1933 Chrysler Custom Imperial CL Convertible Coupe
Coachwork by LeBaron
Chassis No. 7803577
- One of Nine Such Examples
- Desirable “Red-Head” Engine
- CCCA Senior National First Prize Award Winner
- AACA National First Prize Award Winner
- Sporty and Handsome Early Imperial
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- 384 CID L-Head Inline 8-Cylinder Engine
- Single 2-Barrel Stromberg Downdraft Carburetor
- 135 BHP At 3,200 RPM
- 4-Speed Manual Gearbox
- 4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
Chrysler – A Brief History
The success of Walter P. Chrysler is an epic story of the American dream realized. Starting in remote western shops of the Union Pacific railroad, Mr. Chrysler worked his way almost to the top of the locomotive industry before yielding to a fascination with automobiles and joining Billy Durant’s General Motors. After achieving success there as president of Buick, he left with $10 million of Durant’s money to assume the independent role of troubleshooter for bankers.
Mr. Chrysler started the Chrysler Corporation from the remains of Maxwell and Chalmers in 1924. Four years later, having acquired Dodge and establishing Plymouth and DeSoto, the Chrysler Corporation had become the third-largest auto company in America.
Chrysler believed in excellent engineering and superior value for money, something all the Chrysler Corporation products provided. By 1931, the advanced chassis and compact engine design of the eight-cylinder Imperial line proved that beautiful styling was the natural complement to Chrysler?s engineering. Long, low, taut and lean, the 1931 Imperials were trendsetters in design and styling, and the 1932 CL Custom Imperials were even better!
This Car
This Custom Imperial is a striking example of the impressive automobiles that Chrysler engineered, even during the depths of the Depression. Believed to be one of only nine such cars built, this Chrysler Convertible Coupe features the powerful “Red-Head” engine upgrade that increased compression and power output with its red-painted cylinder head and accompanying intake manifold. The car also features a number of desirable factory options, including a clutchless shifting feature called “freewheeling.” The Chrysler CL Custom Imperial is an arresting of the fine design and engineering that emanated from the firm during the 1930s and beautifully illustrates how Chrysler was beginning to effectively challenge the more expensive offerings of Packard and Cadillac.
In addition to the extreme scarcity of these models, and the desirable performance-oriented engine, this handsome CL Imperial has enjoyed the fastidious care of just a few devoted owners over the last 20 years. In December 1988, highly respected classic Chrysler authority Joe Morgan of New Hampshire added the Imperial to his impressive collection when he purchased it from Marvin Jelinek. During the mid-1990s, Mr. Morgan conducted some restorative work, freshening various mechanical and cosmetic aspects of the vehicle.
Some years later, on May 15, 2002, Mr. Morgan sold this rare Imperial to its current owner, who set about restoring certain features of the car. Stone Barn Restorations of New Jersey was commissioned to refinish the car in its original color of black, and Sharp Automotive Upholstery of Ohio was retained to re-upholster the interior in a sumptuous tan livery. This handsome Chrysler Imperial has been driven minimally since its restorative work and still displays extremely well. Furthermore, it has benefited from the knowledgeable care of renowned expert Bob Mosier, who has been retained to regularly maintain and service the car. This car has also participated in numerous competitive showings and classic car tours. Its accolades include a Senior Winner first place at the CCCA National Event and a Grand National First Prize Award in 2000 from the AACA. This remarkable Chrysler, built by one of the greatest car companies of the era, has everything one looks for in a classic: surpassing beauty, rarity, quality construction and a properly maintained top-level restoration.