125 bhp, 384 cu. in. inline eight-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission with freewheeling, beam front axle with parallel leaf springs, live rear axle with parallel leaf springs and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 145"
The remarkable styling of the CG series Chrysler Imperials of 1931 to 1933 was the work of a young Chrysler designer named Herb Weissinger, with the keen encouragement of Walter P. Chrysler. Probably the most striking automotive design in existence at the time was the Al Leamy-designed Cord L29, and it strongly inspired both Weissinger and Chrysler. Despite being constrained by a traditional front-engine, rear-drive layout, Weissinger managed to keep the sedan's height down to 70 inches. Overall, the long and low CG Imperial rode on an impressive 145-inch wheelbase, and featured gracefully swept fenders and a vee-shaped radiator shell.
Chrysler traditionally enjoyed a reputation for performance and sound engineering, and the CG Imperial did not disappoint. The robust inline eight-cylinder engine featured nine main bearings, and was mated to a four-speed manual transmission, with an extra-low first gear ratio. In addition, with Chrysler's "Floating Power" rubber engine mounts and well-tuned suspension design, the cars were quite refined and enjoyable to drive. The CG Imperial was quite quick for its time, and the 4,500-pound car could reach 60 miles per hour in 20 seconds, en route to a top speed of 100 miles per hour. Billy Arnold, a well-known race driver, captured several stock car records on the sands of Daytona Beach with an Imperial sedan and a roadster. In fact, Arnold reached 90.4 miles per hour in the flying mile, with the sedan only 0.1 miles per hour slower. Together, these two cars set 12 Class B stock car marks in the AAA record books.
Of the 3,228 Imperials built in 1931, 1195 examples featured the handsome, close-coupled club sedan bodywork by Briggs Manufacturing Company. Yet, unfortunately, many of these attractive club sedans were destroyed to make rebodied dual cowl phaetons. As a result, original examples such as this have become quite rare, and are even more so in the outstanding condition of the example offered here. This car benefits from a professional restoration that was completed in 1999 to a very high standard, and displays a dignified two-tone brown exterior finish offset by a dark brown beltline. Accessories include dual side-mounted spare tires with chrome-accented hard covers, dual cowl lights, dual windshield wipers, and a rear-mounted trunk. Of course, the sedan rides on proper wide whitewall tires with dark brown painted wire wheels, crowned by chrome-plated hubcaps and trim rings.
The equally impressive interior is appointed with tan cloth upholstery with dark brown piping, along with matching tan carpets and floor mats. The restored black dash displays crisp instruments, along with a restored black steering wheel, while rich walnut window trim and gold-plated door handles and window cranks enhance the aura of luxury and exclusivity. Reportedly, this car was based in Chicago during the early 1930s, and it retains an additional tank mounted underneath the car, intended for the extra-legal transportation of alcohol. While little is known of this part of the car's history, this fast and spacious CG Imperial was more than equal to the task.
This 1931 Chrysler CG Imperial truly represents the successful marriage of Chrysler's traditional engineering excellence with the design genius of Herb Weissinger, along with the influence of Walter P. Chrysler. This beautifully restored and luxurious CCCA Full Classic will truly please the most discerning classic car enthusiast, and will capably anchor any significant collection of prewar American automobiles.
The remarkable styling of the CG series Chrysler Imperials of 1931 to 1933 was the work of a young Chrysler designer named Herb Weissinger, with the keen encouragement of Walter P. Chrysler. Probably the most striking automotive design in existence at the time was the Al Leamy-designed Cord L29, and it strongly inspired both Weissinger and Chrysler. Despite being constrained by a traditional front-engine, rear-drive layout, Weissinger managed to keep the sedan's height down to 70 inches. Overall, the long and low CG Imperial rode on an impressive 145-inch wheelbase, and featured gracefully swept fenders and a vee-shaped radiator shell.
Chrysler traditionally enjoyed a reputation for performance and sound engineering, and the CG Imperial did not disappoint. The robust inline eight-cylinder engine featured nine main bearings, and was mated to a four-speed manual transmission, with an extra-low first gear ratio. In addition, with Chrysler's "Floating Power" rubber engine mounts and well-tuned suspension design, the cars were quite refined and enjoyable to drive. The CG Imperial was quite quick for its time, and the 4,500-pound car could reach 60 miles per hour in 20 seconds, en route to a top speed of 100 miles per hour. Billy Arnold, a well-known race driver, captured several stock car records on the sands of Daytona Beach with an Imperial sedan and a roadster. In fact, Arnold reached 90.4 miles per hour in the flying mile, with the sedan only 0.1 miles per hour slower. Together, these two cars set 12 Class B stock car marks in the AAA record books.
Of the 3,228 Imperials built in 1931, 1195 examples featured the handsome, close-coupled club sedan bodywork by Briggs Manufacturing Company. Yet, unfortunately, many of these attractive club sedans were destroyed to make rebodied dual cowl phaetons. As a result, original examples such as this have become quite rare, and are even more so in the outstanding condition of the example offered here. This car benefits from a professional restoration that was completed in 1999 to a very high standard, and displays a dignified two-tone brown exterior finish offset by a dark brown beltline. Accessories include dual side-mounted spare tires with chrome-accented hard covers, dual cowl lights, dual windshield wipers, and a rear-mounted trunk. Of course, the sedan rides on proper wide whitewall tires with dark brown painted wire wheels, crowned by chrome-plated hubcaps and trim rings.
The equally impressive interior is appointed with tan cloth upholstery with dark brown piping, along with matching tan carpets and floor mats. The restored black dash displays crisp instruments, along with a restored black steering wheel, while rich walnut window trim and gold-plated door handles and window cranks enhance the aura of luxury and exclusivity. Reportedly, this car was based in Chicago during the early 1930s, and it retains an additional tank mounted underneath the car, intended for the extra-legal transportation of alcohol. While little is known of this part of the car's history, this fast and spacious CG Imperial was more than equal to the task.
This 1931 Chrysler CG Imperial truly represents the successful marriage of Chrysler's traditional engineering excellence with the design genius of Herb Weissinger, along with the influence of Walter P. Chrysler. This beautifully restored and luxurious CCCA Full Classic will truly please the most discerning classic car enthusiast, and will capably anchor any significant collection of prewar American automobiles.
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Auction details
RM - Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook
8:00 AM PT - Aug 2nd, 2008
offered by
RM Auctions
5 West Forest Ave
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
