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Historically overshadowed by the daringly radical (and commercially disastrous) 1934 Airflow series, the 1933 Chryslers marked the end of the company's traditional classics and the beginning of the end of Chrysler cars readily adaptable to custom coachbuilder bodies. Fabricated on the big (146-inch wheelbase) Imperial Custom chassis, this lordly dual cowl phaeton came from the LeBaron shops in Detroit.
With such sweeping change on the near horizon, the 1933 Chryslers were essentially carryovers from 1932. Chrysler discontinued its four-speed transmission, with its super low first gear, in favor of a conventional three-speed redesigned to accommodate helical-cut gears, an industry first that reduced gearbox noise. Downdraft carburetors were equipped with an automatic choke, and the starter was engaged by pressing the gas pedal to the floor. Cosmetic updates included a modestly redesigned grille canted slightly aft, and a fuller fender treatment on most models that enclosed more of the area behind the front wheels.
Interiors were lavish, with polished walnut dashboards and plenty of room for passengers, fore and aft, even with the rare LeBaron dual cowl partition amidships. The Imperials were big cars, with curb weights soaring well over 5000 pounds. Propulsion was supplied by Chrysler's biggest engine, a 385 cubic-inch flathead straight eight, with as much as 135 horsepower on tap, a 10-horsepower grain over the 1932 version. Just 151 Imperial Customs left the factory in 1933.
For 1933, the Custom Imperial was the top-of-the-line for the Chrysler Corporation. It was introduced mid-year, in February 1933. Three body styles were available: a sedan, a convertible coupe, and the phaeton.
The Custom series was powered by a Chrysler 384.84 cubic-inch inline eight that developed 135 horsepower. Improvements for 1933 included a three-speed silent helical gear transmission and improved steel alloy exhaust valve seats.
Interestingly, 1933 was the last year (pre-war) that Chrysler participated in the Indianapolis 500 race. Its Golden Seal Special finished 14th.
With such sweeping change on the near horizon, the 1933 Chryslers were essentially carryovers from 1932. Chrysler discontinued its four-speed transmission, with its super low first gear, in favor of a conventional three-speed redesigned to accommodate helical-cut gears, an industry first that reduced gearbox noise. Downdraft carburetors were equipped with an automatic choke, and the starter was engaged by pressing the gas pedal to the floor. Cosmetic updates included a modestly redesigned grille canted slightly aft, and a fuller fender treatment on most models that enclosed more of the area behind the front wheels.
Interiors were lavish, with polished walnut dashboards and plenty of room for passengers, fore and aft, even with the rare LeBaron dual cowl partition amidships. The Imperials were big cars, with curb weights soaring well over 5000 pounds. Propulsion was supplied by Chrysler's biggest engine, a 385 cubic-inch flathead straight eight, with as much as 135 horsepower on tap, a 10-horsepower grain over the 1932 version. Just 151 Imperial Customs left the factory in 1933.
For 1933, the Custom Imperial was the top-of-the-line for the Chrysler Corporation. It was introduced mid-year, in February 1933. Three body styles were available: a sedan, a convertible coupe, and the phaeton.
The Custom series was powered by a Chrysler 384.84 cubic-inch inline eight that developed 135 horsepower. Improvements for 1933 included a three-speed silent helical gear transmission and improved steel alloy exhaust valve seats.
Interestingly, 1933 was the last year (pre-war) that Chrysler participated in the Indianapolis 500 race. Its Golden Seal Special finished 14th.
No auction information available for this vehicle at this time.
1933 Chrysler CL Custom Imperial Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Chrysler CL Custom Imperial
(Data based on Model Year 1933 sales)
1933 CHRYSLER CL IMPERIAL CUSTOM PHAETON Chassis#: 7803667 Sold for USD$775,000 2023 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | |
1933 Chrysler CL Imperial Convertible Roadster by LeBaron Sold for USD$698,000 2022 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1933 Chrysler CL Imperial Dual-Windshield Phaeton by LeBaron Sold for USD$192,500 2019 RM Auctions : Auburn Fall | |
1933 Chrysler CL Custom Imperial Sedan Sold for USD$64,400 2019 Bonhams : Quail Lodge Auction | |
1933 Chrysler CL Imperial Dual-Windshield Phaeton by LeBaron Chassis#: 7803613 Sold for USD$258,500 2017 RM Sotheby's : Arizona Auction | |
1933 Chrysler CL Imperial Dual-Windshield Phaeton 'Ralph Roberts' by LeBaron Chassis#: CL 1357 Sold for USD$1,300,000 2017 RM Sotheby's : Arizona Auction | |
1933 Chrysler CL Imperial Dual-Windshield Phaeton by LeBaron Chassis#: 7803597 Sold for USD$357,500 2015 RM Sotheby's : Amelia Island | |
1933 Chrysler CL Imperial Dual-Windshield Phaeton by LeBaron Chassis#: 7803651 Sold for USD$522,500 2014 RM Auctions - Hershey | |
1933 CHRYSLER IMPERIAL CONVERTIBLE Chassis#: 7531781 Sold for USD$130,000 2014 Mecum - Monterey | |
1933 Chrysler CL Imperial Convertible Roadster by LeBaron Chassis#: 7803565 Sold for USD$704,000 2013 RM Auction - Hershey | |
1933 Chrysler Imperial CL Convertible Roadster by LeBaron Chassis#: 7803578 Sold for USD$572,000 2013 RM Auctions - Arizona | |
1933 Chrysler CL Phaeton Sold for USD$341,000 2012 Auctions America - Ft Lauderdale, Fl | |
1933 Chrysler Custom Imperial Five-Passenger Phaeton Chassis#: 7803657 Sold for USD$1,210,000 2012 RM - Milhous Collection, Fla | |
1933 Chrysler CL Imperial Custom Dual Windshield Phaeton by LeBaron Chassis#: 7803667 Sold for USD$500,500 2011 RM Auctions at Monterey | |
1933 Chrysler CL Imperial Dual Cowl Phaeton by LeBaron Chassis#: 7803651 Sold for USD$352,000 2011 RM Auctions - Automobiles of Amelia Island | |
1933 Chrysler CL Imperial Dual Windshield Sport Phaeton Chassis#: 7083603 Sold for USD$341,000 2010 RM Auctions - Sports & Classics of Monterey | |
1933 CHRYSLER IMPERIAL 4 DOOR SEDAN Sold for USD$137,500 2010 Barrett-Jackson - Scottsdale 2010 | |
1933 Chrysler CL Custom Imperial Dual Windshield Phaeton Chassis#: 7803651 Sold for USD$385,000 2010 RM Auctions - Automobiles of Arizona | |
1933 Chrysler CL Custom Imperial Chassis#: 7803666 Sold for USD$319,000 2009 Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook | |
1933 Chrysler Custom Imperial Series CL Dual Windshield Phaeton Chassis#: CL 1349 Sold for USD$297,000 2009 Pebble Beach Auction : Gooding & Company |
Chrysler CL Custom Imperials That Failed To Sell At Auction
1933 Chrysler CL Custom Imperial's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1933 Chrysler Imperial Model CL Dual Cowl Phaeton | 7803639 | 2023 Bonhams : Amelia Island Auction | $375,000 | $450,000 | |
1933 CHRYSLER IMPERIAL MODEL CL DUAL COWL PHAETON | 7803639 | 2021 Bonhams : Amelia Island Auction | $550,000 | $675,000 | |
1933 Chrysler CL Imperial Dual-Windshield Phaeton by LeBaron | 7803651 | 2019 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island | $400,000 | $475,000 | |
1933 Chrysler CL Imperial Dual-Windshield Phaeton by LeBaron | CL 1313 | 2018 RM Sothebys : Monterey | $250,000 | $300,000 | |
1933 Chrysler CL Imperial Dual-Windshield Phaeton by LeBaron | 7803613 | 2017 RM Sothebys : Hershey | $300,000 | $375,000 | |
1933 CHRYSLER IMPERIAL MODEL CL DUAL COWL PHAETON Coachwork by LeBaron | 7803639 | 2016 Bonhams : The Amelia Island Auction | $750,000 | $950,000 | |
1933 Chrysler Custom Imperial CL Convertible Coupe | 7803577 | 2010 Gooding and Company : The Amelia Island Auction | $500,000 | $600,000 | |
1933 Chrysler Custom Imperial CL Convertible Coupe | 7803577 | 2009 Pebble Beach Auction : Gooding & Company | $550,000 | $650,000 |
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1933 Chrysler CL Custom Imperial
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