1931 Chrysler CG Imperial Dual-Cowl Phaeton
- Engine
- 6.3L (384.8 cu in) L-head inline-eight, 125 bhp, four-speed manual overdrive with free-wheeling
- Colour
- Deep red with gold striping
The 1931 Chrysler CG Imperial Dual-Cowl Phaeton is a rare open-body American Classic on a 145-inch wheelbase, powered by a 125 bhp straight-eight. One of only 85 built, it features LeBaron coachwork by Briggs styled by Ralph Roberts. Discovered unrestored in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, it was meticulously returned to show condition by Imperial authority Joe Morgan, retaining its original numbered drivetrain throughout. It subsequently won Best in Class at Pebble Beach and achieved a near-world-record auction result in 2007.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$412,500
- 1931-01-13 →Factory deliveryFirst owner in Pittsburghpartial documentation
Vehicle was delivered in Pittsburgh with specific gear ratio and color noted on the original factory build sheet.
- → 2007Private saleJohn McMullenpartial documentation
McMullen acquired the car shortly after its restoration and maintained it well as a highlight of his noted collection; it was eventually sold for a price close to a world record.
- 2007 →AuctionPaul Andrewspartial documentation
Andrews, based in Fort Worth, Texas, kept the car as part of his well-regarded collection for several years following the 2007 sale.
- Date unknownUnidentified owner in Rhinelander, Wisconsinnone documentation
Car sat idle in Rhinelander for an extended period before being located by restorer Joe Morgan in the early 1980s.
- Date unknownPrivate saleJoe Morganfull documentation
Morgan discovered the unrestored car and undertook a multi-year restoration, obtaining factory build records and verifying all component numbers against them.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownCurrent owner, enthusiast and Imperial specialistpartial documentation
The present consignor is described as a knowledgeable Imperial collector in whose collection the car has been a centerpiece.
Competition
- —Classic Car Club of AmericaCCCA judged show100 points
Car earned perfect scores on multiple outings during Joe Morgan's ownership or immediately following restoration.
- —Antique Automobile Club of AmericaAACA judged show100 points
Achieved perfect scores on every appearance in AACA competition alongside its CCCA showings.
- —Pebble Beach Concours d'EleganceBest in Class
John McMullen entered the car shortly after acquiring it from Joe Morgan and secured a class victory.
Maintenance & restoration
- —RestorationJoe Morgan
Comprehensive multi-year restoration carried out over roughly three to four years by Joe Morgan, retaining the original engine, cylinder head, radiator, transmission, axles, and bumpers. Only the trunk and certain body-sill timbers required replacement; remaining structural wood was salvageable. All factory-assigned numbers confirmed to match across chassis, engine, and body.
Work undertaken after the car was found in an unrestored but essentially intact state in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. The factory build sheet was obtained from Chrysler to verify specification and numbering.
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