Introduced to the Chrysler line for 1928, the 80L Imperial was the young company’s largest, most powerful, and costliest model to date. It featured a 309-cubic-inch, 110 to 112-horsepower six-cylinder engine with seven main bearings and solid lifters, as well as a narrow radiator with thermostatically controlled shutters, hydraulic brakes, and a tubular front axle, all very modern for the late twenties. Among the bodies available on this chassis was the dramatic “semi-custom” roadster by New York coachbuilder Locke, whose highly sporting design included a rumble seat with its own small third door for easy entry. Reportedly only 65 of these were made, and it is believed that four remain in existence.

The roadster offered here was originally delivered by a Montreal dealer to Charles Nelson Pogue. Mr. Pogue was the inventor of the infamous namesake “200-mile-per-gallon carburetor,” which urban legend holds to have been bought up and suppressed by the oil companies. He customized the styling of his Imperial several times over the years while using it for testing the prototypes of his carburetor. Indeed, some stories indicated that its owner had driven the car from Winnipeg to Vancouver on only 15 gallons of gasoline.

Pogue eventually sold his Chrysler, which reportedly changed hands a further 10 times before being acquired by longtime enthusiast Robert Rostecki in 1988. Mr. Rostecki returned the car to its original configuration, using correct fenders, radiator shell, headlamps, and engine from a donor 80L Sedan. The roadster was also fitted with 3.77:1 gears and a four-speed transmission from a 1930 Chrysler, both improving its performance on modern roads. With the restoration complete in 1995, Mr. Rostecki drove the car on many tours throughout North America.

In 2015, the car was purchased by its present and first American owner, in whose hands it has been well-kept and often enjoyed on local Pennsylvania roads. Its restoration was freshened by Barry Eash from 2017 to 2023, including an engine rebuild with new 40-thousandths oversized pistons and other mechanical improvements, along with spring covers as original, and remains in very attractive condition, complete with the correct Stromberg UX-3 carburetor, porcelain-coated manifold with functional manifold heater control, six-bladed fan, and other excellent attention to detail under the hood. Afterward the car received its Antique Automobile Club of America Senior First Prize in 2023.

A great car for tours, it would continue to be an exceedingly enjoyable automobile for any number of AACA events or showings in the years to come.