1928 Chrysler Imperial Series L Two-Door Custom Roadster by Locke & Company
- Engine
- 309 ci L-head inline six-cylinder, single carburetor, 110 bhp at 3,200 rpm
- Colour
- Monotone black
This 1928 Chrysler Imperial Series L two-door custom roadster carries coachwork by Locke & Company of Rochester, New York, and is believed to have been purchased new by world heavyweight boxing champion Jack Dempsey, supported by a period photograph and research into Chrysler archives. After passing through the hands of Florida collector Tom Lester, the car entered its most recent long-term ownership in 2001. It presents as a well-executed older restoration and earned a First Prize at the AACA in 1974.
Ownership
- 2021-10-01Auction saleSold US$110,000
- → 2001Acquisition unknownTom Lesterpartial documentation
Southern Florida-based collector who held the car from at least the mid-1980s and possibly earlier; consistently maintained the Dempsey ownership story throughout his tenure.
- 2001 →Private saleCurrent owner based in Southern Floridapartial documentation
Purchased from Lester as a fellow collector in the same local area; independently verified the Dempsey connection via contacts with access to Chrysler archive materials.
- Date unknownFactory deliveryJack Dempseypartial documentation
Boxing champion believed to have purchased this car new; a period photograph showing Dempsey with the vehicle supports this attribution, later confirmed through the Chrysler archives.
Competition
- 1974AACA1974 AACA First Prize1st Prize
- —Boca Raton Concours d'Elegance
Exhibited on at least one occasion during current ownership; described as a display appearance rather than a competitive entry.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Restoration
A comprehensive older restoration was carried out at an undetermined date, leaving the car in an attractive, well-presented condition as described at the time of sale.
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