In 1926, Chrysler decided to build a luxury car to take on the likes of Packard and Cadillac, and named their new model the Imperial. In 1931, the Imperial 8 was introduced, powered by a robust 385 cid, straight-eight engine producing 125 hp. These eight-cylinder cars were among the finest automobiles of their time, offering hydraulic brakes and effortless performance along with undeniably attractive styling.

The Imperial offered here, chassis 7803648, is a CL Custom model, all of which wore bodies built by LeBaron and featured attractive, full-length hoods and split windscreens. With beautiful and versatile dual-windshield phaeton coachwork, this example is one of just 36 built in this style. In 1933, it was Chrysler’s most expensive car at $3,395.

According to its FCA Build Record Certificate, the Chrysler was delivered new to New York City in 1933 to either David or Louis Marx, the pioneering brothers who co-founded Louis Marx & Company. Most famous for its tin toys, model cars, and trains, Rock’em Sock’em Robots, and Big Wheel Tricycles, they were the largest toy manufacturer in the world by the 1950s. Louis Marx was likely the first owner, as he collected cars and later even owned a one-off H.J. Mulliner-bodied Rolls-Royce.

The Imperial was then sold by Marx to George Dressler, the general manager of the company. By 1947, Dressler was living in Manassas, Virginia, where he met fellow resident Edgar Rohr, who recounted that he spotted the Chrysler because he needed new tires for his work truck and saw that the Imperial’s tires were the same size. Tires were hard to come by, and Rohr offered $125 for the set. Dressler refused to sell just the tires, so Rohr purchased the entire car for the same price. Never actually removing the tires, Rohr fell in love with the car, painted it bright red with yellow stripes because he was a volunteer fireman, and used it to promote his business. A wonderful array of photos of the car during this time accompany the sale.

Rohr kept the Phaeton until circa 1978, when he sold it to noted collector Rick Carroll, and by the late 1980s the Imperial was owned by David Huckins of New Hampshire, who restored it and owned it for more than 20 years. The consignor acquired the Chrysler in 2014 and has shown it at various concours events, winning multiple best in class awards and it has since been used sparingly. One of the rarest Classic Era Chryslers, this Custom Phaeton sets itself apart with its remarkable history and extensive documentation, making it a true prize for the discerning collector of 1930s automobiles.