1933 Chrysler CL Custom Imperial Phaeton

In the early 1930s, Chrysler sought to build and sell large luxury cars at a cost below others in the market. Their entry was the respected Custom Imperial series with characteristically long wheelbases and the sleek and fluid look of the other big luxury cars. This style is often considered the high point of the company's design. Bodies were commissioned by LeBaron, one of the premier coachbuilders of the day.

Initially, Chrysler ordered 50 Sport Phaetons bodies for 1932 but not all were used. Some were returned to LeBaron for updating for 1933. It is estimated that 36 of the original 50 bodies became 1933 models. Only 17 are known to exist today.

This 1933 Chrysler has a wheelbase of 146 inches and is powered by a 384 cubic-inch, inline eight-cylinder engine with nine main bearings, mated to a three-speed manual transmission. James Melton, a famous opera singer of the 1940s, owned the car for some time and had his friends at Chrysler update the car with a four-speed overdrive transmission.

This award-winning example was once in the Harrah collection.