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1932 Chrysler Series CI news, pictures, and information | ||
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Fred Zeder, Owen Skelton and Carl Breer, led Chrysler's engineering department and were responsible for many innovations, including the 'Silent Shift' transmission, along with CentriFuse brake drums, 'squeak proof' oil light springs and oil impregnated sintered metal. Another innovation was 'Floating Power,' an automotive design that placed the engine on strategically placed rubber mounts. Walter Chrysler thought of 'Floating Power' as the automotive fourth milestone, ranking just behind the electric starter, four wheel brakes and enclosed body.
This Kercheval bodied, three windowed, dual side mount, rumble seat coupe was built on March 29th of 1932 and was one of 2,913 produced at the Corner Avenue Assembly plant in Detroit, Michigan. It was shipped on April 1st to Cleveland, Ohio. It returned to Detroit and was purchased in 1998 by the present owner from a family in Grosse Point Park, Michigan. The body, engine and chassis of this automobile is original and unmodified.
The CL was built in limited numbers during 1932 and 1933 and is considered one of the greatest Chrysler automobiles of all time, featuring semi-custom coachwork courtesy of LeBaron. In 1932 it was offered in six various body-styles including limousine, phaeton, convertible roadster, sedan, seven-passenger, and a convertible sedan. A small number of rolling bare chassis were supplied to various coachbuilder for customization.
The name Imperial had been used by Chrysler since 1924 representing their top models. These models were more expensive, larger, faster and more elaborate than the base model Chryslers. Two years later the Imperial became its own series. The 1926 version, dubbed the E-80, was powered by a 288.7 cubic-inch six cylinder engine capable of producing an astonishing 92 horsepower. Its impressive looks matched its 80 mph top speed.
In 1928, the L-80 series was introduced. With a 309.3 cubic-inch engine and more than 100 horsepower on tap, the Chrysler L-80 was faster and more powerful than its predecessor, raising the luxury performance bar even higher.
The early 1930 Imperial's continued the tradition of beauty, luxury, and impressive performance. They offered a gentle ride that was soft yet able to keep the car level in turns. The 51 percent front and 49 percent rear weight distribution amplifies Chryslers advanced engineering genius of its time. Under the hood was an enormous 384.8 cubic-inch straight-eight cylinder powerplant. The 'vee' shape radiator grill and fenders were courtesy of Chryslers Art and Color staff employee Herb Weissinger, patterned and inspired after the front-wheel drive Cord L-29. The windshield was split and slanted. Spare tires were mounted in the traditional location, on the side close to the engine.
The early 1930's were tough times. Unemployment was at an all-time high. The stock market crash and the onset of the Great Depression meant the short list of individuals capable of purchasing a luxury automobile was dwindling. The competition was stiff, filled with famous marque's such as Cadillac, Marmon, Auburn, Packard, and more. To stay in business, the manufacturers need to remain competitive. Chrysler responded in 1932 by shortening the wheelbase by ten inches and slashing the price by $800 and offering the Imperial CH. The straight-eight cylinder was retained. The goal was to provide moderately priced cars that could sustain a steady cash flow and keep the company in business. The result was a phenomenal car for the money and brilliant manufacturing economy for Chrysler.
The big-image builder automobiles were retained. The 145-inch wheelbase Imperial Custom Eight, Series CL was still available. These machines were identical to the 1931 versions except for the elimination of the traditional cowl. The hood reached from the windshield to the radiator in one unbroken line, a design courtesy of LeBaron. Mechanically, the chassis received modifications that gave it extra strength and lowered its center of gravity. The steering ratio was reduced from three turns lock-to-lock to four. The result was a vehicle that was more stable at speed and easier to park. New for 1932 was the vacuum-operated automatic clutch and vacuum-assisted brakes. The automatic clutch made it possible for the driver to switch gears without de-clutching. Since it was a new system it did not always work properly. The vacuum-assisted brakes were a welcome change and provided superb stopping power. For 1932 only 220 examples were produced.
For 1933 the Imperial was basically just a name slapped on a Series CP Chrysler Eight. The wheelbase was 126 inches and the engine displayed 298.6 cubic-inches and rated at 108 horsepower. The Custom Imperial, however, continued unchanged. For the 1933 production year, 151 examples of the Customer Imperial models were produced.
The Custom Imperials were easy to drive, fast, full of style, and superb automobiles that represented styling and mechanical advancements in the automotive community.
By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2006
The name Imperial had been used by Chrysler since 1924 representing their top models. These models were more expensive, larger, faster and more elaborate than the base model Chryslers. Two years later the Imperial became its own series. The 1926 version, dubbed the E-80, was powered by a 288.7 cubic-inch six cylinder engine capable of producing an astonishing 92 horsepower. Its impressive looks matched its 80 mph top speed.
In 1928, the L-80 series was introduced. With a 309.3 cubic-inch engine and more than 100 horsepower on tap, the Chrysler L-80 was faster and more powerful than its predecessor, raising the luxury performance bar even higher.
The early 1930 Imperial's continued the tradition of beauty, luxury, and impressive performance. They offered a gentle ride that was soft yet able to keep the car level in turns. The 51 percent front and 49 percent rear weight distribution amplifies Chryslers advanced engineering genius of its time. Under the hood was an enormous 384.8 cubic-inch straight-eight cylinder powerplant. The 'vee' shape radiator grill and fenders were courtesy of Chryslers Art and Color staff employee Herb Weissinger, patterned and inspired after the front-wheel drive Cord L-29. The windshield was split and slanted. Spare tires were mounted in the traditional location, on the side close to the engine.
The early 1930's were tough times. Unemployment was at an all-time high. The stock market crash and the onset of the Great Depression meant the short list of individuals capable of purchasing a luxury automobile was dwindling. The competition was stiff, filled with famous marque's such as Cadillac, Marmon, Auburn, Packard, and more. To stay in business, the manufacturers need to remain competitive. Chrysler responded in 1932 by shortening the wheelbase by ten inches and slashing the price by $800 and offering the Imperial CH. The straight-eight cylinder was retained. The goal was to provide moderately priced cars that could sustain a steady cash flow and keep the company in business. The result was a phenomenal car for the money and brilliant manufacturing economy for Chrysler.
The big-image builder automobiles were retained. The 145-inch wheelbase Imperial Custom Eight, Series CL was still available. These machines were identical to the 1931 versions except for the elimination of the traditional cowl. The hood reached from the windshield to the radiator in one unbroken line, a design courtesy of LeBaron. Mechanically, the chassis received modifications that gave it extra strength and lowered its center of gravity. The steering ratio was reduced from three turns lock-to-lock to four. The result was a vehicle that was more stable at speed and easier to park. New for 1932 was the vacuum-operated automatic clutch and vacuum-assisted brakes. The automatic clutch made it possible for the driver to switch gears without de-clutching. Since it was a new system it did not always work properly. The vacuum-assisted brakes were a welcome change and provided superb stopping power. For 1932 only 220 examples were produced.
For 1933 the Imperial was basically just a name slapped on a Series CP Chrysler Eight. The wheelbase was 126 inches and the engine displayed 298.6 cubic-inches and rated at 108 horsepower. The Custom Imperial, however, continued unchanged. For the 1933 production year, 151 examples of the Customer Imperial models were produced.
The Custom Imperials were easy to drive, fast, full of style, and superb automobiles that represented styling and mechanical advancements in the automotive community.
By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2006
The work of LeBaron is considered to be the most remarkable styling of the CG Series Imperials. LeBaron was one of the greatest design firms of the classic era, and was established as innovative, creative and completely responsive. LeBaron was founded by Wand Ray Dietrich and was later joined by Ralph Roberts, and though Dietrich eventually left the firm to pursue other interests, the company continued to flourish at the hands of Roberts.
Hired to style the CG Imperial, Al Leamy was held in great regard for the L29 Cord, which was considered to be the most striking design in existence. The CG was long and low, much like the L29, and featured gracefully swept fenders along with a v-shaped radiator. The CG's design was improved by LeBaron with a swept-back grille, a much more elegant body-side treatment and a longer hood.
A variety of L29 Cord styling designs were incorporated into the design of the CG Imperial, and since the CG had a larger platform on which to display the styling, it was considered even more aesthetically successful than the Cord. Chryslers have held a reputation for performance the CG Imperial was no exception with 125 horsepower, along with a four-speed transmission. Along with a well-tuned suspension and Chrysler's 'floating power', the Imperial was a refined vehicle to drive. The Imperial was the first vehicle in the country that employed fluid coupling. This was also offered as optional equipment on the 1939 model.
Considered by many to be the most beautiful Imperial ever, the CG series was biggest change in 1931. The CG came with the new corporate work-horse, the Flathead Eight as Chrysler was in the process of narrowing engine production. Much advertising for the Imperial references the '8' in regards to the new engine. Becoming the standard wheel treatment until the 1940's, new tire wheels for the Chrysler Imperial were introduced with the Imperial CG.
In 1927, the first Imperials began appearing on the market utilizing a 92-horsepower flathead-six. Imperials would continue to be powered by the same engine until 1931 when the CG series was introduced in 1931. A Imperial was driven on a double cross-country run from San Francisco to New York, to Los Angeles, a total of 6,726-mile trek, at which the Imperial average 40.2 miles per hour to introduce the new line of luxury Chryslers.
Unfortunately, since the Great Depression was in full swing at the time of introduction, sales of the 1931 and 1932 Imperial were not as high as hoped. At an original list price of $3,575, only a total of 339 custom and semi-custom CG's were sold, making these vehicles even rarer than the Model J and SJ Duesenbergs.
Continuing to be produced until 1933, the Imperial CG's were updated with styling and even smaller semi-custom and custom sales, before eventually being replaced by the radical Airflow Imperials in 1934. These new radical airflow vehicles sold an amazing 2,000-plus models in that year.
Many enthusiasts consider the CG Imperial dual cowl phaeton to be among the best driving vehicle of the era along with one of the finest looking cars. Today this vehicle is extremely rare as only a handful of these vehicles are known to exist. At RM Classic Cars' Novi sale held on November 15, 2002, the CG Imperial dual cowl phaeton was sold at $214,500 that included buyer's premium.By Jessica Donaldson
Hired to style the CG Imperial, Al Leamy was held in great regard for the L29 Cord, which was considered to be the most striking design in existence. The CG was long and low, much like the L29, and featured gracefully swept fenders along with a v-shaped radiator. The CG's design was improved by LeBaron with a swept-back grille, a much more elegant body-side treatment and a longer hood.
A variety of L29 Cord styling designs were incorporated into the design of the CG Imperial, and since the CG had a larger platform on which to display the styling, it was considered even more aesthetically successful than the Cord. Chryslers have held a reputation for performance the CG Imperial was no exception with 125 horsepower, along with a four-speed transmission. Along with a well-tuned suspension and Chrysler's 'floating power', the Imperial was a refined vehicle to drive. The Imperial was the first vehicle in the country that employed fluid coupling. This was also offered as optional equipment on the 1939 model.
Considered by many to be the most beautiful Imperial ever, the CG series was biggest change in 1931. The CG came with the new corporate work-horse, the Flathead Eight as Chrysler was in the process of narrowing engine production. Much advertising for the Imperial references the '8' in regards to the new engine. Becoming the standard wheel treatment until the 1940's, new tire wheels for the Chrysler Imperial were introduced with the Imperial CG.
In 1927, the first Imperials began appearing on the market utilizing a 92-horsepower flathead-six. Imperials would continue to be powered by the same engine until 1931 when the CG series was introduced in 1931. A Imperial was driven on a double cross-country run from San Francisco to New York, to Los Angeles, a total of 6,726-mile trek, at which the Imperial average 40.2 miles per hour to introduce the new line of luxury Chryslers.
Unfortunately, since the Great Depression was in full swing at the time of introduction, sales of the 1931 and 1932 Imperial were not as high as hoped. At an original list price of $3,575, only a total of 339 custom and semi-custom CG's were sold, making these vehicles even rarer than the Model J and SJ Duesenbergs.
Continuing to be produced until 1933, the Imperial CG's were updated with styling and even smaller semi-custom and custom sales, before eventually being replaced by the radical Airflow Imperials in 1934. These new radical airflow vehicles sold an amazing 2,000-plus models in that year.
Many enthusiasts consider the CG Imperial dual cowl phaeton to be among the best driving vehicle of the era along with one of the finest looking cars. Today this vehicle is extremely rare as only a handful of these vehicles are known to exist. At RM Classic Cars' Novi sale held on November 15, 2002, the CG Imperial dual cowl phaeton was sold at $214,500 that included buyer's premium.By Jessica Donaldson
 1932
Chrysler
models |
| Chrysler Riverside Special |
| Chrysler Series CL Imperial | 1932 Chrysler Concepts |
| Chrysler Airflow Trifon Concept |
| Similar Automakers | |
| Cadillac | Chevrolet |
| Dodge | Ford |
| GMC | Hummer |
| Jeep | Lincoln |
| Mercury | Pontiac |
| Saturn | |
| Similarly Priced Vehicles from 1932 |
| Auburn 12-160A ($1,105-$1,295) |
| Oldsmobile F-32 ($925-$1,036) |
| Pontiac 302 ($845-$1,025) |
| Auburn 8-100 ($675-$875) |
| Auburn 8-100A ($805-$1,005) |
| Studebaker Dictator ($1,000-$1,200) |
Average Auction Sale: $77,000 |
| Chrysler: 1931-1940 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Other models by Chrysler |
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