1929 Chrysler Imperial Series 80L

Walter P. Chrysler's first automobiles were produced at the old Chalmers plant in Detroit and introduced in January of 1924. They were medium-priced vehicles powered by a six-cylinder engine that offered better-than-average performance. They were equipped with full-pressure lubrication, a tubular front axle, aluminum pistons, and hydraulic brakes. During the first year of production, the company sold approximately 32,000 vehicles.

The Chrysler Series 70 six-cylinder displaced 3.3-liters in capacity until 1926 when it was enlarged to 3.6 liters. For 1927, Chrysler introduced a smaller, 3.0-liter Series 60 six while the 70 grew to 4.1 liters in 1928, becoming the Series 72. By this point in history, the lineup included the smaller Series 60 six, a four-cylinder Series 52, and the Imperial Series 80L Six. The Series 52 rested on a wheelbase that measured 106 inches while on the other end of the spectrum was the Imperial with its 120-inch standard platform. Custom and Special lines were larger, measuring 127- and 133-inches respectively. Body styles include a line of factory offerings, and semi-custom bodies from LeBaron, Dietrich, and Locke. The Locke body was a 2-door, four-passenger Traveler with 21 examples built in 1928. Dietrich bodies accounted for 19 and the LeBaron bodies numbered 121 examples for 1928.

For 1929, the Imperial now rested on a 136-inch wheelbase platform with an overall length of 203 inches. The L-head, six-cylinder engine used a single Stromberg carburetor to help it develop 110 horsepower at 3,200 RPM. It was backed by a three-speed transmission with floor shift controls, a conventional clutch, shaft drive, and four-wheel hydraulic brakes.

Eight factory body styles were available along with a few custom bodies. Prices ranged from $2,675 to $3,500, well above Chrysler's other models which averaged around $1,500. The fuel gauge was located on the dash, there were automatic radiator shutters, dual cowl ventilators, shatterproof glass, and arched windows.

Chrysler would continue to use the Imperial name for many years to distinguish its top-of-the-line models.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2020