Vehicle Description
Few cars in the 1930s were more modern than Chryslers. Among the
first to adopt hydraulic brakes, mechanical fuel pumps, and
adjustable shocks, cars like this 1932 Chrysler CP8 Touring Sedan
offer a great driving experience with big car looks that really get
attention. If you'd like something that's big enough for the whole
family and cruises like a much younger car, this Chrysler is worthy
of your attention.
Clearly an older restoration, this big Chrysler still has great
presence. With styling reminiscent of its big brother the Imperial,
the long, sleek CP8 will stand out among plain-Jane Buicks and
Oldsmobiles, and fit right in with the Packards and LaSalles. The
long hood, lower roof line, and sweeping fenders with sidemounts
look like they belong on a far more expensive car, and the elegant
color combination serves it rather well. The paint is showing some
minor signs of age, but there's nothing that requires immediate
attention and it means you can enjoy the car without worries, which
is always refreshing. The cream pinstripes accentuate the sweeping
fenders and conservative beltline, and please note the arched side
windows, which give the car a very elegant look. The painted grille
helps accentuate the chrome headlights and twin horns, as well as
the handsomely curved bumpers, all of which show decent plating
with a great shine. Out back, there's a very cool weathered wooden
trunk that gives the car a bit of character and adds some
practicality as well.
The tan cloth interior was restored and remains in outstanding
condition. The wool broadcloth fabric is quite close to what it
would have worn when it was new and shows very few signs of use
with only some mild stretching on the driver's side. Take a moment
to admire the wonderful woodgrained window garnish moldings and
dashboard, which are painted steel and correctly finished. An
engine-turned panel holds all the gauges, which are pretty
white-faced dials that monitor all the engine's vitals at a glance.
Aftermarket turn signals were added for touring safety and each
side of the twin-pane windshield opens independently and has its
own windshield wiper. Back seat space is commodious, with luxurious
silk shades for the rear windows and a foot rest on the floor. If
you want first class comfort, it'll be hard to do better than
this.
Chrysler brought the power, too, thanks to a 298 cubic inch
straight-8 that made a nice, round 100 horsepower. It's a strong
runner with smooth torque to move the big body without a lot of
effort, and thanks to smart gearing, you really don't have to shift
very often at all. The engine isn't detailed for show, but it wears
the right Chrysler silver engine enamel, a factory downdraft
carburetor and heavy-duty air cleaner, and cloth-jacketed ignition
wires, so it looks right. It starts easily and idles smoothly, and
there's a nice eight-cylinder burble from the exhaust that's a bit
different than the standard V8 sound you're used to. As I
mentioned, the brakes are hydraulic in an era when everyone else
was still using cables and rods, so stopping power is impressive
and has a very modern feel. Likewise, the steering is surprisingly
light and the long wheelbase means it just floats over pavement
imperfections. Beautiful cream wire wheels are elegant and
appropriate, and are fitted with 6.00/6.50-17 wide whitewalls that
really make it look important.
A very handsome car that's ideally set up for touring and casual
events, this Chrysler is an unusual find that will definitely get
attention. Call today!
