This very interesting prewar Chrysler comes from a California estate collection where it has remained in storage for the last two decades. Its current owner inherited the car, and many details of its history remain unclear at the time of cataloging.

The Chrysler appears to date from the 1931-32 period, and its engine number corresponds to a 1932 CP-8 series car. Dash button-controlled free-wheeling is another Chrysler/Imperial feature of this period.

However, the car exhibits numerous intriguing Imperial features including Imperial badging, Imperial-style opening vents on the sides of the hood, and the more ornate Imperial-style radiator shell. A split vee’d windshield is another most interesting and attractive feature. It is unknown if these features are original to the car or possibly added later during restoration.

The Chrysler was restored at some point within the last 30 years, and photos showing the restored car with family members out for a cruise are available. However, the Chrysler has been sitting in storage for last two decades, reportedly not being started or driven during that time, and accordingly all mechanical and hydraulic systems will need to be checked and renewed as necessary prior to any use. At the time of cataloging, we are informed that the Chrysler is not running and may have stuck brakes. Regardless, this is a very intriguing and attractive early Chrysler, with numerous special Imperial features, and can be considered a true ‘barn find’ whose story is just beginning to be told.