Engine - 384.8 cubic inch L-Head in-line eight cylinder
Transmission - Three-speed synchromesh manual
Horsepower - 135 At 3200 RPM
Production - 9 Convertible Roadsters built for 1933

“The finest cars ever to bear my name - W.P. Chrysler”

1933 proved to be a year of many innovations for Chrysler Corporation, including a new and improved three-speed synchromesh transmission, improved steel-alloy valve seats, an oil filtration improvement, and an automatic carburetor choke. Introduced in February 1933 as a mid-year model, the CL Series was the most extravagant automobile the marque had produced to date. The Custom Imperial featured sweeping fenders and sloped radiators, and a hood that extended back to the windshield base, completely covering the cowl and accentuating the length and size of its already massive engine. Rear-hinged ‘suicide’ doors were used on all of the CL Series cars except limousine bodies, and the Custom LeBaron coachwork options were often produced in mere single digit qualities. The Chrysler CL Imperial line performed just as beautifully as it appeared, becoming known for the remarkable performance and power produced by the “Red-Head” eight-cylinder engine and smooth shifting transmission.

The CL Imperial Convertible Roadster seen here is one of just nine produced in 1933 and was delivered to the original owner in New York City on March 17, 1933. Only six are known to have survived. This CL has a lengthy roster of known ownership dating back to the early 1950s, and it was painstakingly restored to its original configuration for the first time in 1999.