1931 Chrysler imperial series CG Sedan

Chrysler’s CG Imperial of 1931 was renowned for its excellent, well-engineered chassis and drivetrain, which combined with a fine straight-eight engine to produce a remarkably modern driving experience for the era. Like many of its competitors, the model was offered in a range of body styles, all of them exceedingly well-proportioned and attractive. Few were more so than the close-coupled sedan, Chrysler’s name for what other automakers termed a sport sedan or club sedan. With the doors moved close together and no rear quarter windows, it was a comfortable, elegant four-passenger closed car, that looked as terrific then and it does now. Collectors favor such coachwork among the CG Imperial styles for CCCA CARavans and other touring events.

Imperials became the top-of-the-line flagship vehicles produced under the Chrysler name until 1954, after which it became a standalone brand. Chrysler’s Imperial gained popularity with government officials, royalty, and various celebrities with its luxurious accommodations and seating capacity comparable to a limousine. Featured in a variety of body styles including a two/four passenger roadster, a four-seat coupe, five-passenger sedan and phaeton, and finally the seven-passenger sedan and limousine.

The early model years featured a six-cylinder engine, and in the first year produced, the Imperial set a transcontinental speed record. And for this reason, it was selected as the pace car for the 1926 Indianapolis 500. The model years of 1929 and 1930 were largely unchanged as efforts were more focused on the up-and-coming 1931 Series CG Straight Eight. This new Chrysler Imperial was given a flathead straight-8 with Stromberg Model DD-3 carburetion, a new vee-type radiator with a long hood and flowing open fenders, along with a slanted, split windshield with tilt-open feature. An isolation mount dubbed “Floating Power” was also introduced which was a new means of attaching the engine to the chassis to reduce vibrations felt by passengers.