Home > Classic Cars For Sale > Chrysler > CL Imperial > 1933 Chrysler CL Imperial

Sold 1933 Chrysler CL Imperial 2146358099

  • 1933 Chrysler CL Imperial For Sale | Ad Id 2146358099
Overview

1933 Chrysler CL Imperial

Price: Contact Seller for Price


In the wake of a dust-up with William Billy Durant the fiery founder of General Motors Walter P. Chrysler left his post at Durants fledgling corporation to strike out on his own. Not one to lack confidence Mr. Chrysler purchased the ailing Maxwell Motor Company and began the process of reorganizing the firm. The Chrysler Corporation was born from the ruins of Maxwell with a fresh new approach driven by Walter P Chryslers ambitions. He wasted little time in turning out beautiful new motorcars that offered buyers exceptional value and performance for the money. Within just a few short years Walter P. Chrysler transformed the bones of the Maxwell Motor Company into one of Americas most successful car companies.Incorporated in 1924 Chrysler Corporation rapidly earned a reputation for building automobiles of notable performance and quality at a reasonable price. The firm added the flagship Imperial model in 1926 building on their success. At first the name applied to the top-spec standard cars. However by 1931 the Imperial nameplate evolved into a stand-alone automobile set well-above the rest of the Chrysler line. The CG Imperial of 1931 had Packard Pierce-Arrow and Cadillac squarely in its sights for honors in the highly competitive luxury car market. Its nine-main-bearing straight eight produced 125 horsepower enough to propel the big Imperial to over 95mph. Lowness was a top priority for Chrysler and the L-29 was his benchmark. It is of little surprise to know that both cars came from the pen of Alan Leamy and the similarities are apparent in the Imperials dramatically sweeping fenders canted radiator shell and long low-slung profile.For the 1932 CL Imperial Chrysler stretched the chassis to 146 inches and revised the styling with a swept and raked grille cowl-less hood and gracefully flowing fenders. Hydraulic brakes adjustable seats and hydraulic dampers all carried over to the CL so performance was up to Chrysler standards. Thanks to the advanced suspension geometry and powerful 8-cylinder engine the CL Imperial is one of the finest driving cars of the period.Considered among the most elegant expressions of classic era style this 1933 Chrysler CL Imperial custom wears gorgeous Dual Windshield Phaeton coachwork by LeBaron Carrosserie. Of the 151 CL chassis produced in 1933 just 50 cars wore factory custom coachwork by LeBaron and this is one of 17 known survivors of this style. Distinguished by its split windshield rakish profile and retractable rear windscreen the LeBaron Phaeton is one of the most evocative and visually stunning bodies created for the CL Imperial chassis.The early history of this car is not fully documented; however it is believed that it was delivered new in Washington D.C. and that it later belonged to Mr. Paul Vanderbilt. In approximately 1954 Homer W. Fitterling discovered it in Chicago and added it to his ever-growing collection which would eventually exceed 300 cars. According to marque experts the LeBaron Coachwork was in excellent condition when Fitterling found it although the chassis had accumulated considerable mileage. At the time he owned an identical CL with much lower mileage and a limousine body so he decided to combine the best aspects of the two cars placing the stunning dual windshield LeBaron body on the excellent low-mileage chassis of the limousine. At a time when car restoration was in its infancy this was a common practice among enthusiasts and an accepted method to ensure these wonderful cars continued to live on.The Imperial remained with Fitterling until 1984 when it passed to another noted collector Robert P. Bahre of Maine who kept it until the mid-1990s. Recognizing the cars importance the next owner commissioned the highly-respected restorer Barry Keating of Classic Crossroads in Salt Lake City to carry out a concours quality nut and bolt restoration to exacting standards. Remarkably the body was still in exceptional condition retaining its original sheet metal and castings. Every detail was tended to down to the correct Dodge Brothers-branded hardware. Some of the industrys most respected craftsmen had a hand in the restoration; including plating by Bob Diehl and the exquisite interior and convertible top by Fran Roxas long-time trimmer Chris Nierstheimer. In 2004 the magnificent Chrysler graced the field at the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance scoring a podium finish in its class. In the early 2010s Stone Barn Restorations in New Jersey performed an extensive mechanical service to ensure the car performed as beautifully as it looked. They continued to look after this car for several years and it remains in impeccable mechanical order. It has been driven sparingly and lovingly cared for in the hands of its most recent owner and it stands as one of finest of its kind available.Finished in taupe over a burgundy chassis and interior the big Imperial is deeply impressive and breathtakingly beautiful. Thanks to regular care and maintenance it presents in exquisite cosmetic and mechanical condition with a subtly mellowed restoration. As expected of a former Pebble Beach concours car the paint and bodywork are outstanding with precise gaps and a glass-smooth finish. The extensive chrome and brightwork is excellent and in near-concours condition. Body color rims accent the chrome wire wheels which wear wide-whitewall tires. Accessories and fittings include a Gazelle mascot dual chrome trumpet horns dual side mount spare wheels with painted covers and a body-color trunk. The 348.8 cubic inch inline-eight is detailed correctly with the signature Chrysler red cylinder head and period-correct fittings.A particular highlight of this car is the magnificent interior trimmed in fine grain burgundy leather and beautiful wool carpet. The seats and interior panels are in exceptional condition with the leather still looking crisp and taut with a very light character from use mainly on the drivers seat. The tan carpets are bound to match the seats likewise in excellent order. Custom made burgundy-lined Haartz canvas was used for the convertible top boot and full set of side curtains. With the top up or down the presentation is equally striking.Thanks to its meticulous maintenance and care at the hands of specialists this Chrysler remains in stunning condition and would be a welcome participant in numerous concours or touring events. The versatile and beautiful coachwork is well-suited to regular enjoyment on the road where the sublime chassis and engine can be exercised. Beautiful rare and immensely desirable this CL Imperial is a stunning example of the mastery of LeBaron Carrosserie and a welcome addition to virtually any collection of significant motorcars.
Specifications
  • VIN:
  • Exterior: grey
  • Interior: burgundy


This vehicle is no longer available. Check out our other cars like this one or browse all of our classic, vintage and collector cars listed for sale.

All Makes
Classic car for sale by
Hyman Ltd

Location: St Louis, MO, United States

Email the Seller




Your Message:



Your Message:

You may be able to finance this car.

Own this vehicle for only:

$0/month   |   Apply Now!
Subject to credit approval.

Note from the publisher:
Welcome to our collector car marketplace where we feature thousands of classified ad listings of vintage cars for sale. We hope that you will bookmark our site and visit often; our cars are updated every day. Furthermore we encourage you to subscribe to our mailing list so that we may periodically notify you of interesting classic cars that become available.