1933 Chrysler CL Custom Imperial Roadster

In 1924, the already storied auto industry veteran Walter P. Chrysler introduced a car bearing his own name. From the start, Chrysler had a reputation for exceptional performance. The low and sleek styling of Chrysler's 1931-33 top-line Custom Imperials brought a new dimension to the marque's prestige.

The early 1930s Chrysler radiator shell and the Custom Imperial models' dramatic proportioning were undeniably inspired by the front-wheel-drive 1930 Cord L-29. However, the Chrysler split V-windshield, among other details, clearly set the cars apart.

Spanning a 146-inch wheelbase, this 1933 Custom Imperial Convertible Roadster by LeBaron was originally listed for $3,295. When up, the LeBaron folding top design provides the all-weather comfort of a convertible coupe. When down, it stows nearly flat, giving the car the fleet appearance of a sporty open roadster.

With its 125-horsepower, 384-cubic-inch straight-eight engine, the Custom Imperial could exceed 90 miles per hour with relative ease. A power-assisted four-wheel hydraulic brake system provides impressive stopping power. A LeBaron Custom Imperial Convertible Roadster like this one paced the 1933 Indianapolis 500.

Despite knockout styling and impressive performance, only nine Imperial Convertible Roadsters were made in Depression-racked 1933. Total Custom Imperial production that year was just 155 cars. In 1934, the bulbously aerodynamic Airflow took Chrysler in an entirely different design direction.