1933 Chrysler CL Custom Imperial Sedan
With its long, sweeping profile and a hood that seemed to stretch endlessly forward, 1933 Chrysler CL Custom Imperial Sedan was a statement piece on wheels.
The design took cues from the Cord L-29, especially evident in the streamlined radiator shell and the set-back position of the windshield, allowing for that impressive front expanse.
With its 384ci L-Head Inline 8-cylinder engine, drawing power through a Stromberg 2V EE-3 carburetor, at full throttle, it could unleash 125bhp at 3,200rpm.
Drivers controlled this beast with a 3-speed manual transmission, and it rode on a 4-wheel leaf spring suspension, providing a ride that was as smooth as it was powerful. Stopping power came from 4-wheel hydraulic power drum brakes, a significant advancement for the time.
The Imperial’s interior was just as impressive as its exterior, with sumptuous materials and finishes that reflected the car’s top-tier status. Passengers were treated to an experience that was both opulent and comfortable, making every journey a special occasion.
The CL Imperial, particularly the Close Coupled Sedan, was an extraordinary sight, with only 21 units built. It stood as Chrysler’s most prestigious offering, complete with custom LeBaron coachwork that exuded luxury and exclusivity.
LeBaron, a firm founded by the visionary designers Raymond H. Dietrich and Tom Hibbard, was renowned for their design prowess and innovative business model. They sold designs to affluent clients and then had the vehicles constructed by external coachbuilders.
The Imperial’s evolution through 1932 and 1933 focused on aesthetic refinements. The windshield evolved into a separated two-piece design, hood ventilators adopted a door-like design, and the dimensions were slightly enlarged, supported by a 146-inch wheelbase.
More than just a car, the 1933 Chrysler CL Custom Imperial Sedan was a rolling piece of artwork, a symbol of the era’s luxury. Each detail, from the elegant lines of the body to the intricate design elements, was a display of automotive artistry.
Credit: Bonhams|Cars
