1933 Chrysler CL Custom Imperial Roadster

By 1933 the Great Depression had a full grip on the luxury car market. Chrysler was able to sell only 151 cars in its top-of-the-line CL series, and this Convertible Roadster is one of just nine produced. This would be the last year for classic styling in the big CL series; Chrysler entered a period of controversial aerodynamic 'Airflow' styling in 1934.

The Chrysler Imperial, introduced in 1926, was the company's top-of-the-range vehicle for much of its history. Chrysler introduced another industry first - a silent-running transmission with helical gears. Chrysler's 1933 models were also equipped with another new feature - a gas pedal-operated starter.

The Chrysler Imperial was redesigned in 1931. The car received a new engine, a 384.84 cubic-inch (6308cc) 8-cylinder. Marketing materials for this generation of Imperial referred to the car as the 'Imperial 8,' in reference to the new in-line 8-cylinder engine. The engine would be found in many other Chrysler vehicles. The redesign also saw the introduction of new wire wheels that became a standard wheel treatment until the 1940s.

New, slimmer profile radiator grilles were designed especially so that fluted hood identification of previous Imperial cars could be retained. Rumble seat models had a door on the curbside for easier access to the rear compartment. Prices were around $1,495.

Chrysler made close to 3,900 Imperials of this particular year and was once again the Pace Car for the Indianapolis 500.