1931 Chrysler Series CD

Walter P. Chrysler's first automobile bearing his own name was built at Detroit's former Chalmers plant and made its debut in January 1924. It was a well-engineered and innovative vehicle that was medium-priced and its six-cylinder engine offered above-average performance. The new Chrysler had a tubular front axle, full-pressure lubrication, and hydraulic brakes. During its first year of production, more than 32,000 examples were sold. Chrysler quickly built a reputation for its excellent performance and durability, and this was proven during the late 1920s and early 1930s in top racing events, including the 24 Hours of LeMans, Spa 24 Hours, and the Mille Miglia.

The 1930s saw Chrysler introducing its Imperial Eight and continued updates to its core six-cylinder models. The CD Deluxe Eight line was introduced in May of 1931. Power was from an L-head 282.1 cubic-inch engine offering 100 horsepower and mated to a four-speed 'multi-range' transmission. Body styles included a convertible coupe, Royale, roadster, and sedan. The wheelbase measured 124 inches and had an overall length of 145 inches.

The rumble seat roadster was priced at $1,545, the rumbleseat coupe at $1,525, the sedan and business coupe at $1,565, the convertible coupe at $1,585, and the four-door phaeton at $1,970. The sedan was the most popular with 5,843 examples built, followed by 1,506 of the rumbleseat coupe. A total of 511 were rumbleseat roadsters, 501 of the convertible coupe, and 500 of the business coupe. Just 113 examples were phaetons, plus an additional 126 chassis.

The 1931 Chrysler model lineup included the Series CJ Six, the Series 66 Six, Series CM Six, the Series CD Eight, the Series CG Imperial Eight, and the Deluxe CD Series Eight.

The Series CJ and 66 were carried over from the previous year and rested on a 109-inch wheelbase and the Series 66 on a 112.34-inch platform. The CJ was priced from $745 to $875, and the Series 66 was in the low $1,000 range. The Series 70 (116.5-inch wheelbase), another carryover from the previous year, was in the low-to-mid $1,000 range. The Series CM was introduced in January 1931 and used a 116-inch wheelbase, with prices ranging from $885 to $970.

The Series CD, Deluxe CD, and CG were powered by eight-cylinder engines. The CD was priced from $1,459 to $1,970 and the CG from $2,745 to $3,320. The Series CD and Deluxe CD used a 124-inch wheelbase and the CG had a 145-inch platform.

by Dan Vaughan

Rumbleseat Roadster
Chassis number: 7523441

The Chrysler Series CD Deluxe Eight line was introduced in May of 1931. They had a V-type radiator that had a similar appearance to the radiator found on the L-29 front-wheel-drive Cord. Power was from an L-head 282.1 cubic-inch engine delivering 100 horsepower. They had a four-speed 'multi-range' transmission and hydraulic brakes. Body styles include roadsters, Royale and Convertible Coupes, and Sedan.

Chrysler was the flagship Company of Walter Chrysler's automotive empire and the last to be given a straight eight engine. When it did receive it's eight, it was larger and more powerful than those found in the DeSoto or Dodge. Four versions were available on Chrysler models, beginning with the 240 cubic-inch unit which it shared with Dodge. A new 261 cubic-inch and intermediate 282 cubic-inch were available, along with the large 385 CID unit.

The Series CD was initially known as the 'New Eight.' The First Series was given the 240 cubic-inch engine in July 1930. The CD was given a second series in January of 1931 with the 261 cubic-inch engine offering nearly 90 horsepower. Introduced in May, Chrysler introduced the CD Deluxe Eight with a 282 cubic-inch engine.

This particular CD Roadster has been given a restoration that was finished in a tan and brown exterior with a tan interior. It has a trunk and a rumble seat.

by Dan Vaughan

Special Royale Coupe

In 1931, the economy was suffering, and Chrysler would have to resort to dressing up their standard model by borrowing some of the Imperial parts to create a higher-end model. And although Chrysler was the flagship Company of Walter Chrysler's automotive empire, it would be the last to be given a straight eight engine. The good news was that when it finally did receive its eight, it was considerably larger and more powerful than those found in the DeSoto or Dodge.

Upgrades to the CD8 DeLuxe RS Coupe would include the Imperial headlights, chrome bumpers, radiator shell, and windshield chrome along with a much fancier radiator cap. Special paint choices would also be offered. The end result would be an automobile that looked like a smaller and somewhat sportier version of the Imperial. Total production would be just 1,484 units.

This prime example has been fully restored to as delivered condition. It retains its original Deluxe eight-cylinder engine that measures 282 cubic inches. It produces 95 horsepower at 3,500 RPM and is backed by a 4-speed transmission. It also features four-wheel hydraulic brakes. The original price was $1,595 and it rides on a 124-inch wheelbase.

Dual Windshield Phaeton
Chassis number: 7511781

This 1931 Chrysler CD Dual Cowl Phaeton is one of just 113 examples built. Power is from a 282 cubic-inch L-head eight-cylinder engine offering 100 horsepower and tied to a four-speed manual transmission. It has a 124-inch wheelbase and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. In the front is a sculptured grille with an Art Deco design, flanked by large bullet-shaped headlamps with Trippe Safety lights below. There are sweeping front fenders accented by dual side-mounted spares. In the back is a luggage rack. It rides on wide whitewall tires mounted on cream-colored wire wheels. The exterior is finished in two-tone green paint. It is an AACA First Place Award winner and has been driven less than 2,500 since its full restoration was completed.

by Dan Vaughan

Sport Roadster
Engine number: CP-5378

The straight-eight engine introduced by Chrysler for the 1931 model year would remain a mainstay of its premium offerings for the next two decades. A total of 511 examples of the Deluxe Sport Roadster were built in 1931, and this example is finished in a period-correct Chrysler tone of Abbott Gray with darker gray trim, a tan canvas top, and leather upholstery. It has painted wire wheels, whitewall tires, dual chrome horns, a trunk rack fitted with a metal trunk, and dual side mounts with mirrors. The 282 cubic-inch L-head inline eight-cylinder engine has a single Stromberg carburetor and delivers 100 horsepower at 3,400 RPM. There is a three-speed manual gearbox, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, and a semi-elliptical leaf-spring suspension.

This example has side curtains, a rumble seat, and a rear-windscreen option. It was given a restoration around 2015 and has since been well-care-for and used sparingly.

by Dan Vaughan