1931 Chrysler CG Imperial Imperial Sedan

The Great Depression was at its depths, but American car makers persisted with opulent luxury vehicles, and Chrysler was no exception. Designed to compete with offerings from Auburn, Cadillac, Cord, Duesenberg, Lincoln, Marmon, and Packard, the Imperials were substantial cars, particularly the CG sedans, which weighed close to two and a half tons. The Imperials couldn't match the V-12 and V-16 engines of some competitors, but 1931 marked the first year that Chrysler could boast eights - four of them - in its powertrain inventory. The Imperial's version of the new inline eight displaced 385 cubic inches (6.3 liters) and was exceptionally smooth, its long crankshaft turning in nine main bearings. Output - 125 horsepower - compared favorably with competing eight-cylinder engines, sufficient to propel this big sedan to 96 MPH. Chrysler publicized its new engines by setting several speed records at Daytona Beach in 1931.

Chryslers were also distinguished by hydraulic brakes and four-speed transmissions. Like other prestige makes, many Imperials went to custom coachbuilders. But 1931 also marked the establishment of a design department at Chrysler. To many, the Imperial sedan was strongly reminiscent of the Cord L-29, which wasn't too surprising given the presence of former Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg stylist Alan Leamy on Chrysler's new design staff. Painstakingly restored in 1973, this elegant cream and beige sedan changed hands a number of times over the years before finding a home in Don Kizziar's Oklahoma City collection in 1981. Its current owner acquired the car from the Kizziar estate in 2011.