1932 Chrysler Series CL Imperial Convertible Sedan

The Chrysler CL Imperial Series were given large wheelbases and adequate powerplants. They were outfitted with luxurious amenities and beautiful styling. They are considered among the best-looking classics of the era.

Mounted on the long and flowing bonnet was a 384 cubic-inch, nine-main bearing eight-cylinder engine that produced 135 horsepower. The engine was mounted to a four-speed synchromesh gearbox and vacuum clutch. There were four-wheel hydraulic brakes.

The car was introduced at a devastating point in history, in 1932, during the Great Depression. The luxury car market disappeared and production of the CL lasted until 1933, with many left unsold even as production ceased.

This 1932 Chrysler CL Imperial Convertible Sedan with coachwork by LeBaron was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held in Amelia Island, Florida. It was offered without reserve and estimated to sell between $300,000 - $400,000. When the car was new, back in 1932, it set the buyer back $3,595. The Convertible Sedan was the most expensive CL Imperial body style offered.

The history of LeBaron Carrossiers Inc. dates back to 1920. It was founded by two prominent and well-known coachbuilders, Thomas L. Hibbard and Raymond Dietrich. The duo established their business at 2 Columbus Circle in New York City. The location was expensive but it did provide the image and prestige they were hoping to ascertain. The name, LeBaron, was chosen because it sounded French and sophisticated.

The New York City office was just that, an office where the design work was done. There were no coachbuilding facilities at this location. This allowed them to segregate their talents from the manufacturer of the chassis and the actual coachbuilding firms.

Soon after the Design Studio opened its doors for business, they were approached by Ralph Roberts from Brewster who was looking for work. Dietrich and Hibbard appreciated his talents and offered him a one-third partnership in the business. In the years to come, both Dietrich and Hibbard left the company they formed to form other opportunities. This left Roberts in charge of the company.

A Detroit-based firm named Briggs acquired the LeBaron Company in 1927. Briggs had a well-established list of clientele that included marques such as Ford, Chrysler, Hudson, and Overland. These connections allowed LeBaron's business to flourish and prosper. Soon, they had attracted work from Cadillac, Pierce Arrow, and Lincoln.

Many of the designs for the CL and CG Imperials were done by the LeBaron Design firm. This example is one of the surviving examples of their work. The car has been treated to a comprehensive restoration that was completed in the early 2000s. After the completion of the two-year restoration job, the car was shown at the AACA Hershey Fall Meet where it was awarded its First Junior, followed by a First Senior Award. In 2006 it was awarded a Grand National Award.

At the auction, the excellent restoration and rarity of the car helped drive the selling price near the top of the estimated value. The vehicle was sold for $396,000.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2007