
Offered publicly for the first time in over 50 years, this
exceptionally rare and striking CL Imperial remains in fine
condition. The restoration has aged gracefully, showing a moderate
patina to the paintwork and upholstery. The L-head inline eight
starts runs, though additional recommissioning is recommended due
to its extended period in storage. A noted marque expert's records
indicate the engine is original, though he has not verified the
stamped chassis number. Rare and timelessly beautiful, this highly
desirable CL Imperial is an excellent basis for a straightforward
concours restoration or will lend itself well to preparation for
rallies and tours, where these superb driver's cars are known to
excel.
Offers welcome and trades considered
