Chrysler Imperial (1924-1931)

The Chrysler Imperial emerges as a top-level luxury/performance car. Chrysler accelerates its reputation for technical innovation with a constant flow of advances and improvements. After a respectable debut in the 1925 Le Mans 24-hour endurance race in France, a pair of 1928 Chryslers finish third and fourth overall — a stunning testament to Chrysler’s all-round high-speed performance and stamina, as the Chrysler mid-priced cars keep up with competitors’ pure sporting machines. Introduced in 1926 as Chrysler’s premium model, jaws drop when the 1931 Chrysler models appear — gracefully athletic with tapered bonnets and a new series of powerful straight-8 engines.

Chrysler offered both factory-built and custom-bodied CG Imperials with ong hood, upright radiator grille, chrome-laden running boards. Luxury interiors with fine leather, burled wood, and Art Deco trim.

Chrysler entered a higher level of competition with its richly appointed Imperial series. With a custom-built body from LeBaron or Briggs, a 145-inch-wheelbase chassis, a 125-horsepower engine and a price tag of $3,145, a typical Imperial of the early 1930s rivaled a Duesenberg in style, but cost only about a third as much!

1927 Chrysler Imperial Locke Touralette edition

The 1927 Chrysler Imperial was among the earliest expressions of Walter P. Chrysler’s vision of combining high engineering standards with luxury. That year marked the first time Locke & Company, a distinguished New York coachbuilder, created a special Touralette body style on the Imperial chassis — a unique and extremely rare variation. The Touralette was a rare semi-custom design with a distinctive landau roofline (partially open or simulated convertible appearance at the rear). Featured close-coupled proportions, eliminating the rear quarter window for a sleeker, sportier look

High-gloss chrome brightwork, especially across the cowl, beltline moldings, and bumpers — contrasting with painted bodies. Dual sidemount spares, often with metal covers, Step plates, luggage rack, and sometimes disc or wire wheels with bright metal caps, and Luxurious interior upholstery with mohair or broadcloth, wood veneer trim, and nickel-plated fittings.

The Locke-bodied versions were limited-production customs, tailored for elite buyers.

1927 Chrysler Imperial E-80 Locke Touralette

 

The 1931 Chrysler Imperial — especially in its top-tier Imperial CG series — is widely regarded as one of the finest American luxury cars of the classic era. Designed to compete head-on with Duesenberg, Cadillac V-16, and Lincoln KB, the 1931 Imperial combined refined engineering, elegant coachwork, and prestige. The 1931 Chrysler Imperial Ride Quality with Solid front axle with leaf springs or Optional adjustable shock absorbers for different road conditions.

The L-head inline-8, 125 hp engine was Smooth and powerful — Chrysler’s most advanced powerplant at the time, paired with 3-speed manual, floor-shift transmission, Hydraulic, on all four wheels brakes — a Chrysler innovation.

1931 Chrysler Imperial CG