1931 Chrysler Imperial

Sold $156,800 USD

• Formerly owned by noted collectors Lloyd Harriman, Ronald Benach, and Henry Petronis
• Attractive older restoration completed by Brian Josephs Classic and Exotic Service
• Featured in Dennis Adlers Chrysler and The Art of the Automobile
• A CCCA Full Classic

The 1931 CG Imperial marked a defining moment in the evolution of Chryslers flagship automobiles as the Classic Era reached its zenith. Conceived to compete with the finest luxury cars of its day including Cadillacs V-16 and Packards prestigious Senior models it rode on an imposing 145-inch-wheelbase chassis. Styled under the direction of Alan Leamy, the CG featured a subtly raked radiator shell, an exceptionally long hood, gracefully sculpted fenders framed by Duesenberg-inspired bumpers, and elegant bowl-shaped headlamps. Beneath the hood, its 384.8-cubic-inch, nine-main-bearing inline eight-cylinder produced 125 horsepower with remarkable smoothness. More importantly, the CG Imperial embodied Chryslers engineering excellence, delivering a level of balance, refinement, and road manners that placed it among the premier American luxury automobiles of its era.

One of the most desirable bodies offered on the CG chassis was LeBarons sporting roadster, distinguished by its rakish proportions, folding top, and distinctive cockpit treatment in which the upholstery wrapped gracefully over the tops of the doors in the manner of a vintage biplane. Dramatic, elegant, and exceptionally rare, it remains one of the most coveted expressions of Chryslers Classic Era design.

The CG Imperial offered here was acquired in unrestored condition by longtime Classic Car Club of America member Lloyd Harriman of Michigan. Restoration was entrusted to several respected Michigan specialists, with the work completed in large part by noted craftsman Brian Joseph of Classic and Exotic Service in Troy, Michigan. During the restoration, Mr. Harriman discovered that the chassis had originally been delivered as serial number 7800668, a Close-Coupled Sedan. Earlier in its history, it had been fitted with an exceptionally well-executed LeBaron-style roadster body crafted by California Metal Shapers, along with a late-1932 CH/CL engine. The car was subsequently assigned serial number 7802176, corresponding to an original LeBaron Roadster no longer known to survive, and the restoration was completed to an exacting standard.

Finished in rich dark blue and black over a striking red leather interior, the Chrysler achieved a perfect 100-point score in the Primary Division at the 1990 CCCA Midwest Grand Classic in Michigan before appearing at the CCCA Museums Open Classic Experience in 1992. Under the ownership of noted collector Ronald Benach of Illinois, it was exhibited at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours dElegance in 1997, where it earned Second in Class honors. Mr. Benach later sold the Chrysler to Jerome Sauls of Pennsylvania, during whose ownership it was photographed and featured in several of automotive historian Dennis Adlers acclaimed books, including Chrysler and The Art of the Automobile, the latter recognizing the car among the 100 most beautiful automobiles of all time.

The Chrysler was subsequently acquired by distinguished collector Henry Petronis of Easton, Maryland, whose remarkable collection and enthusiastic participation in tours and concours events made him one of the hobbys most respected enthusiasts. Following Mr. Petronis passing, the car joined the renowned James G. Robinson Collection.

A CCCA Full Classic with distinguished provenance, respected concours history, and beautifully executed LeBaron-style coachwork, this exceptional CG Imperial presents a compelling opportunity for CARavan touring, concours exhibition, or continued stewardship as one of Chryslers most elegant and technically advanced Classic Era automobiles.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/hf26/.