1931 Chrysler CG Imperial Dual-Cowl Phaeton
A 1931 Chrysler CG Imperial Dual-Cowl Phaeton, one of the most coveted body styles on this chassis and a design partly credited as inspiration for the CCCA logo. Discovered by Imperial specialist Joe Morgan in Rhinelander, Wisconsin in the early 1980s after long storage, the car was comprehensively restored over nearly four years and went on to win major AACA and CCCA awards including a 1993 James Melton Memorial Cup and two perfect 100-point scores, before taking First in Class at the 1994 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance under John McMullen's ownership.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$165,000
- → 1994Acquisition unknownJoe Morganpartial documentation
Noted Imperial specialist who discovered the car in Rhinelander, Wisconsin in the early 1980s where it had been stored for an extended period. Morgan oversaw a full restoration lasting nearly four years and documented the car's original January 1931 Pittsburgh delivery.
- 1994 → 2007Private saleJohn McMullenpartial documentation
Enthusiast from Lapeer, Michigan who exhibited the car at several prestigious concours events and had the vehicle featured in a notable automotive book and a magazine article.
- 2007 →Private salePaul Andrews Jr.partial documentation
Texas-based collector of Full Classics who acquired the car from the McMullen Collection.
- → 2015Private saleDonald Bernsteinpartial documentation
Pennsylvania-based owner who held the car prior to its acquisition by the Adderley Collection.
- 2015 →Private saleAdderley Collectionpartial documentation
Institutional collection that acquired the car in early 2015 and displayed it prominently in its gallery.
Competition
- 1993Antique Automobile Club of AmericaJames Melton Memorial CupWinner
Prestigious AACA award earned alongside the Senior First Prize during the same period of competition.
- 19941994 Pebble Beach Concours d'EleganceFirst in Class
Exhibited by John McMullen during his first year of ownership; class victory at one of the most prestigious concours events in North America.
- —Antique Automobile Club of AmericaAACA Senior First PrizeSenior First Prize
Awarded during the post-restoration competition phase; precise year not stated but prior to 1994.
- —Classic Car Club of AmericaCCCA Primary First PrizePrimary First Prize — perfect 100-point score
One of two perfect-score victories earned in CCCA judging prior to the 1994 sale to John McMullen.
- —Classic Car Club of AmericaCCCA Senior First PrizeSenior First Prize — perfect 100-point score
Second of two perfect-score CCCA results; exact year not provided but prior to 1994.
- —Meadow Brook Concours d'EleganceFirst in Class
Repeated the Pebble Beach class-win result at this Michigan concours during the McMullen ownership period.
- —Willistead Classic Concours d'EleganceFirst in Class
Third consecutive class victory at a major concours during the McMullen era; exact year not stated.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Restoration
A comprehensive restoration lasting approximately four years was carried out, including a slight raking of the convertible top's rear bow for a more streamlined profile. Work was overseen by Joe Morgan and was of a quality that earned multiple perfect judging scores.
Completed some time before the 1993 AACA and CCCA awards, placing the work in the late 1980s to early 1990s. The car's original serial number plate, found in the history file, was also refitted during or after the restoration.
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