For Sale: 1931 Chrysler Imperial in Saint Louis, Missouri

Walter P. Chrysler had a firm foundation to build on when he acquired the ailing Maxwell Motor company in 1924. The newly formed Chrysler Corporation quickly earned a reputation for high-quality automobiles of exceptional value, but Mr. Chrysler's aspirations were much higher, aiming to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Packard, Cadillac, and Pierce-Arrow. Chrysler's climb upmarket began in 1926 with the debut of the Imperial nameplate. Initially, Imperial applied to high-option standard cars, but by the start of the 1930s, it evolved into a separate line set well above the standard Chryslers. Walter P. Chrysler intended Imperial to take on the highly competitive luxury car market and was well positioned to do just that.
The flagship CG Imperial of 1931 showed what Chrysler was truly capable of. It was the first Chrysler powered by an all-new L-head inline eight-cylinder engine. Set in a massive 145-inch wheelbase chassis, the CG Imperial had such niceties as a four-speed gearbox and hydraulic shocks. But the styling commanded the most attention. Walter Chrysler and vice president K.T. Keller used the radical Cord L-29 as a stylistic benchmark, even hiring that car's designer, Alan Leamy, away from Cord to pen the Imperial. Emulating the Cord's "lowness" was so crucial to the design brief that engineers considered front-drive and even a rear-engine design!
With gracefully swept fenders, a low-mounted, deep V-shaped radiator shell, and raked windscreen, the CG Imperial gave the impression of effortless speed even when parked. The 384.8 cubic-inch straight-eight produced 130 horsepower, offered prodigious performance to back its superb looks. Well sorted suspension and four-wheel hydraulic brakes ensured outstanding handling ability for a car of its size, and 100-mph performance depending on the coachwork chosen.
Buyers could choose either Standard Factory coachwork or a range of beautiful semi-custom bodies by LeBaron. Among the most desirable of the LeBaron bodies is the five-passenger Dual Cowl Phaeton, of which just 85 were built. Chassis 7801711 is one of a reported 10 survivors, offered from the long-term care in a highly renowned collection. Accompanying production records verify this as an original LeBaron Phaeton, and it is presented here with a preserved older restoration.
Long before joining the most recent owner's collection this car was an established, celebrated concours winner. In the late 1970s, it was owned by Mr. and Mrs. Gerry Jensen of Turlock, California, who had it restored in this handsome two-tone red and burgundy livery. It was shown at the 1979 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it not only won its class, but it took home the coveted Best in Show trophy - the first Chrysler to do so.
It left the Jensen's care in 1986, and in the early 2000s, it joined the prestigious Maj. Gen. William Lyon Collection, where it was lovingly tended and the restoration continually preserved and freshened as required. While still in the Lyon Family Collection, it returned to the storied greens of Pebble Beach in 2025 as part of a special class celebrating the Chrysler Centennial.
Still impressively handsome in its dark red and maroon livery, the CG is nicely accessorized with chrome wire wheels, dual side mount spares, the signature Imperial radiator stone guard, dual Pilot Ray driving lamps, cowl lamps, and a painted trunk. The interior is trimmed in creme beige leather, which rolls neatly over the top of the cockpit. It displays a pleasing patina and inviting character appropriate for a car that has been cherished for years in a world-class collection. The engine bay is tidy and well detailed, showing some age-appropriate wear in places, but with correct finishes and fittings consistent with a former high-level concours car.
Today's collectors consider the CG Imperial to be one of the most beautiful Chrysler products ever produced and the robust straight-line performance and excellent road manners make them favored among enthusiasts who prefer to drive their vehicles as intended. With provenance that includes the Pebble Beach Best in Show prize - one of the most coveted in all of motoring - this stylish LeBaron-bodied Imperial is ready for a new custodian to continue its impressive legacy.

Offers welcome and trades considered.