1928 Chrysler

1928 CHRYSLER IMPERIAL L80 LE BARON CLUB COUPE with Rumble Seat- LHD

Deserving of its claim of being America's first muscle car, the Chrysler Imperial series spearheaded company founder Walter Chrysler's ambition to become a leading producer of high value prestige cars alongside Cadillac, Stutz and Packard which began in 1926 with the introduction of the first E-80 Imperial models. By 1928 the company was offering ever bigger and more powerful versions culminating in the L-80 Imperial with a standard wheelbase of 136 inches powered by a mighty 6.1 to 1 compression 5,200cc straight six engine producing a huge (in the context of the time) 112 bhp. It was available with a variety of different body styles but for the ultimate exclusivity, the coachbuilt Club Coupe with Rumble seat ('Dickey seat') by Le Baron was top of the range and could not be bettered. Obviously appealing to a very exclusive and wealthy clientel in view of the enormous price tag of over $3,000, production was limited to just 25 cars. It is also the last Chrysler model to wear the fluted radiator design before losing the legal action filed against them by Vauxhall for design copyright infringement.



This particular car was previously owned by California collector and Pebble Beach concours contender Pat Craig who restored it to show standard in the late 1970's/early 1980's. Exhibited widely at shows and the subject of magazine articles, copies of which are still readily available on the internet, it is without doubt the definitive surviving example of the model. It is also a testament to the quality of the original restoration as well as the limited use it has had that the car remains in such outstanding condition today, some 35 years later.

Following its export to Europe in 1995, it was put on display as a static exhibit at a luxury resort in the Canary Islands before being shipped to the UK and put into storage for many years.
Purchased direct from storage and unused since 1998, this company has undertaken a major re-commission of this magnificent automobile including full rebuild of the the braking system, cooling system, fuel delivery system, new tyres, renewal of all lubricants, new mohair fabric roof covering, new leather upholstery to front seats, rechroming, french polishing of all interior woodwork. It is UK registered and is both MOT exempt and road tax exempt under the Historic classification.

Interesting original features include the wind-down rear window allowing occupants of the rumble seat to communicate with cabin passengers, opening front windscreen, Stewart vacuum petrol pump system, Arvin heater, engine-turned dashboard, full set of Buffalo wire wheels including twin fender mounted spares and of course the trademark golf club compartment. The car retains its original 5200cc 112bhp straight six engine which Chrysler claimed to be America's most powerful production car engine at the time. On the road, this late vintage era machine performs exceptionally well, producing enormous torque as well as being capable of offering the claimed original 80 mph cruising capability (hence L-80) although a slightly gentler pace might be kinder in consideration of its age! The Ross patented cam and lever steering box system is direct and not unduly heavy once under way and the brakes are exceptionally effective being hydraulic expanding shoe design all round and a feature which attracted particular praise from the motoring press of the day. It is fitted with new Firestone tyres all round.
Road tested once again in 2012 for a leading UK Classic Car publication, the journalist summed up the experience as follows:- 

" It will guarantee exclusivity...Want to be king of the road? Nothing else will do".

At a time when the description 'rare' is becoming increasingly overused and innaccurate, here is an opportunity to acquire an extraordinary and exceptionally rare car which offers timeless good looks and real usability which belie its 86 years.

Sensible offers are invited, shipping arranged worldwide.