Walter Chrysler had a car for every man during the 1930s. From an inexpensive Plymouth or Dodge to a mid-level DeSoto, there was something for everyone. Representing the very top was the Imperial from Chrysler, a car that rivaled the finest Packard, Pierce Arrow, or Duesenberg of the day. Chrysler’s Imperials ran on huge wheelbases and many even featured coachwork from some of the finest body builders of the day. The big Imperials from Chrysler were the car of choice for America’s captains of industry and movie stars alike. Not only were they long and elegant, but interior appointments made for some of the most comfortable cars ever built. Indeed, if one wished to be a member of societies’ elite, arrival in one of Chrysler’s Imperials all but guaranteed a place in the higher echelons of society.
Offered here is a spectacular example of this most prestigious motorcar, a Custom Imperial with body by LeBron, one of the world’s foremost coachbuilders in the classic era. This Custom Imperial is equipped with a specially designed LeBaron tufted arm chair leather interior that makes it unique in the world of the automobile. This LeBaron CL is one of just 49 produced and is also one of the 16 known to exist in the present day. Its history is also known back to its original owner, Mr. McGraw and it then went to Paul Stern and was finally acquired by Mr. David Huckins, a well-known collector of fine Chrysler cars. While in the stable of Mr. Huckins, this Imperial CL was treated to a full and complete restoration that saw every nut and bolt replaced, refurbished, or refinished. Indeed, Mr. Huckins spared no expense on every detail in returning this grand motorcar back to its original factory condition. This elegant car almost has a dual personality as its top-down position carries the look of a Sport Phaeton, yet its roll-up windows allow for the look of a closed weather car. Most spectacular is the LeBaron design for the interior wood trim that carries beautiful accents of a most elaborate design. In keeping with its persona, power for this CL comes from Chrysler’s large 385 cubic-inch high-compression Red Head inline eight featuring 135 horsepower. The engine compartment is nicely detailed and runs as good as it looks.
Chrysler’s Imperial cars are legendary. These magnificent motorcars represent a time when power and status was rated by the numbers in the bank and the number of cylinders in one’s car. With its fine LeBaron Coachwork, unique tufted armchair interior, and smooth eight-cylinder power, this fully recognized CCCA classic is a car that’s ready for the open road or the concours show field.
