1931 Chrysler CG Imperial Club Sedan

When Walter P. Chrysler set out on his own in 1924 he owed nothing to the established design terms of American automobiles. As a result, his cars plowed new ground, adopting the best practices of his competitors and declining to follow their lead in design, engineering, or styling. Through the balance of the Twenties, Chryslers were, and looked, different from their competition but at the beginning of the decade of the 1930s Chryslers took on an entirely new look. They were long, low, and sleek. Their hoods were nearly hidden between their fenders. Design innovation swamped the line as changes emerged in a succession of revisions unrelated to model years. This 1931 CG Imperial is a perfect example, a mid-year carryover that was introduced in mid-1931 with advanced features including hydraulic brakes, dual opening windshields, vee radiator, 4-speed gearbox, and four-point flexible engine mounting. It was, by any measure, the most advanced of all 1931 luxury eights. The CG eight had 385 cubic inches and made 125 horsepower at a modest 3200 rpm. Modern and built to Walter Chrysler's high standards, many collectors consider the CG Imperials the most balanced and beautiful Chryslers ever built, which in effect means they are among the most beautiful and well-proportioned of all CCCA-recognized Classics. This 1931 CG Imperial Club Sedan has another important attribute, aside from its quality restoration. Believed to have been sold in Chicago when new, it was fitted at some point with a surreptitious tank within its chassis frame. Unconnected to the fuel, lubrication, or cooling system of the Chrysler, it is believed that the tank may have at one time served to transport illicit alcohol products. The car, bodied by Chrysler's regular sedan supplier Briggs, was restored in 1999 to a very high standard with a two-tone brown and beige exterior color scheme and luxurious beige cloth interior piped in brown that complements the exterior livery. It had dual side mounts with chrome enclosures, wind wings, wire wheels painted body color, wide whitewalls, dual windshield wipers, and a luggage trunk. A handsome automobile in a body style that has survived in very small numbers, it has a story to tell and although no one will ever definitively establish its history, the speculation will be as fascinating as this exceptionally well-restored and attractive Club Sedan is.

There were 3,228 Imperials built in 1931 with 1,195 examples fitted with close-coupled club sedan bodywork by Briggs Manufacturing Company. Many of these club sedans were later re-bodied to make dual cowl phaetons. As a result, this original example is quite rare. It was given a professional restoration that was completed in 1999. It is painted in two-tone brown with a dark brown beltline. The list of accessories included with this vehicle is dual side-mounted spare tires with chrome-accented hardcovers, dual cowl lights, dual windshield wipers, and a rear-mounted trunk. There are wide whitewall tires with dark brown painted wire wheels, with chrome-plated hubcaps and trim rings.

The interior has tan cloth upholstery with dark brown piping and matching tan carpets and floor mats. The dashboard and steering wheel is black, while the window cranks and door handles are gold-plated.

The Chrysler CG Series Imperials were the work of designer Herb Weissinger. The overall height of the vehicle was relatively low at 70 inches, giving them a sporty persona. They rode on 145-inch wheelbases and featured a vee-shaped radiator shell and gracefully swept fenders.

The engine displaces 384 cubic inches and promises 125 horsepower which is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox with freewheeling. There are four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes and a well-tuned suspension.

In 2008 this 1931 Cadillac V12 Series 370-A Five-Passenger Phaeton with coachwork by Fleetwood was brought to RM Auctions 'Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook' where it was estimated to sell for $225,000-$275,000. Though bidding did not reach those estimates, it was high enough to satisfy the vehicle's reserve and the lot was sold. A high bid of $192,500 was enough to secure new ownership.

This Imperial Club Sedan is believed to have been sold in Chicago when new. It was fitted at some point with a surreptitious tank within its chassis frame. It is believed that the tank may have at one time served to transport then-illicit alcohol products, as it is unconnected to the fuel, lubrication, or cooling system.

The car was bodied by Chrysler's regular sedan supplier Briggs and was restored in 1999 to very high standards. It is painted in a two-tone brown and beige exterior color scheme. Inside, there is beige cloth piped in brown. There are dual side-mounted tires with chrome enclosures, wind wings, wire wheels painted body color, wide white wall tires, dual windshield wipers, and a luggage rack.

In total, there were only 909 examples of the 1931 Chrysler CG Eight Sedan produced.

In 2009, this CG Imperial Sedan was offered for sale at the Houston Classic Auction presented by Worldwide Auctioneers and held in Seabrook, Texas. The lot was estimated to sell for $120,000 - $150,000. The lot failed to sell after achieving a high bid of $85,000. Its reserve was not satisfied and the lot was left unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2009