240: 1932 Chrysler CL Imperial Convertible Roadster by
| Start Price |
USD 275,000.00 |
| Current Price |
USD 600,000.00 |
| Time Left |
- |
| Bid Count |
16 |
| Buy It Now Price |
- |
| Reserve Price |
- |
| Start Time |
Saturday, August 02, 2008 |
| End Time |
Saturday, August 02, 2008 |
| Location |
Meadow Brook Hall, Rochester, MI |
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See more about '240: 1932 Chrysler CL Imperial Convertible Roadster by '
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Description
click for larger image240: 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.Auction House RM Auctions5 West Forest AveYpsilanti, MI United States 48197519.352.4575Important NoticeRM Auctions usually auctions automobiles at the rate of 20 lots per hour. On some occasions, eBay Live bid software or the Internet may not be able to keep up with the pace of the auction. RM recommends placing a realistic absentee bid now, as insurance to help avoid disappointment. Occasionally the auctioneer may eliminate or reject an eBay Live bid, and the auctioneer may also re-open a lot after the close of the eBay live bidding (usually because of a missed audience bid), and may reject your bid even if it shows you as the winning bidder. By bidding via eBay Live, you agree that RM Auctions may award the lot to another bidder at its sole discretion under the circumstances described above, or under any other reasonable circumstances. Since eBay bids are not shown to us until we open the lot on the floor, we treat those bids just like floor bids. In most cases the floor responds before the eBay bid is presented to us, due to Internet lag time, so for consistency we have made it a policy that floor bids are always considered first over tying eBay live bids. Also please note that all RM Auctions lots purchased through eBay Live carry a 13% Buyer's Premium. Please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions before you bid. This lot is being auctioned in conjunction with a live floor auction by RM Auctions, Inc. All final auction and invoice information will be supplied by RM Auctions, Inc., and all other information should be considered preliminary. Winning Notification and Billing: After the FINAL session in this auction is complete RM Auctions will send e-mail invoices. This process normally takes up to two days. All final auction and invoice information will be supplied by RM Auctions, Inc., and all other information should be considered preliminary. This auction will be conducted on a live auction floor and over the Internet through eBay Live. If you choose to place an absentee bid, please take a moment to learn how eBay Live absentee bidding works by visiting eBay's website.Terms & ConditionsPlease ensure that you have read and understood these terms and conditions prior to bidding at this or any other RM sale.1. All sales are final. No bidder may retract a bid made during the sale for any reason.2. Final bid price does not include 13% buyer's premium or applicable taxes on each lot purchased. Proof of tax exemption is buyer's responsibility.3. All payments must be in the form of cash (In House Only) or certified funds unless other arrangements have been approved in advance. Cash (In House Only) payments will be reported according to Federal government requirements.4. All sales are "as is" and "where is". Bidder is responsible for inspections and verification of condition, authenticity, and completeness of any item purchased. No warranties or representations of any type whatsoever are made by RM. Buyers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own evaluation and inspection. Any announcements made at the time of sale supercede any earlier printed information.5. Bidder authorizes RM Auctions, Inc. to authorize the credit card number provided for $2000. Should a bidder default on payment in any manner whatsoever, without limiting any recourse RM Auctions, Inc. may have, bidder agrees to pay RM Auctions, Inc. all lost auction fees (which is the maximum published rates for (1) the seller's commission, (2) the buyer's premium, and (3) the entry), this amount is due and payable without relief.6. Person bidding online must be 21 years of age or older. No minors are allowed to bid.7. If Buyer is picking up items or using a shipping company other than the RM recommended company, Buyer is responsible for removing items from the auction location by Monday, August 4th at 12:00 noon. Buyer is responsible for paying for the removal of items from the site, packing, shipping, handling and insurance of any items purchased. If Buyer is unable to provide RM with the name of a transportation company within 24hrs of the purchase, RM will release the lot to "Intercity Lines Inc". Buyer will pay RM directly for the lots, buyers fee and any applicable taxes and pay "Intercity" directly for their services.8. The auctioneer reserves the right to rearrange, separate, exclude or withdraw any lot without giving a reason.9. If buyer sues RM Auctions, Inc. and does not prevail, Buyer will reimburse RM Auctions, Inc. for all legal fees and expenses in connection with said suit.10. All terms of sale posted on the auction premises, printed in sale brochures or forms, publicly announced, communicated via the eBay bidding applet or otherwise published are incorporated herein by reference.ShippingIf Buyer is picking up items or using a packing/shipping company other than the RM recommended company, Buyer is responsible for removing items from the auction location by Monday, August 4th at 12:00 noon. Buyer is responsible to pay for the removal of items from the site, packing, shipping, handling and insurance of any items purchased. If Buyer is unable to provide RM with the name of a transportation company within 24hrs of the purchase, RM will release the lot to "Intercity Lines Inc". Buyer will pay RM directly for the lots, buyers fee and any applicable taxes and pay "Intercity" directly for their services.Buyer's Premium13%PaymentCash (In House Only), Money Order, Certified Check or Bank Wire Transfer. NOTE: RM DOES NOT ACCEPT PAYPAL AS A FORM OF PAYMENT. Any questions, please email.TaxesLocal 6% tax applies when picking up items or shipping within the state of Michigan.ContractYour bid is a contract.Place a bid only if you're serious about buying the item. If you are the successful and winning bidder, you have entered into a legally binding contract to purchase the property bid on from the seller. You should contact the seller to resolve any questions before bidding.RegistrationBidders are required to:a) Sign up for this auction& b) Complete bidding approval formApproval is at the discretion of the Auction House.HelpHelp with biddingImages Auction services provided by LiveAuctioneers
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