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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
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
2007 Vintage Motor Cars at Amelia Island
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $300,000-USD $400,000
Sale Price :
USD $396,000
1932 Chrysler Series CL Imperial Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Chrysler Series CL Imperial
(Data based on Model Year 1932 sales)
1932 Chrysler CL Imperial Convertible Sedan Chassis#: 7803459 Sold for USD$126,500 2022 RM Sothebys : The Hershey Auction | |
1932 Chrysler CL Imperial Convertible Sedan Sold for USD$137,500 2021 RM Auctions : Auburn Fall | |
1932 Chrysler CL Imperial Dual-Windshield Phaeton by LeBaron Chassis#: 7803371 Sold for USD$218,400 2021 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island Auction | |
1932 Chrysler CL Imperial Convertible Roadster by LeBaron Chassis#: 7803524 Sold for USD$577,000 2021 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island Auction | |
1932 Chrysler CL Imperial Custom Convertible Sedan Chassis#: 7803380 Sold for USD$181,500 2017 Bonhams : Greenwich Concours | |
1932 Chrysler CL Imperial Convertible Sedan by LeBaron Chassis#: CL1138 Sold for USD$429,000 2015 RM Sotheby's : Monterey | |
1932 CHRYSLER IMPERIAL CONVERTIBLE SEDAN Chassis#: 7900871 Sold for USD$297,000 2014 Barrett-Jackson's 43RD Annual Scottsdale Auction | |
1932 Chrysler CL Imperial Convertible Coupe by LeBaron Chassis#: 7803368 Sold for USD$525,000 2013 RM Auctions - Amelia Island | |
1932 Chrysler Custom Imperial CL Convertible Sedan Chassis#: 7803358 Sold for USD$247,500 2012 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auction | |
1932 CHRYSLER IMPERIAL CONVERTIBLE SEDAN Chassis#: 7900871 Sold for USD$330,000 2011 Barrett-Jackson - Scottsdale 2011 | |
1932 Chrysler Series CL Imperial Sold for USD$660,000 2008 Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook | |
1932 Chrysler Series CL Imperial Sold for USD$396,000 2007 Vintage Motor Cars at Amelia Island | |
1932 Chrysler CL Custom Imperial Convertible Chassis#: 7803322 Sold for USD$231,000 2004 Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auction |
Chrysler Series CL Imperials That Failed To Sell At Auction
1932 Chrysler Series CL Imperial's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1932 Chrysler CL Imperial Convertible Sedan | 7803353 | 2015 Dragone Auction Fall | $425,000 | $475,000 | |
1932 Chrysler Imperial | 7528249 | 2012 Silver Auction Seattle, Washington | |||
1932 Chrysler Imperial | 2012 Silver Auction Coeur d'Alene | $27,000 | |||
1932 Chrysler Imperial Convertible | 2005 The Florida Collector Car Auction | $4,600 |
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1932 Chrysler Series CL Imperial
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