298.65 cu. in. L-head inline eight-cylinder engine, Stromberg single-barrel carburetor, four-speed manual transmission, solid front axle and live rear axles with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 126"

• One of 264; the top-level Chrysler Imperial CQ model for 1933

• Professionally restored to show level in the 1990s; virtually unused since

• Award winner, Concours d’Elegance of the Eastern United States

While Chrysler carried the majestic 1932 Imperial CL into 1933, its smaller sibling, the all-new Imperial CQ, debuted in December 1932, riding a nine-inch shorter wheelbase. A more economical alternative to the CL, the CQ nonetheless shared its bigger sibling’s handsome design cues, including swept fenders, raked V-type radiator, a hood with door-type cooling vents and single-bar bumpers. The Imperial CQ Convertible Sedan, including the example offered here, was the only CQ model to utilize a rear-hinged "suicide" door layout. Despite being smaller in size, the CQ offered tremendous value with such standard features as dual windshield wipers, taillights, chrome trumpet-style horns, a covered rear spare tire and more.

Priced from $1,495, the dashing Convertible Sedan topped the Imperial CQ model line, and just 364 were originally built, including the very fine example offered here. Following a professional body-off restoration by Howe Motor Works, this car has remained in the late owner’s private collection ever since, seeing limited use.

According to paperwork in the car’s file, including extensive receipts, the engine was completely rebuilt to “as new” specification during the restoration, while the chassis was overhauled and repainted as was the running gear, brakes and suspension. The body, which was reported to be in excellent condition, was stripped and repainted, while all the chrome was re-plated. The same attention to detail was paid to the interior and upholstery. The estimated cost of restoration at the time was approximately $100,000. The car continues to present very nicely and was the winner of multiple awards, including the Bethlehem Star Award at the Concours d’Elegance of the Eastern United States in 1998.