Car Chrysler CG Imperial Convertible Coupe 1931 for sale

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To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Sealed June event, Bidding Closes 24-26 June 2026.
$225,000 - $275,000 USD

Offered from 38 years in a prominent collection
One of only ten examples produced in this body style
Formerly owned by noted West Coast enthusiast Irving Davis
Attractive older restoration in very good condition
Well-accessorized and in excellent colors
A CCCA Full Classic

The 1931 CG Imperial was a bellwether of where Chrysler’s top-of-the-line models would be heading, as they were now entering the Classic Era at full steam. Earlier Imperials had been well-built, quality cars, but they were somewhat, dare we say it, dull. This new model was wonderfully different. It was a grand 145-inch-wheelbase beauty that had a bold radiator shell canted back at a rakish angle and a long hood that emphasized the great power lurking below it, which was a 384.8-cubic inch nine-main-bearing unit that could produce 125 horsepower. The fenders flowed behind Duesenberg-like bumpers, and the headlights became sleek bowls.

The CG Imperial offered here, serial number 7802973, is a very rare LeBaron-bodied convertible coupe, one of just ten built. According to noted Imperial historian Joe Morgan, it was delivered at the end of July 1931, as a rather late-production example finished in Gettysburg Blue with wire wheels. Delivery was made at the factory to someone by the name of Mitchell, who Mr. Morgan notes acquired several Imperials in this era and thus was likely either a local dealer or an especially avid customer!

Later the car became part of the legendary collection of longtime Classic Car Club of America member, Irving Davis of Beverly Hills, California, and like many of Davis’s cars is believed to have been restored in his ownership by the noted and highly respected craftsman, Tom Sparks. By this time the original engine, CG4072, had been replaced by the current unit. When displayed to award-winning results in CCCA Grand Classics in the early 1980s, the Chrysler was much as it appears today, in a rich two-tone red livery – one seen on several Sparks-restored Davis cars – and properly accessorized with dual driving lights, a stone guard, chrome wire wheels, dual sidemounts with mirrors, wind wings, and a luggage rack with fitted trunk. It was also displayed at the 1980 and 1981 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, winning First in Class in the latter.

Finally, the car was acquired for the present collection in January 1988, and has remained in the collection since, with only occasional outings to shows and for exercise. Largely well-preserved, the restoration does exhibit some age and use under the hood, as is to be expected, but is still highly attractive and with further sorting would be a pleasure for CCCA CARavans or to return to regional concours.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/s0626/.