Makes › Chrysler › CL Imperial Convertible Roadster by LeBaron · Coachbuilt · 1932 Ultra Rare
Chrysler
CL Imperial Convertible Roadster by LeBaron
LeBaron catalogue custom roadster on the CL Imperial; 29 delivered in 1932
Still being researched: identification guide, full specifications. Everything shown is checked against the cited sources. Know more? Send us a source.
Contents
01Overview
At a glance
- Built
- 29 Built
- Years
- 1932
- Engine
- Inline eight-cylinder · 6,310 cc / 6.3 LFactory: 385 cu in · converted
- Power
- Not yet verified
- Top speed
- Not yet verified
- Body
- Not yet verified
- Designer
- Not yet verified
- In this archive
- Not yet verified
- Surviving
- Not yet verified
Sources and any conflicting figures are in the sections below.
Why it matters
The LeBaron-bodied CL Imperial convertible roadster is regarded as one of the ultimate Full Classic Chryslers, combining Chrysler's top straight-eight chassis with catalogue custom open coachwork. Only 29 were delivered in 1932 and fewer than a dozen survive, and restored examples are among the cars to beat in AACA and CCCA judging.
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 productiondelivered in 1932 (fewer than a dozen remain) | 291 | Factory production | 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
For 1932 Chrysler's flagship CL Imperial was offered with LeBaron-built open bodywork, powered by an inline eight-cylinder engine. Historians record 29 convertible roadsters delivered that year. The catalogued car was supplied new in June 1932 and later passed through Harrah's collection; it was delivered with a four-speed gearbox and later converted to a three-speed by factory order.
Variants
How each version differs from the standard CL Imperial Convertible Roadster 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-cylinder2 Independently researched |
| Displacement | 6,310 cc / 6.3 LFactory: 385 cu in · converted2 Independently researchedCL Imperial chassis figure taken from 1933 phaeton lots; not a statement about the 1932 roadster. |
| Bore | Not yet verified |
| Stroke | Not yet verified |
| Compression ratio | Not yet verified |
| Fuel system | Not yet verified |
| Power | Not yet verified |
| Power at | Not yet verified |
| Torque | Not yet verified |
Transmission & drivetrain
| Gearbox | Four-speed manual (as originally delivered)2 Independently researched |
|---|---|
| Gears | Not yet verified |
| Driven wheels | Not yet verified |
Chassis, body & dimensions
| Chassis | Not yet verified |
|---|---|
| Front suspension | Not yet verified |
| Rear suspension | Not yet verified |
| Brakes | four-wheel Lockheed hydraulic drums2 Independently researchedFrom 1933 phaeton lots; may differ in detail for the 1932 roadster. |
| Steering | Not yet verified |
| Body construction | Not yet verified |
| Wheelbase | 3,710 mmFactory: 146 in · converted2 Independently researchedCL Custom Imperial chassis figure from 1933 phaeton lots. |
| 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.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
Sources
Each number links to the exact facts it supports.
-
1
RM Sotheby's Hershey 2024 – 1932 Chrysler CL Imperial Convertible Roadster by LeBaron Level B
- 29 delivered in 1932 (fewer than a dozen remain)
-
2
1933 Chrysler CL Imperial Custom Dual Windshield Phaeton by LeBaron (Monterey 2011, lot R192) Level C RM Sotheby's
- a potent inline eight-cylinder
- 384.84 cu. in. L-head inline eight-cylinder engine
- originally delivered with a four-speed transmission
- four-wheel Lockheed hydraulic drum brakes
- Wheelbase: 146"
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