The 1931 CG Imperial was a bellwether of where Chrysler’s top-of-the-line models would be heading, as they were now entering the Classic Era at full steam. Earlier Imperials had been well-built, quality cars, but they were somewhat, dare we say it, dull. This new model was wonderfully different. It was a grand 145-inch wheelbase beauty that had a bold radiator shell canted back at a rakish angle and a long hood that emphasized the great power lurking below it, which was a 384.8-cubic inch, nine-main-bearing unit that could produce 125 horsepower. The fenders flowed behind Duesenberg-like bumpers, and the headlights became sleek bowls.

While “production” CG Imperial bodies were supplied by Briggs, there were also four catalogued semi-custom styles, which were under the LeBaron nameplate. Among the most prominent of these was the open roadster, which was a jaunty ragtop with rakish lines that were set apart by an interior that wrapped up over the edges of the doors, as on a vintage biplane. It was dramatic and exciting, and it dared Old Man Depression to chase it down. It is believed that only about 100 Roadsters were manufactured, and of those, only a dozen or so are known to have survived.

The Roadster offered here is a wonderful, genuine survivor. It was originally delivered in February 1931, and it spent much of its life in California. Its provenance is known since the 1940s, when it was owned by a gentleman in San Bruno. Its next owner lived in Oakland and sold the car to Chrysler enthusiast Doug O’Connell, of Sunnyvale. O’Connell was immensely proud of this Imperial, and it took pride of place in his collection. It was lovingly restored by him to its original condition, and it has made many show appearances, including being flaunted at Pebble Beach, where it won a class award. So attractive was the car that it was borrowed by Shell Oil for their advertising, and it was one of numerous eight-cylinder classics depicted in the famous Hiram Walker “Straight 8” bourbon advertisements during the 1970s. O’Connell’s experiences with the car earned both the car and owner features in Motor Trend in 1973 and a cover feature in Car Classics two years later. Indeed, man and Chrysler remained together until the former’s passing in the late 1970s.

The car was sold from Mr. O’Connell’s estate, and in the early 1980s, it underwent a second thorough restoration, during which it was stripped down to the chassis and found to be essentially rust-free. The restoration work was performed by local shops in northern California, with the body and paint applied by Avenue Auto Body and the interior worked on by Bill DeBucke. In 2001, the restoration was completed, with the car outfitted in red with black leather upholstery and a matching canvas top. That year, it won its CCCA National First Senior, medallion number 2331, and the following year, in 2002, it again appeared at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

While the car’s engine is not the original, it is a correct 1931 CG eight, and it is equipped with the rare and incredibly desirable high-compression “Red Head.” The engine exhales through an exhaust system that has been fabricated in stainless steel, for trouble-free operation and longevity. Options cover the car from stem to stern and include dual Klaxon horns, a radiator stone guard, Trippe driving lights, dual side-mounted spares with mirrors, a rear-mounted trunk, wind wings, dual wipers, an altimeter, dual spotlights, and chrome wire wheels. Included with the car are a top boot and isinglass side curtains, which have reportedly never been used, as well as an archive of invoices and photographs that date back many years.

In the Car Classics article, Doug O’Connell said of his treasured Imperial, “After about six hours, you’re in the clouds when you are driving it.” We cannot say it any better than that!