1933 Chrysler CL Custom Imperial Phaeton

The Imperial made its debut in 1926, just two years after the start of the Chrysler Company. The early Chrysler vehicles were built in the old Chalmers plant in Detroit and were medium-priced six-cylinder cars. They were soon joined a four, a smaller six and the Imperial, a larger and more expensive automobile that put it in competition with the likes of Cadillac, Packard, and Lincoln.

In 1931, Chrysler introduced two models with straight-eight engines - the CD Eight and the Imperial CG Eight. They had hydraulic brakes, adjustable seats, and steering column, hydraulic shock absorbers, and a 4-speed synchromesh manual transmission.

The all-new, low-slung, 1931 Chrysler Imperial drew design inspiration from the front-wheel-drive Cord L-29. It is believed that L-29 designer Alan H. Leamy contributed to the Imperial design, during a hiatus from his employment as chief designer for Auburn and Cord automobiles. The Imperial was given a swept-back radiator shell, a windshield that was set far back on the chassis, and gracefully sweeping front fenders. The wheelbase measured 145 inches, growing to 146 inches the following years.

The Imperial was available in two sub-series, a standard line with production Briggs-built bodies and a more prestigious Custom line featuring semi-custom bodies, finished to order. All (except one) of the Imperial 'catalog custom' styles were designed and built by LeBaron.
Due to the Great Depression, Chrysler sales for 1933 (and for much of the automotive industry), were poor, with deliveries of this model numbering a mere 151 units.

Marjorie Merryweather Post, one of the wealthiest individuals of her generation, purchased at least two Chrysler Imperials. This particular Model CL Dual Cowl Phaeton is the second of those cars. It is believed that she was very fond of her 1931 Imperial CG LeBaron Dual Cowl Phaeton and simply had the body moved from this earlier car to the later model. The switch was carried out by Chrysler agents, Simons-Stewart Company Inc. in New York. The cost of the project is believed to have been $6,000.

Marjorie Post would keep the Chrysler CL for a number of years, eventually giving it to her third husband's (Joseph D. Davis) daughter Eleanor Davies Tydings. The car was later acquired by an Army Officer who would keep the car for the next decade using it as his everyday transport. Bruce R. Thomas purchased it in 1956. Mr. Thomas was later responsible for a comprehensive rebuild of the car. The car's next owner was Paul Stern, who later sold it to Mr. LaRusso on Long Island in the 1970s. The current caretaker purchased the car in the mid-2000s. At the time, it was mid-way through a restoration. The restoration was completed after the sale of the vehicle. The new owner selected its color, choosing a scheme favored by Post.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2016