Cars that eventually became known as Chryslers began production before Chrysler was founded. These vehicles were the outcome of a collaboration of a talented set of three engineers (anyone know which company the three came from?) and Walter P. Chrysler. Their roots stretched back well before the launch date of January 1924, though their features were revolutionary, including a relatively high-compression six-cylinder engine and four-wheel hydraulic brakes – all at a mid-range price point. Once Chrysler was formed, resources were concentrated on the development of these cars, so that by 1927, the buyer enjoyed a smoother ride from rubber engine mounts and an adjustable seat. The Imperial 80 was the top-shelf offering, with 91 hp from its motor and a three-speed sliding gear transmission. This example is located in New Caney, Texas, and thanks to decades of storage, the new owner will need a trailer to haul it home.
The engine was a bit of a marvel for the day. Remember that Henry Ford was still making four-cylinder engines for the ubiquitous Model T, and he didn’t change his mind about cylinder count when he launched the Model A. His competitors were looking for an edge – and here underhood was Chrysler’s. It was a six, to begin with, and then by changing the position of the spark plugs relative to the valves, the compression ratio was increased – a big advantage in the days of low octane fuel. With a replaceable oil filter and an air cleaner, the 288 cu. in. engine proved very popular, propelling Chrysler to fourth in sales. In fact, in 1928, Chrysler entered the Le Mans 24 Hour Grand Prix d’Endurance, placing third and fourth. Not bad for an upstart.
Thanks to its high selling price, the Imperial couldn’t just be fast; it had to offer its customers more than a modicum of luxury. Interiors could be optioned in a variety of fabrics; leather appointments were standard, even a cabin heater was available. A wiper was supplied for the driver; later, sun visors became standard. This example is in exceptional condition given its years of storage; it looks like it was driven just yesterday. Note the shades on the windows – quaint! The seller does note that the padded roof needs restoration.
The panels are suprisingly straight – look at that hood fit. Remember that these cars would have been hand-built. If you hanker for the luxury of a big pre-war sedan, this one has copious charm and is exceptionally complete. Find it here on eBay, bid to $7500, reserve not met. A hint at the reserve is implied by the buy-it-now price of $12,000. That level feels strong to me; what do you think?
Wow! What a find! Reminds me of the ’27 Buick sedan that was found
bricked up in a garage since 1946.
It was dragged out of its garage in
2014 after they removed all that brick
from the entrance. The guy who bought it just fixed what was needed
and began doing driving it in as found
condition. And while I’d wanna do that with this one, those wooden rims
would have to go. Those spindly looking things scare the crap out of me as they can collapse at any moment when the spokes fly out. The only way to enjoy this car safely
would be to install period correct steel rims with slightly wider tires to
make car more stable when driving it.
Or you could 3D print the original rims
as one piece to make sure the spokes
don’t fly out when you take a corner.
And Fred Zeder, Owen Skelton, and
Carl Brier all worked for Packard at one time before being wiooed away from there by Walter Chrysler. The
trio were all hands on types who were
always building something at Chrysler’s behest. Some of their inventions included oilite bushings that could absorb a tremendous amount of oil and then release it under stress. Another item was
super finish that made engine tolerances much closer than they
ever had before. They also gave us
the Airflow and the hemi V-8 too.
Would be great to see this car cleaned up. It would be a real beauty.
Seller wants $12k for it in this condition? I think current bid of the $7-8k is its value, if I had it I would work to get it running and driving fix the top then enjoy it for a year or two before moving it on to someone else
Sounds like a good plan Troy, but you
might wind up being stuck with it as
the number of folks that would be
interested in a car like this are aging
out of the hobby and have been for the last few years. Just look at how
the prices of prewar cars have fallen
since say, uh, 2015. Since that time,
a large number of these cars are turning up on sites like this one. It’s
really sad that our younger generation
doesn’t embrace the hobby like we do. Alright all you young folks out there, let’s hear from you about this.
As a member of the “younger set”, I can provide some reasons. My classmates (driving age or close to it) are now mostly concerned with showing off (i.e. Look at MY brand new Mercedes), and that’s the car people, too. They wouldn’t want to be seen in last year’s model, let alone any kind of classic. The rest are only concerned with driving to look like an adult, if they are concerned at all. Most are quite happy not driving because “its hard”, even from behind the wheel of a modern car that practically drives itself. I know several people who will probably graduate college without ever touching a steering wheel. It’s strange to me, but to them I’m sure it makes sense.
Hi Flint, thanks for chiming in. It’s reassuring to know the site attracts all ages. I can feel Kenneths frustration, but don’t feel bad, Laddie, younger generations are not to blame for lack of interest. 1st, this wonderful machine I’m typing on, has turned our society around, and people don’t venture out like they used to. It’s entirely possible to never leave your home, whatever that is. While a car in our time was paramount, today, it’s not really needed. 2nd, it’s the cost. I’ve said time and again, future generations like yours, will have no use for a classic car. They just have no connection to it. As prices of everyday goods climb,( $6.59 for a box of matzoh crackers is unacceptable) guess what will be the 1st to go.
Take this car for example. I’m almost 70, and even if I had a place to restore it, a car like this is out of my realm. I respect it for what it is, but I’d never want to drive it. This lack of interest has been coming for a long time, we all knew it, just good old fashioned denial is what kept us hopeful, but we have to face it, cars like this, while a treasure found in our time, is just an old useless car now. I don’t think we were all that much different, I wanted little, if anything that my old man liked, and he thought we were nuts, so go figure.
Changing the position of the spark plugs will not increase compression ratio, unless of course you change the shape of the combustion chamber.
they changed the the position of the spark plugs so they could change the compression ratio ( the chamber) not to change it, My guess is it was the spark plug was right above one of the valves so they moved it to get the top of the chamber down further
Price seems a little high, but washing and even waxing this wonderful machine would have indicated an owner who values the vehicle, hence the ask.