1932 Chrysler CL Imperial Convertible Roadster by

125hp, 385 cu. in. nine-main-bearing inline eight-cylinder engine, three-speed transmission, solid axle and leaf spring front suspension, live axle and leaf spring rear suspension, four wheel hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 146"

As Chrysler headed into the 1931 calendar year, its goal was simple -- mount a serious assault on the fine car market by offering a more affordable luxury car with beautiful styling and performance to match. The result was the incomparable Imperial series.

With their long wheelbase chassis, flowing fenders, and smart LeBaron-designed bodies, many consider the Imperials to be among the most beautiful classics of their era. Although their chassis and drivetrain technology was rather conventional, the cars were certainly quick and their 385 cubic inch nine-main-bearing straight eights produced 125 horsepower.

For 1932 and 1933, the CG chassis was further refined to become the CL Imperial. Styling was enhanced with a more imposing front view and a long de Sakhnoffsky false hood that extended to the base of the windshield, with hood doors instead of louvers, and slick new bodies that featured a recessed concave belt molding -- a dramatic touch that created a design that many believe was the best looking Imperial of all.

Most of the CL Imperials carried semi-custom coachwork by LeBaron Carrossiers, which was founded over a decade earlier by two of the most respected names of the great coachbuilding period: Thomas L. Hibbard and Raymond Dietrich. After deciding to set up shop together, the two settled on a very pricey location in the heart of New York City. While it was more than they could afford, they decided it was essential to their image and, coincidentally, was also the home of Fleetwood's design offices.

The name LeBaron was chosen simply because it sounded French and would lend an air of sophistication to the burgeoning firm. Perhaps most interestingly, they opted to have only a design office, without coachbuilding facilities. This was not only practical (they had no coachbuilding skills) but it also allowed them to work independently from (and with) both chassis manufacturers and coachbuilding firms.

Work began to flow in and soon the pair was approached by Ralph Roberts, who knew Dietrich from his time at Brewster. Roberts wanted to design cars and was offered a job by Hibbard and Dietrich in addition to a full one-third partnership, with the provision that he serve as the firm's business manager. Both Hibbard and Dietrich would eventually leave LeBaron for other opportunities leaving Roberts to steer the company during its most exciting years.

In 1927, LeBaron was acquired by Briggs, one of Detroit's largest body building firms. Briggs' clients included Chrysler, Ford, Overland, and Hudson. LeBaron continued to operate within Briggs, whose strong Detroit connections soon led to prestigious custom work for Lincoln, Cadillac, and Pierce Arrow. In effect, LeBaron became Briggs' in-house design label, as Dietrich had become Murray's.

Moreover, LeBaron was ideally positioned to take advantage of the burgeoning demand for coachbuilt bodies that developed in the late 1920s. Factory design work included the legendary Model J Duesenberg, for which LeBaron bodies were among the most prolific. In addition, LeBaron designs graced the top of the line CG and CL Imperials.

Unfortunately, by the time the improved CL Imperial was introduced in 1932, the fine car market had all but disappeared. 1933 would be the last year for the CL, and indeed, many 1933 Imperials were unsold 1932 cars, updated and sold as 1933s. The result was that these -- the most desirable classic Chryslers -- are also among the most rare.

While only about 220 Chrysler CLs were built of all styles for 1932, many sources indicate that just 28 examples carried the sporty Convertible Roadster bodywork. The Convertible Roadsters, only offered in the CL series, did not go unaffected by the depressed automotive market and a few examples had to be reconfigured as 1933 models. Given the survival rate of other CL models, it is safe to estimate that less than 10 of these CL Imperial Convertible Roadsters have survived, making them tremendously rare and highly sought-after by collectors.

The show-quality, award-winning CL Imperial Convertible Roadster presented here (chassis 7803368) has a particularly fascinating history. It is believed to have been shipped new to Portland, Oregon before eventually making its way to North Hollywood, California, where it was discovered in the late 1950s or early 1960s by a young man who was living in Denver, Colorado at the time.

The car has since become known by enthusiasts as the "Denver Car" as this young owner was reportedly engaged in a wild and hectic police chase -- so wild in fact, that he missed a turn and rolled the car into a ditch by the side of the road. While the reason for the chase has never been confirmed with absolute certainty, rumors abound, the most prevalent of which involves a bank robbery. Although the car was damaged, it was never scrapped, as it was considered too valuable. After the accident, which occurred in the early 1960s, the car was discovered by one Mr. Maynard in the garage of its owner. The car may have then passed through Omaha, Nebraska in the ensuing years and ultimately found its way into the noted collection of Knox Kershaw in 1989 before being acquired in 2002 by Mr. Joe Martin. After checking all serial numbers, body tags, and confirming the car's authenticity, Martin endeavored to finish its restoration.

The nut-and-bolt, body-off restoration was completed by Richard Fass' Stone Barn Restoration of New Jersey, whose cars have won many awards at concours events nationwide, including two Best of Show awards at Pebble Beach in just the last six years. Since completion, the stunning Chrysler has been very successful on the show field, winning several best of show awards.

Finished in a simply spectacular two tones of green, the "Denver Car" remains in outstanding, show-quality condition throughout, retains its original engine and has been properly cared for by its current owner. It should also be noted that Fass executed a total rebuild of the engine and the spectacular interior was done by Sharp Automotive Upholsterers in Ohio. While most comparable models sported a four-speed transmission, this car carries a rarer three-speed gearbox. In addition to wide whitewall tires, a trunk rack and wire wheels, it further benefits from dual side-mounted spares with hard covers.

Beyond its superb restoration, 7803368 has a particularly fascinating history and a daring young owner. As the number of surviving 1932 Imperial CLs is particularly low, the Denver Car's offering represents a unique opportunity for any enthusiast of grand American pre-war autos.