Classic Era Chrysler

To sum up CCCA Chryslers I would use the term underrated.  AJ's subject looks like a challenge but this sporty phaeton is ready to roll, from the Dragone boys, I think it sold with a couple other Chryslers a couple years ago.  

Another phaeton, may be a local car.

I am not 100% sure this is a Classic, model CD?  Seems well proportioned even if a mid level model.

I think there's nothing better looking than an early Imperial like the subject car and that dual cowl phaeton, and an Imperial Airflow is on my short list of cars that I must own.

Big Chrysler’s are great cars..........the only fault I can find with them is they are a bit smaller than many of their contemporaries so tall or long legged people have a difficult time fitting in them.  Here is a photo of my favorite Chrysler, and I have been fortunate to drive it a bit. I’m a big fan of the car, and it’s designer. 

By the way......just because  the CCCA says a Town and Country is a Classic........doesn’t mean it is. It’s a Windsor...........and should not be eligible. My two cents.

Here is a restored CL that RM offered at Amelia back in 2013.  I think it was a no sale with estimate of 550-650.

I looked at that car...........as a I recall it had a story as long as the Star Wars Trilogy...............and it sold after the sale.

The 32-33 CL convertible sedan may be the best looking version of that body style made by anyone.

Dragones also had a sharp maroon convrtible sedan, I cannot find among the 2,000 pics on this phone, I would submit to counter Ed's criticisms of convt. Sedans.  Auburn I think did a great job but the Chrysler is really sharp also.

Steve_Mack_CTDec 20, 2019

Dragones also had a sharp maroon convrtible sedan, I cannot find among the 2,000 pics on this phone, I would submit to counter Ed's criticisms of convt. Sedans.  Auburn I think did a great job but the Chrysler is really sharp also.

The maroon car they had was a 31 CG Dual Cowl.  This is the CL convertible sedan they had.

This is the maroon CG Dual Cowl.

https://dragoneclassic.com/currentofferings/1931-chrysler-imperial/

The 1931 Chrysler Imperial with coachwork by LeBaron, especially in dual cowl form, is one of the most beautiful and sexy American cars of the classic era. LeBarons signature vee windscreen and fender design are even more beautiful in person. This particular example is one of the most significant, greatest and most original examples left today.

Most notably, this car was previously owned by the great collector and singer James Melton of Connecticut who purchased the car in the late 1940's or early 1950's. It then went to Dr. Robert DeHart of Massachusetts who purchased the car from Melton in the late 1950's. He restored the car in 1963 and kept it until the 1980's when it was sold to the well known Chrysler collector David Huckins of New Hampshire. He restored the car again to its present and beautiful condition it is in today. Body, Chassis, engine, everything is original to this car which is very seldom seen today on these cars. The powerful straight eight engine runs beautiful and the car looks amazing. If you are looking for a very beautiful and significant American classic, this is it both with its delightful looks and outstanding provenance.

What is probably the most valuable Chrysler in the world (more than a Thunderbolt or some dream car I don't know about) is this custom CH speedster.   Picture from old motor.   I believe it is currently owned by Sam Mann.

http://theoldmotor.com/?p=17688

alsancleDec 20, 2019

The maroon car they had was a 31 CG Dual Cowl.  This is the CL convertible sedan they had.

Damn, I am getting old.  Yes, convt. Sedan I saw was in fact the green one, looks nice open or closed.  I need to revisit my pics I have a closed shot or two I think...

As an aside love both shades of green on these big boys.

STATEMENT OF FACT......

I have owned countless motor vehicles.........countless. I have NEVER owned ANY convertible sedan. Nuff said. 

I think Johnny P. Has a 32 or 33 CL sedan, he was kind of excited about it, original car, but that was a few years back, when he was more active in the hobby/business.  Website up but has not changed in at least a year.

Ed if you find one of those ugly convt. Sedans send it on over!

Really snazzy body lines on Chrysler and I appreciate how unique it is but dollar for dollar I sort of like that green Royale convertible coupe that was offered recently way better 

md murrayDec 20, 2019

Really snazzy body lines on Chrysler and I appreciate how unique it is but dollar for dollar I sort of like that green Royale convertible coupe that was offered recently way better 

The owner of the Royale is having a new top put on it and it will be back on the market later in the winter.  Much less money than CL Roadster.   I'm a Royale guy but I would have to go with the CL.  384 vs 359,  More expensive when new, etc.   The styling is subjective.

Yes, that's what I'm trying to wrap my head around- such a dollar difference between the two cars. I automatically think of them as being on par with each other but I guess its all about performance and size in this instance.

The CH had the same 135 inch wheelbase as the Royale, but the CL roadster I posted is 145.  It is a big difference in terms of presence.

This is a good point to raise the question about the '32 Imperial CH performance capabilities relative to its contemporaries.  From reading the spec's, it appears as if the CH would be on par with the '30 Packard 734 Speedsters.  Now, those who have been fortunate enough to drive each, please describe your experiences to satisfy our curiosity. 

58L-Y8Dec 20, 2019

Now, those who have been fortunate enough to drive each, please describe your experiences to satisfy our curiosity. 

I’m still waiting for Ed to do that for PI-PII Rolls,  which he knows by heart.

edinmassDec 19, 2019

By the way......just because  the CCCA says a Town and Country is a Classic........doesn’t mean it is. It’s a Windsor...........and should not be eligible. My two cents.

I am ok with it, I sort of got fired up when I saw a meeting minute note that they were researching Packard 120 cars (and I get it that they are stylish, more plentiful,  much easier to restore, easier drive than Senior cars, plus have plenty of other benefits too), but look at all the other comparable cars that are not CCCA and a whole bag of worms that is best left unopened. 

edinmassDec 20, 2019

STATEMENT OF FACT......

I have owned countless motor vehicles.........countless. I have NEVER owned ANY convertible sedan. Nuff said. 

Convertible Sedan's are nice in that you can pack in the whole family and actual all stay "relatively" dry, not windblown, and have a conversation - or you can put the top down and enjoy the view.  As you know, we generally always have 4-door convertibles - at least for tour cars.  

alsancleDec 21, 2019

I’m still waiting for Ed to do that for PI-PII Rolls,  which he knows by heart.

You had one too (RR PI) - get writing .  And, I had one, though I have not written a drive report as mine had a bunch of end of the line "L Series" mechanical stuff on it such as transmission and steering that was not the norm compared to the bulk of the cars ( A to K Series cars). 

alsancleDec 19, 2019

Price: $170,000 negotiable

By the way - one sweet looking car !  I would gladly restore a car in this condition either pre-restoration or how it exists today.  And, sure for every forward movement there will be plenty of backward too, but really cool and stylish cars. Friends use to have a 31 cabriolet and they preached that there were fabulous automobiles; and hands over most other 30's cars of the era.   All said though, the hood doors and the sidemount covers (both of them) need re -installed for ALL the sale photos.

By the way, did you see the seller had a Phaeton/touring for sale too (or at least did last month) 

alsancleDec 20, 2019

There was a lot of green going on here, though this car had a FANTASTIC interior. 

John_MerenessDec 21, 2019

You had one too  - get writing .  And, I had one, though I have not written a drive report as mine had a bunch of end of the line "L Series" mechanical stuff on it such as transmission and steering that was not the norm compared to the bulk of the cars ( A to K Series cars). 

Which one did I have?

alsancleDec 21, 2019

Which one did I have?

I thought you had a Green PI Ascot Touring ?

alsancleDec 19, 2019

Sidenote:  It would look REALLY GOOD in tu-tone of blue again (perhaps leave the wheels black and put a black pinstripe on it).

Correction:  Wheels and possibly frame look dark green 

On 12/19/2019 at 8:41 AM, alsancle said:

John_MerenessDec 21, 2019

I thought you had a Green PI Ascot Touring ?

Unfortunately two ships passing in the night.   I can sputter on about a lot of cars,  but the PI I have only driven up and down the  driveway.   Ed or you need to do the play by play on Springfield Rolls.

John_MerenessDec 21, 2019

Correction:  Wheels and possibly frame look dark green 

I have no idea,  but I'm wondering how much of the blue car is the one in the advertisement. 

alsancleDec 21, 2019

I have no idea,  but I'm wondering how much of the blue car is the one in the advertisement. 

Probably pretty much - in the 70's we would have all said ROUGH-ROUGH-ROUGH, but today probably just rough but not all that bad either.   I assume the best parts of the two cars went on the Convertible Coupe too - all be it I could be wrong. 

alsancleDec 21, 2019

Unfortunately two ships passing in the night.   I can sputter on about a lot of cars,  but the PI I have only driven up and down the  driveway.   Ed or you need to do the play by play on Springfield Rolls.

Pretty sweet ride even if just for driveway driving.  As to mine, by the time I had all the quirks worked out (and tackled them pretty much one at a time as I have a "thing" about taking cars too far apart at any one time), I was pretty much done (as well as everyone helping me was pretty done too) -  a challenging car = I only had a few miles under belt.

It took me a while to figure out I had to count to about 30 after starting it before I shifted.  Then, it took me a while to figure out the clutch was either on or off - no in between.  Then, I had to figure out I could not double clutch it and had to shift straight through - which was counter-intuitive for a non sycromesh car of the era (aka as car had a clutch brake on it).   Then, once I figured that out I found I had it running fabulous, but I had to richen it up substantially as there was not enough gas at any speed over idle and especially at speed.   And, I had a ton of problems to work through for a car that probably had 5 miles put on it in 40 years.  The joys were a car that had never seen a speck of rust, a car people had been into for all the right reasons and had kept their hands off it otherwise, low mileage, and you only had to turn the steering wheel 1/2 turn for a full right and 1/2 turn for a full left - I had people in England refere to it as half-point steering and they said few cars had it - dreamy over 10mph, but under ten I did not have the strength.    Also, incredibly comfortable seats and seating position, albeit you had to be somewhat a monkey to get in and out - suicide front doors only helped a little, but did help.   Also, very nice it had glove boxes and also a toolbox under front seat, but thank god it had a luggage trunk as again a  huge car with no place to put anything. As to faults:  A complicated car by even today's standards (must have been mind blowing complicated when new) and massive, plus via that close coupled coachwork you could really see nothing out of the back of it (lots of glitzy mirrors though that allowed seeing nothing).  Also, short top end speed - needed another gear in the gearbox, but IMPRESSIVE torque and could get you up to speed quick.  Would I recommend one ?  Yes I would, though it is a car that owns you verses you owning it and you have to be patient, know how to write a check, and be handy (even if someone is working on it for you). 

Impressive stature on it - most people do not realize the size of the engine - just as with a Dusenberg it is chest height and really long, with a ton of aluminum and little polished trinkets. As to engineering - I would say complicated in a different way than a Duesenberg and as a result actually a more sophisticated product. 

Update:  Brakes - the car has 20" wheels and brakes drums must have almost 18" +/-  - servo assist off transmission and they pulsate in a primitive version of ABS,  teh Brake drums are steel and finned - I loved that they were turned and you could see the turning marks.  And they are spectacular, though I assume do have fade upon extreme usage.   And, whoever say 20's and 30's cars do not stop have never been in a RR - THEY STOP !!!

Further Update: Electrical = Westinghouse (I believe) and more so on the commercial than automotive side - pretty impressive and the wiring I believe is Westinghouse too - also commercial side. 

Further-Further Update: Also, no die cast other than the windshield wiper - everything is brass, bronze, steel, aluminum, German silver, or ...

Further-Further-Further Update: The vacuum system is good too for fuel delivery - there is a tank on the firewall that holds perhaps 1.5 gallons and the tank is 22 gallons I believe.  There is a dual pick-up mechanism (many people think two tanks with one being a reserve, but it is a high and a low pick up - allowing you clean gas without contaminates from bottom of tank (unless you have a gas emergency).   Perhaps the only advantage would have been the ability to prime the vacuum tank - obviously, a 7.6 Litre engine creates enough vacuum to pull from tank when system is dry, but ...

I am going to stick with 35-36 Auburns for the moment.  Ed, had me thinking about a 1931 Pierce Arrow Series 42 Berline Club Sedan though.  A couple people keep preaching a Cord L-29 Brougham for me and a couple more a 1932 Franklin Club Sedan.  JCNA friends say I need a XK150 Drophead.  And, ...

It would be fun to hear someone really talk about their Imperial - you never hear much.

We need to get Joe Morgan on here.  I think he's owned 2 dozen of them.

This CH is selling at World Wide in Scottsdale next month.

https://worldwideauctioneers.com/car-details/?id=71&rid=30

384.8 cid L-head inline eight-cylinder engine rated at 125 HP, four-speed manual transmission, solid front axle and live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf-spring suspension, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes; wheelbase: 135”
The automobile comes in all sizes and shapes but, at the height of the Classic Era of the 1930s, the road was ruled by some of the largest and grandest cars ever made. This was the time when great names like Stutz, Marmon, Pierce-Arrow, Peerless, Packard, and Duesenberg ruled the road in grand phaetons, luxurious town cars, and dashing roadsters. Beautiful factory and coachbuilt bodies were the order of the day and they were loaded with dazzling chrome and fine woodwork. Nestled comfortably within these hallowed ranks was the Imperial from Chrysler. Large, richly appointed, supremely elegant, and powerful are just a few words that describe these stately cars as their imposing size was more than enough to loudly announce one’s arrival to a societal event.

Offered here is an excellent example of Chrysler’s Imperial, a beautiful 1932 Chrysler Imperial CH with power from a large 385 cubic-inch inline eight. This Imperial was once in the superb collection of mechanical engineer Franklin Farnsworth, who purchased it in Southern California back in 1952. Mr. Farnsworth owned it for 57 years and while in his possession it was completely restored and then won several awards including an AACA National First. Years of meticulous care have maintained it in the excellent condition that it presents in today. The paint, upholstery, engine and chassis are all very clean, well done, and have no visible defects. This Imperial CH is a convertible sedan that features all-weather protection with roll-up windows. The smooth and graceful body lines of this CCCA Full Classic® are nicely accented in a two-tone burgundy and black paint finish. At the front, its tall grille is topped with Chrysler’s “Leaping Gazelle” radiator ornament and twin trumpet horns add a touch of classic elegance. Attractive split-vee pop-out windshields provide a striking feature while the dramatic length of the front fenders is highlighted with dual side-mounted spare tires encased in hard shell covers. A large touring trunk is located at the rear and functional landau bars on the top represent an era where there was art in design. Of course, one could only expect that a car of this stature would have an interior that rivals the finest mansions in Beverly Hills and to this end the Imperial CH does not disappoint. Indeed, it speaks to an era of hand-crafted elegance and master craftsmanship that has long passed. The interior is upholstered in fine tan leather that’s soft and supple. All door panels, carpeting, and trim accessories are accounted for and the dashboard is a marvel of simplicity with all gauges neatly housed in a center-mounted gauge cluster complete with clock face styled gauges. Rear passengers are treated to the ultimate in comfort as the long wheelbase provides for ample legroom that is impressive. The front windows also swing out for ventilation. Power for this Imperial comes from its inline eight-cylinder in an engine compartment that carries correct wiring and clamps while the intake and exhaust manifolds are finished in baked porcelain enamel. Chrysler engineering always dictated that their engines were reliable, and this straight-eight is no exception. Smooth, powerful, and quiet were just a few of the hallmarks that made the Imperials' arrival more of a sight to behold rather than announcing itself with unnecessary noise. This Imperial rides on wide whitewall tires that are mounted on black wire wheels with Imperial chrome hubcaps. This Imperial has been displayed more than driven since 2014, which accounts for its pristine current condition.

Beauty, rarity, and splendor all come together in this magnificent Chrysler from the Golden Era of the motorcar. In all, Chrysler built just 152 CH convertible sedans. For the absolute best from Chrysler’s CH model, this Imperial, with its beautiful restoration and opulent appointments, makes it a motorcar that can be shown and driven for optimal enjoyment.

This is about the large "classic " ( as per CCCA rules , regulations etc) . For their lower priced, shorter wheelbase cars of the same era I can comment. My guru for all Chrysler products of the 1931-33 era was the late Stan Marcum of Manlius ( used to live in  Syracuse) NY. I bought a 1933 Chrysler Royal 8 model CT conv coupe from him. He was a top notch restorer and drove that CT to Hershey and back after it was finished and took an AACA 1st place award with it. His cars never saw trailers. I loved the car , fit well ( I am long in legs, Stan was shorter) and the car had an adjustable front seat. Engine size , wheelbase aside the car had presence and would easily cruise along effortlessly at 55 mph. I also had the pleasure of driving Stan's 1932 CP 8 conv sedan , another well driving car, and his 1933 Imperial CQ conv coupe. All cars drove absolutely magnificently. Stan was an outstanding mechanic and restorer. I can say nothing to put down any of his cars in any aspect. I eventually parted with the 1933 CT conv coupe because my son got to big to want to climb in and out of the rumble seat every time we would take the car out.

My own preference for body styles - well the ones I find least desirable body wise - just from the stand point of not easily accommodating friends who want to go along is a conv coupe ( 1934 and earlier), coupe  and a roadster. Great looking cars but I like to have people along with me. SO a car with two doors like a conv victoria , or victoria coupe  is ok But unlike Ed I do like conv sedans very much ( own a 1940 Buick Roadmaster conv sedan) as well as touring cars, town cars, sedans etc.

I like to drive old cars, perfect trophy winning cars that don't get driven I am luke warm to.  I have been in the old car interest ( I don't use the word hobby because to me I immediately want to say horse after that) since 1963, started driving old cars in 1967 when I got my license, have driven pre WWII era cars about 100,000 miles.

This photo caught my eye yesterday.   Sidenote - not sure what I am looking at in the middle of the top, though the  little things you see toward the edges of the roof a few inches from the wiper blades appear to be drains for a Sunroof (albeit car is a convertible) ?  

Here was the rest of the post from Facebook:

This would be the all time great CL if its provenance is sorted out and is restored to Pebble standards.   The period pictures are fantastic while the current ones not so much.  The car has lost its CL fenders,  the rear is different and a bunch of other things I can't quite finger that make it not looks so hot anymore.

https://hymanltd.com/1933-chrysler-cl-imperial-victoria-by-de-villars/

alsancleDec 22, 2019

I really do not think we are looking at the same car - perhaps same coachbuilder, but not the same car.  The reason why I say that is there are just too many variances in the belt moldings. 

I’m sure it the same............

And I really like the car.......

Don't believe the Drauz still exists,  but it is pretty cool.

edinmassDec 22, 2019

I’m sure it the same............

I'm not sure but I think it probably is.   I think the trip to Poland did it no favors and quite a bit has been replaced or rebuilt.   Can't wait to see it back in its original CL configuration.

edinmassDec 22, 2019

I’m sure it the same............

Then, I am leaning to its leading one really rough life - notice the difference in the "dip" for the top via the rear tub. 

alsancleDec 22, 2019

Don't believe the Drauz still exists,  but it is pretty cool.

Neat car !!!

John_MerenessDec 22, 2019

Neat car !!!

The Germans had a thing about double rear spares that made the cars look a mile long.

West has posted this before.   Same windshield as the black car,  but not that car.   I think it has survived and was mistakenly restored back to original Lebaron.

alsancleDec 22, 2019

I'm not sure but I think it probably is.   I think the trip to Poland did it no favors and quite a bit has been replaced or rebuilt.   Can't wait to see it back in its original CL configuration.

Trust me, it’s the same car. I have looked into it.

Of all the body styles at that time, the European coachbuilders truly grabbed the convertible Victoria and ran with it to the farthest degree for absolute stylish elegance and verve.  

edinmassDec 22, 2019

Trust me, it’s the same car. I have looked into it.

It is a GREAT car and I'm looking forward to what an unlimited amount of money can do  to it.   But I do wonder how much of the "ship of theseus paradox" is at work.    It is very hard for me to reconcile the period photos with what I see now.  Something is off.

alsancleDec 23, 2019

It is a GREAT car and I'm looking forward to what an unlimited amount of money can do  to it.   But I do wonder how much of the "ship of theseus paradox" is at work.    It is very hard for me to reconcile the period photos with what I see now.  Something is off.

Rough life I am strongly guessing.  That said, dust off the the English wheel and ....

two 31 Imperials, bright!

Much talk about this windshield style seen on a few Imperials and which looks a lot better than the "upright" standard LeBaron version. Isn't it sort of an adapted Auburn windshield - or is it more slanted than the Auburn? I have checked and the Auburn car is 5" narrower (45" vs 50" across cowl) than an Imperial so it is no direct fit.

For those who have forgotten how the Drauz one-off looks like with the top down. Dammann 70 Years:

For comparison, each in turn, I doubt if they were the same car, Drauz must have bodied more than one Custom Imperial.  

58L-Y8Jan 6, 2020

For comparison, each in turn, I doubt if they were the same car, Drauz must have bodied more than one Custom Imperial.  

You are absolutely correct. Dammann and myself mixed it up and here is the same picture (low resolution) from a period Chrysler leaflet. It was a Kellner Cvt Cp made for King Carol II of Romania:

Thanks for the correct coachbuilder credit, Kellner did fine design work as well.  Europeans got stylish convertible victorias seemingly far more than we did here.  Were it not for Waterhouse, Rollston, Derham, Dietrich, Brunn, Fleetwood and LeBaron, none might have been built.

58L-Y8Jan 7, 2020

Thanks for the correct coachbuilder credit, Kellner did fine design work as well.  Europeans got stylish convertible victorias seemingly far more than we did here.  Were it not for Waterhouse, Rollston, Derham, Dietrich, Brunn, Fleetwood and LeBaron, none might have been built.

Great stuff NEVER goes out of style.......

From the flow of Facebook groups: A CCCA Chrysler as Police interceptor vehicle. Chicago Police chose an 32 Imperial  with what looks like bulletproof glass.

Anybody familiar with this car or who the body maker was? It looks like a shorter wheelbase or is that just the skirts playing a visual effect?

one of 32 LeBaron Speedster

md murrayMar 18, 2020

Anybody familiar with this car or who the body maker was? It looks like a shorter wheelbase or is that just the skirts playing a visual effect?

It is on the shorter CH chassis.   Special built for Walter P. Chrysler.

alsancleMar 19, 2020

It is on the shorter CH chassis.   Special built for Walter P. Chrysler.

The first real car show I attended a great distance from my home, this car was on the field. It made quite an impression on me. 

Narve NJan 8, 2020

From the flow of Facebook groups: A CCCA Chrysler as Police interceptor vehicle. Chicago Police chose an 32 Imperial  with what looks like bulletproof glass.

Clearly a 1931 Imperial CG as evidenced by the flat windshield, sidemount tire hold downs, flat headlamp lens, spacers between upper and lower bumper bars. The horns and customized hood are add ons.

Hello Everyone,  Just a note that my 1931 Chrysler CD-8 Roaster is up for sale. Contact me for additional information,  thanks,  Don in Ohio  740-816-4284

I spotted this at RM's Hershey Auction - Great car and just the way I like a car (fun "as is" and plenty of projects for me to do in my evenings and weekends). Kills me though that someone could not spend a few minutes to put the metal sidemount covers on for the auction photos.

https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/hf20/hershey/lots/r0012-1932-chrysler-cl-imperial-dual-windshield-phaeton-by-lebaron/922959

John_MerenessAug 1, 2020

I spotted this at RM's Hershey Auction - Great car and just the way I like a car (fun "as is" and plenty of projects for me to do in my evenings and weekends). Kills me though that someone could not spend a few minutes to put the metal sidemount covers on for the auction photos.

https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/hf20/hershey/lots/r0012-1932-chrysler-cl-imperial-dual-windshield-phaeton-by-lebaron/922959

Love it.  Has a very "honest" feel.  I'll bet it does really well.

alsancleAug 1, 2020

Love it.  Has a very "honest" feel.  I'll bet it does really well.

I assume it ticks all the boxes for what someone would want in an Imperial and from appearances I doubt there are many that were ever this nice a car to start a restoration on if one would choose to do so (personally, I would just be tinkering with it and having a great time doing so matched to lots of nights out on the town for dinner and ...).  It should soar up over 100K within a few seconds of bidding starting. 

John_MerenessAug 1, 2020

I assume it ticks all the boxes for what someone would want in an Imperial and from appearances I doubt there are many that were ever this nice a car to start a restoration on if one would choose to do so (personally, I would just be tinkering with it and having a great time doing so matched to lots of nights out on the town for dinner and ...).  It should soar up over 100K within a few seconds of bidding starting. 

I'm thinking 150-17k.

This one struggled for a couple of years to sell but is the convertible sedan (which I really like).   Bonhams eventually sold it for 180k in a much stronger market.

https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24143/lot/121/

Considering what a split windshield Packard would cost you, the Chrysler is a very good car for the money. Ralph Roberts always did nice work.

alsancleAug 1, 2020

I'm thinking 150-17k.

This one struggled for a couple of years to sell but is the convertible sedan (which I really like).   Bonhams eventually sold it for 180k in a much stronger market.

https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24143/lot/121/

It was a nice car too, but as I have preached repeatedly, White cars are really difficult to deal with in sale matched to this being about the last thing you would ever want wooden wheels on (a car that truly cries for metal sidemount tire covers too).   It takes a long time to find the "right" buyer - when something White comes up (or at least that is my experience).  One of the things a lot of people fail to recognize too is what is a good "base product" - there are a lot of Imperials that came from hell and back in condition and I would take this car 100 times over those. 

A good friend has a White painted 1935 Auburn 851 Phaeton.  The car came out of a great collection and was very nicely restored matched to being a proven driver/tour car. He and I were talking at Auburn just post a dealer acquaintance offering me the car - the dealer had just picked it up via bombing at a major auction and just wanted to make a few bucks and move on.  My friend wanted a Boattail and I said to temporarily rethink that given their difficulty to find and pick the car up as it was super nice car for a very reasonable price (good way to get into Club and ...).  And if wanted he could always repaint it and still be ok on it.    Well, he did buy it - it has proven an outstanding car, it has been to ACD festival several times, it has allowed him to better meet a ton of people (it also holds 5 people so they have had their friends with them too), it has been shown at numerous Concours d'Elegance events, and best of all his wife loves it just the way it is (and loves to drive it too - great support to have her enthusiasm). 

Narve NJan 7, 2020

You are absolutely correct. Dammann and myself mixed it up and here is the same picture (low resolution) from a period Chrysler leaflet. It was a Kellner Cvt Cp made for King Carol II of Romania:

The '31 Imperial by Kellner, from the July 1932 issue of Chrysler-Plymouth Overseas Graphic magazine,

published for foreign markets by the Chrysler Export Corporation, Detroit, MI.

It is by Alexis Kellner of Berlin, not Kellner of Paris. 

https://www.coachbuild.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=157&t=15347

A 1932 Imperial by Drauz for King Carol II, from from the January 1935 issue of Chrysler-Plymouth Overseas Graphic magazine.

King Carol II had a large stable of coachbuilt cars.

https://www.coachbuild.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=266&t=1689

Caption from above, 

"Personalities...

La SARAL, S.A., our distributors in Bucharest have kindly sent us this interesting picture of His Majesty Carol II, King of Romania, (sitting) in his brand new Imperial Chrysler during the festivities recently held in the capital of the kingdom."

King Carol II is the man in plumed hat and moustache in the back seat of the Imperial coachbuilt by Drauz of Heilbronn, Germany.

There are similarities between these two Imperials, as in 1930 Kellner went bankrupt and its name and patent rights were bought by Drauz.

TG

Source: The Beaulieu Encyclopaedia of the Automobile Coachbuilding, edited by Nick Georgano:

Kellner (i) (F) 1903-1938

1903-1910 G. Kellner & Ses Fils, 125 Malakoff, Paris.

1910-1938 Kellner Freres, Successeurs, Pairs and Boulogne-sur-Seine.

Kellner (ii) (D) 1910-1935

Carrosserie Alexis Kellner AG, Berlin

"There was no connection between Kellner Berlin and Kellner et ses Fils in Paris, the names were purely coincidental."

Drauz (D) 1900-1956

Drauz Karosseriewerke, Heilbronn

The dead giveaway on the European coachbuilt cars are the semaphore turn indicators mounted on the windshield pillars.

Craig