1928 Chrysler Series 80 Imperial Touralette

Walter P. Chrysler's first automobiles were produced at the old Chalmers plant in Detroit and introduced in January of 1924. They had six-cylinder power, hydraulic brakes, aluminum pistons, and full-pressure lubrication, and were positioned in the medium-priced market segment. During the company's first year of production, 32,000 examples were sold.

The Chrysler Series 70 six would retain its 3.3-liter engine capacity size until 1926 when it was enlarged to 3.6 liters. A smaller, 3-liter Series 60 six was introduced in 1927 while the Series 70 was given a 4.1-liter displacement for 1928 - becoming the Series 72.

The Imperial Touralette was a four-passenger two-door phaeton-type vehicle with adjustable sliding front seats. This example wears custom coachwork by Locke & Company based in Rochester, NY. It was restored several decades ago to a high level. It won a national First Price in 1977 and earned its Senior Status.

The Locke & Company Touralette phaeton coachwork features a fold-flat convertible top. The front part of the body is finished in polished black, while the rear part has hand-painted cane work. The fenders and beltline are painted a period-correct 'cigarette-cream' color, neatly contrasted by a fine blue pinstripe.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2016