Makes › Chrysler › CL Custom Imperial Dual-Windshield Phaeton by LeBaron · Coachbuilt · 1933 Ultra Rare
Chrysler
CL Custom Imperial Dual-Windshield Phaeton by LeBaron
LeBaron dual-windshield phaeton; one of 50 bodies ordered by Chrysler (36 built as 1933 models), ~17 remaining
Still being researched: full specifications. Everything shown is checked against the cited sources. Know more? Send us a source.
Contents
01Overview
At a glance
- Built
- 50 Built
- Years
- 1933
- Engine
- inline eight, L-head, nine main bearings · 6,310 cc / 6.3 LFactory: 385 cu in · converted
- Power
- 101 kW / 137 PSFactory: 135 hp · converted
- Top speed
- Not yet verified
- Body
- Not yet verified
- Designer
- Ralph Roberts (LeBaron)
- In this archive
- Not yet verified
- Surviving
- 17 (independently researched)
Sources and any conflicting figures are in the sections below.
Why it matters
The 1933 dual-windshield phaeton is regarded as one of the best body styles of Chrysler's Classic Era Custom Imperials. It was designed by Ralph Roberts and built by LeBaron, and only about 17 are thought to remain.
How rare is it?
Six separate kinds of rarity – never combined into one number.
Each kind of rarity is rated separately and never combined.
02Production & history
Production
Every figure says what it counts.
| What is counted | Figure | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total model productionDual-windshield phaeton bodies ordered from LeBaron by Chrysler in 1932 (14 shipped in 1932; 36 built as 1933 models) | 501Strongest evidence | Factory production | Independently researched |
| Model-year productionDual-windshield phaetons originally built as 1933 models (of the 50 bodies ordered) | 363 | Factory production | Independently researched |
| Total model productiondual-windshield phaetons estimated to remain, per RM Sotheby's | 172 | Surviving examples | Independently researched |
Independent counts (e.g. engine and colour) are never combined into a calculated figure. Surviving examples are never presented as original production.
History
Chrysler ordered 50 of the phaeton bodies from LeBaron in 1932. Fourteen were shipped at first, and a few are believed to have been returned to the factory for updates with 1933 sheet metal and trim; 36 of the 50 were originally built as 1933 models. LeBaron's Ralph Roberts ordered one as his personal car.
The 1933 Imperial had a more imposing front, a sharply pointed grille and a very long hood achieved by overlapping the cowl and extending it to a raked split windshield.
Variants
How each version differs from the standard CL Custom Imperial Dual-Windshield Phaeton by LeBaron.
No variants documented yet. Have a source? Contribute it.
03Specifications
Technical specifications
Engine
| Engine family | Not yet verified |
|---|---|
| Engine code | Not yet verified |
| Layout | inline eight, L-head, nine main bearings2 Independently researched |
| Displacement | 6,310 cc / 6.3 LFactory: 385 cu in · converted2 Independently researched |
| Bore | Not yet verified |
| Stroke | Not yet verified |
| Compression ratio | Not yet verified |
| Fuel system | Not yet verified |
| Power | 101 kW / 137 PSFactory: 135 hp · converted2 Independently researchedConceptcarz gives 125 hp at 3,200 rpm for a similar 1933 car; rating standard not stated. |
| Power at | Not yet verified |
| Torque | Not yet verified |
Transmission & drivetrain
| Gearbox | three-speed manual with vacuum-assisted clutch (overdrive on some cars)2 Independently researched |
|---|---|
| Gears | 32 Independently researched |
| Driven wheels | Not yet verified |
Chassis, body & dimensions
| Chassis | stamped-steel ladder-type chassis4 Independently researched |
|---|---|
| Front suspension | solid beam axle, leaf springs2 Independently researched |
| Rear suspension | live axle, leaf springs2 Independently researched |
| Brakes | vacuum-assisted four-wheel hydraulic drums2 Independently researched |
| Steering | Not yet verified |
| Body construction | Not yet verified |
| Wheelbase | 3,710 mmFactory: 146 in · converted2 Independently researched |
| Length | Not yet verified |
| Width | Not yet verified |
| Height | Not yet verified |
| Front track | Not yet verified |
| Rear track | Not yet verified |
| Kerb weight | Not yet verified |
| Dry weight | Not yet verified |
Performance
| Maximum speed | Not yet verified |
|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | Not yet verified |
| Fuel tank | Not yet verified |
“Not yet verified” means no source has been checked for that value yet. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap.
04Colours & options
Factory colours & interiors
Original paint and trim, with the number of cars in each where a source gives it.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
Factory options & codes
Codes are shown exactly as written by the manufacturer.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
05Individual cars
Chassis register
Every documented car, with its colours, history and where it is now. Open a row for the full record. Known chassis are not automatically authenticated originals.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
Competition history
Every race result of the individual cars, in date order. Click a chassis number to open its full record in the register.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
Auction & sale history
Documented public sales of the individual cars. Click a chassis number to open its full record in the register.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
See one in person
Museums where an example of this car can be seen.
No example is documented on public display yet. Have a source? Contribute it.
06Reference
Identification guide
How to tell an original from a replica or later conversion.
The CL phaeton has a 146-inch wheelbase, a long hood and a split raked windshield with a second windshield for rear passengers. The 385 cubic-inch L-head straight-eight has nine main bearings, and engine numbers begin with CL. The clutch and the four-wheel hydraulic brakes are vacuum-assisted.
Sources
Each number links to the exact facts it supports.
-
1
RM Sotheby's Amelia Island 2019 – 1933 Chrysler CL Imperial Dual-Windshield Phaeton by LeBaron Level B
- Fifty of these bodies were ordered by Chrysler in 1932
-
2
1933 Chrysler CL Imperial Dual-Windshield Phaeton by LeBaron (Amelia Island 2015, lot R182) Level C RM Sotheby's
- it is estimated that just 17 remain
- 385 cu. in. L-head inline eight-cylinder engine with nine main bearings
- 135 bhp, 385 cu. in. L-head inline eight-cylinder engine
- 135 bhp, 385 cu. in. L-head
- three-speed manual transmission with a vacuum-assisted clutch
- three-speed manual transmission
- leaf-spring and beam axle front suspension
- leaf-spring and live axle rear suspension
- vacuum-assisted four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes
- Wheelbase: 146 in.
-
3
1933 Chrysler CL Custom Imperial Dual-Windshield Phaeton Level B conceptcarz.com
- one of thirty-six examples built in this style
-
4
1933 Chrysler CL Imperial Custom Dual Windshield Phaeton by LeBaron (Monterey 2011, lot R192) Level C RM Sotheby's
- stamped-steel ladder-type chassis
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