1931 Chrysler CG Imperial Convertible Coupe

Ego might have persuaded Walter Chrysler to join with other luxury car manufacturers in succumbing to the temptation to develop twelve- or sixteen-cylinder engines, but he never did. Needless extravagance, he thought was unnecessary. He added a 125 horsepower 384 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine to his lineup; not remarkable technically, but good for a 96 mph top speed and 0-60 mph in twenty seconds - a first-rate performance in 1931.

The 1931 Chrysler Imperial was designated the CG series, and is widely considered to be the most beautiful Imperial ever built. The new design was based on the Alan Leamy-designed 1929 Cord L-29. It features a 384 cubic-inch flathead eight engine, producing 125 horsepower.

The remarkable styling of the CG Imperials was the work of LeBaron, one of the greatest design firms of the classic era. The firm was founded by Thomas L. Hibbard, who was later joined by Ralph Roberts. LeBaron's CG Imperial followed closely the lines of the Cord L29, designed by Al Leamy. This 1931 Chrysler convertible coupe was one of just 10 such bodies built, and is the rarest of the open-style Imperials. Chrysler's reputation for performance did not disappoint, with 125 horsepower on tap and a four-speed transmission, a new automatic spark advance mechanism, 'floating power' suspension, free-wheeling, and an eight-cylinder engine, all firsts for Chrysler. The cars were quick and refined to drive. In 1931, Billy Arnold use a Chrysler roadster to capture several stock car records at Daytona Beach.

This example is body number 99 of the 100 built in the 148 LeBaron Roadster style, one of the last CG series produced. It features a low, slightly raked and vee'd windshield complementing the Imperial's low, raked and vee'd grille.

It was bought new at the 1931 New Yew York Auto Show by a featherweight prizefighter from Hartford, Connecticut, who went by the name 'Bat Battalino.' It has had only five owners since new and remains completely original and in near-perfect condition, well-maintained by its owners through the years.