- 1 of just 36 examples built in 1933
- Well-documented history including 19 years of current collection ownership
- AACA National First Prize winner
- Formerly part of the William Lassiter Collection
- One of Chrysler's last true offerings of the grand Classic Era
LOT 328
Selling on Saturday
From the Passport Collection; Coachwork by LeBaron
1933 Chrysler CL Imperial Sport Phaeton
Often used to replace words like royalty, prestige, or class, the word imperial has a certain ring to it that allows for the subject being described to fully embrace the shine and fame that comes with it. Chrysler, looking to capture a share of high-class society in the early 1930s, used "Imperial" to their advantage and brought a whole new model to market that captured the essence of the term. Draped in excellence and elegance from top to bottom, this 1933 Chrysler CL Imperial Sport Phaeton, featuring coachwork by LeBaron, was at the top of their offerings during the era.
An outside design and coachbuilding firm borne of two kids from New York, LeBaron Carrossiers Inc. was founded in 1920 by the duo of Tom Hibbard and the legendary Raymond H. Dietrich. Originally formed to sketch designs for companies, LeBaron would later be acquired by Walter O. Briggs in the mid-1920s, whose main concern became to supply catalog bodies for the major marques. Briggs' goal with LeBaron to provide custom-built bodies soon came to fruition and their works were found on prestigious chassis such as Packard, Duesenberg, and Pierce-Arrow as well as the Chrysler Imperial. Designated the CL series, the Custom Imperials were introduced in 1931 and did just what Chrysler had hoped - captivate the wealthy and affluent society. Only lasting until 1933, CL Imperials were available in five catalog body selections. Chrysler only produced 155 Custom Line Imperials across all five models in 1933, and a mere 36 left the factory to go on to LeBaron to be Sport Phaetons with the dual windshield, such as this one.
Delivered new to an affluent individual living in New York City, history would pick back up when Andrew Young of Roseland, New Jersey purchased this CL in 1955 from decade long owner William H. Van Beushoten of Ramsey, New Jersey. Young would sell this car to noted Chrysler collector Dave Soper of Wyota, Iowa, who owned it into the late 1970s before passing it onto Frank McGowan of Brantford, Connecticut. Holding on to it for a brief period of time, the next caretaker would be Bill Lassiter of West Palm Beach in 1982. Under his care for nearly 20 years, he would commission a thorough, comprehensive restoration that would be completed in 1988. Following which, it earned its AACA National First Prize, which is still pinned to the front grille today. Lassiter would sell this rare Imperial in March of 1999 to a Canadian-based collector who would be the last individual to own it before the Passport Collection acquired it in 2006.
Having been well-cared for and maintained since its restoration was completed, this rare CL Imperial Sport Phaeton is still very presentable, having mellowed and aged nicely through time, making it a phenomenal choice for touring events. Complete with many accessories such as a grille guard, dual horns, dual side mount spares enclosed by hard covers, wind wings, and a rear-mounted trunk, it commands attention. Inside, the front and rear leather seats, which are divided by a windshield, show well with little to no wear. Rounding out the cabin, the occupants are faced with a dash that is adorned with an engine turned motif.
Renowned among Classic Era enthusiasts for their spirited performance and agile handling, this 1933 Chrysler CL Imperial's 135-horsepower 384-cubic-inch inline eight-cylinder "Red-Head" engine is ready to be put to the test and used throughout the country. As an approved Full Classic® by the CCCA, it would be a delightful addition to the various CARavan events. Regarded as one of the most attractive cars of the period, this rare, one of just 36 built 1933 Chrysler CL Imperial Sport Phaeton checks all the right boxes one would want from a pre-war grand classic. It has a well-documented ownership history and truly impressive performance.
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