384ci L-Head Inline 8-Cylinder Engine
Stromberg 2V EE-3 Carburetor
125bhp at 3,200rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Leaf Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Power Drum Brakes

*One of just 21 CL Imperial, Close Coupled Sedans built
*Top-of-the-line Chrysler model with custom LeBaron coachwork
*Magnificent restoration, with recent recommissioning by renowned restorer Bob Mosier
*A CCCA™ Full Classic eligible for a host of tours and events

THE CHRYSLER IMPERIAL

Long and dramatically low-slung, the all-new 1931 Chrysler Imperial drew obvious inspiration from the front-wheel-drive Cord L-29 that Errett Lobban Cord had sprung on the market in 1929 to widespread acclaim. The Imperial's streamlined, swept-back radiator shell was overtly Cord-like, and as with the L-29, the Imperial windshield was set far back on the chassis, permitting a very long hood/cowl line and gracefully sweeping front fenders. For 1932 and '33 the progression of the model was largely aesthetic with more pronounced separated two-piece windshields, door-type hood ventilators, and the overall proportions grew scaled on a slightly longer 146 inch wheelbase.

The new Imperial was offered in two sub-series, a standard line with production Briggs-built bodies and a more prestigious Custom line featuring semi-custom bodies, finished to order. LeBaron designed and built all but one of the Imperial "catalog custom" styles. LeBaron Carrossiers Inc. had been founded in 1920 by the two legendary designers Raymond H. Dietrich and Tom Hibbard, after Brewster had fired them for planning on company time to start up on their own. They got themselves a fancy address at no. 2 Columbus Circle in New York City, but being virtually destitute, had no funds to establish their own coachbuilding facility. So they developed a never-before-seen business model, which was to sell ready-made designs to clients and then contract to have them built by outside coachbuilders.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This rare 1933 Chrysler CL Custom Imperial is one of just 22 examples completed with LeBaron Sedan bodywork. The elegant motorcar formed part of the Tommy Allen Collection in the past and is reported to have been treated to a comprehensive restoration costing several 100,000s of dollars at some point. Most recently award-winning California-based restorer Bob Mosier carried out a mechanical recommissioning on the top-of-the-line Chrysler, which included attention to the fuel, braking and cooling systems. A recent professional detailing job ensures the rare CL Imperial Sedan by LeBaron looks its absolute best. From the Golden Era of pre-war Chrysler production, this fine motorcar is eligible for a host of tours and events, and deserves serious consideration.