Chrysler CG Imperial Convertible Coupe by LeBaron, 1931
Chrysler Imperial II
Chrysler Imperial II•
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Engine No.: CG 2596
Body No.: 150-2
Registration: Canadian Registration
Location: Hershey, Pennsylvania
$269,500 USD | Sold
- Among the most exclusive and attractive LeBaron body styles offered on the 145-in. wheelbase CG Imperial chassis
- Benefits from a comprehensive, award-winning restoration completed in 2002 by noted Chrysler Imperial expert Joe Morgan
- Widely shown with many accolades, including multiple CCCA First Place and Best of Show awards
- Maintained under current ownership by the concours-winning team at RM Auto Restoration
- A CCCA Full Classic well-suited to continued exhibition and touring
The remarkable styling of Chrysler’s CG Imperial models came from one of the greatest design firms of the Classic Era: LeBaron. Founded by Thomas L. Hibbard and Ray Dietrich in 1920, and later joined by Ralph Roberts, the company established itself as innovative, creative, and responsive. Although Hibbard and Dietrich eventually left the firm to pursue other opportunities, the company flourished under Roberts’ direction.
Probably the most striking design in existence at the time was Alan Leamy’s L-29 Cord. So, when Leamy was hired to style the Imperial, it is not surprising that the cars did bear some resemblance. Like the L-29, the CG was long and low, featuring gracefully swept fenders and a V-shaped radiator. LeBaron improved on the design with a longer hood, a swept-back grille, and a more elegant bodyside treatment.
All Chryslers had a reputation for performance, and the CG Imperial did not disappoint. With 125 horsepower and a three-speed transmission, the cars were very quick. Chrysler’s “Floating Power” engine mounts and well-tuned suspension meant that these cars were also quite refined to drive. Technically interesting as well, they featured freewheeling—which enabled coasting without the engine engaged—and a new automatic spark advance mechanism, both firsts for Chrysler.
While other coachbuilding firms executed a number of customs, LeBaron accounted for the vast majority of bodies on the Imperial Custom Line chassis. Many collectors are familiar with the Sport Phaetons and Roadsters, yet few are aware that one of the rarest and most attractive styles LeBaron offered was the Convertible Coupe. With its low windshield and compact passenger compartment, the LeBaron Convertible Coupe emphasizes the natural good looks of the Imperial Custom Line chassis, with its long hood and graceful, sweeping fenders. The imposing 145-inch wheelbase allows for a sloping tail that further accentuates the body lines.
A limited number of these striking bodies were built, and only a handful survive today, making them among the rarest of the open styles. The example offered here shipped on 26 November 1930 to the Chrysler dealer in Dayton, Ohio, according to a copy of its original factory inspection sheet. While the intervening history is not known, noted Chrysler Imperial expert Joe Morgan purchased the car from a California collector who had owned it since the late 1950s.
After acquiring the Chrysler, Morgan completed a comprehensive body-off restoration to the highest standards. Stripped to bare metal, the car’s ash framework was repaired as needed, and the doors, decklid, and hoods were painstakingly fitted to ensure gaps as close to perfect as possible. After hundreds of hours of priming and block sanding, the car was painted, wet-sanded, and buffed. Chrome wire wheels and proper metal side-mount covers were fitted during the process. Meanwhile, a full mechanical restoration included both the engine and the correct transmission.
Numerous awards since the restoration was completed in 2002 attest to the quality of work, including National First Place Junior and Best Chrysler at the Antique Automobile Club of America National Fall Meet in Hershey, Pennsylvania. In 2004, the car won a Classic Car Club of America First Place Senior Award and First in Class at the 2004 Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance.
Since joining the collection of the prior owner in 2005, it enjoyed consistent care and maintenance as needed, while further accolades from ongoing exhibitions continued to prove the car’s superb quality and preservation. The Chrysler achieved 99.5- and 99.75-point assessments and First Place awards at CCCA events from 2006 to 2007 and won the Best Paint award at the 2007 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. At the 2008 Grand Experience in Hickory Corners, Michigan, it won Best in Show and achieved a remarkable 100-point score at the concurrent CCCA meet. Best in Class and Best of Featured Marque at the 2008 Ault Park Concours d’Elegance capped off a highly successful year.
Within current Ontario-based ownership, this remarkable Chrysler has been regularly maintained with routine servicing by the nine-time Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance-winning team at RM Auto Restoration.
Rightfully recognized as a CCCA Full Classic of the finest distinction, this Chrysler remains an ideal candidate for both shows and tours—and its factory-correct 3.82:1 ratio rear axle makes it particularly well-suited to drives of any length. With few built and even fewer survivors, the opportunity to acquire a fantastic example of the CG Imperial with known provenance and restored by a marque expert is extremely rare.
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989 739 AED
