By the late 1920’s Walter Chrysler had taken the remains of the former Maxwell Motor Company and turned it into one of the most significant automotive corporations of all time, the Chrysler Corporation. Chrysler made an impressive reputation built on quality, engineering and affordability. By the end of the decade, Walter Chrysler had set his sights on a flagship model to compete in the competitive luxury market. The result was the elegant Chrysler Imperial. This award winning example,…
By the late 1920’s Walter Chrysler had taken the remains of the former Maxwell Motor Company and turned it into one of the most significant automotive corporations of all time, the Chrysler Corporation. Chrysler made an impressive reputation built on quality, engineering and affordability. By the end of the decade, Walter Chrysler had set his sights on a flagship model to compete in the competitive luxury market. The result was the elegant Chrysler Imperial. This award winning example, a 1931 Chrysler CG Imperial Custom Coupe is perhaps one of the most significant examples of the Imperial line in the United States today and possibly one of the finest true classic automobiles to be found.
Like so many competitors at the time, Chrysler offered the CG Imperial chassis for sale with a full catalog of “Custom Line” bodies to choose from. This example is believed to be one of only two LeBron bodied custom 2/4 passenger rumble seat coupes in existence. Rediscovered in the 1970s’ this Imperial eventually found its way into the hands of well-known Imperial expert and restorer Joe Morgan. Mr. Morgan discovered that this vehicle maintained the majority of its original components including engine, chassis, firewall and the majority of the original body. Of the 339 imperials built over a three-year period, only two “Custom Line” coupes are known to exist today. Mr. Morgan used the other example as a guide during the restoration of this vehicle.
No expense was spared in the complete nut and bolt concours quality restoration of this automobile. When completed, this Imperial was officially unveiled at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2006. Since completion this vehicle has always been kept and maintained to a high standard by a select few prestigious private collections. In 2023 this CG Coupe received its AACA National First Prize, another prestigious honor which speaks to the caliber of the vehicle’s quality.
Not only is this Imperial one of the most stylish automobiles ever created, but this rolling work of art is an engineering marvel as well. Under the long, graceful hood sits the 385ci straight eight engine capable of 125hp paired to a four-speed synchromesh transmission. Four wheel hydraulic brakes and an advanced geometry suspension on a 145 wheelbase chassis create an automobile with exceptional performance, capable of speeds up to 100MPH. As one would expect, this Imperial runs and drives as one would expect.
A perfect combination of power and prestige, this elegantly designed automobile was completed in correct 1931 Chrysler colors a two tone Pembroke Gray – Smoke Grey combination. Subtle touches such as the matching dark red painted wheels with matching color pinstripe help to complement the sweeping lines and curves of this marvelous automobile. On the interior, the dark red interior matches the wheels and pinstripe tying the color combinations together.
On the interior one can experience the highest level of design, luxury and functionality available for that time period. All the upholstery and coachwork was done to award winning standards and both the coupe and rumble seat interiors match.
Simply put, this 1931 Chrysler CG Imperial “Custom Line” coupe is one of the finest true classic automobiles in the nation today. It is an extremely rare model, with two known examples known to exist, and a prestigious Pebble Beach participant and an AACA National First Prize winner. This automobile would be a welcomed entrant in any major concours d’ elegance or any classic car tour or caravan. Serious collectors should take note of the opportunity to become the caretaker of this amazing piece of automotive history.
Sold with a title.
*The following ratings were provided by the consignor, based on a scale of ‘Poor’, ‘Fair’, ‘Good’, ‘Very Good’ or ‘Excellent’. (Excellent = 100% restored)