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1931 CG Imperial Roadster. Chrysler brand 75th Anniversary press kit photo. March, 1999.

1931 Chrysler Imperial Eight

1931 Chrysler Imperial Eight

Made to compete with Packard, Pierce Arrow, Lincoln and Cadillac, the Imperial was Chrysler’s Flagship model. It used a new inline-8 engine and sleek styling from LeBaron to give Chrysler a new luxury image.

The new straight-8 wasn’t as impressive as some of the other engines on the market in the early thirties, but it offered an ample 125 bhp and a top speed of 96 mph. The design used nine main bearings and a L-shaped cylinder head.

For Chrysler’s standard bodywork they employed Al Leamy who had also styled the famous Cord L29. Dis sketched were sent to LeBaron who refined the model by adding a raked grill, longer hood and sweeping fenders with integrated spare wheels. Bodystyles included a sporty speedster and elegant dual-cowl phaeton, but anything could be ordered on the ‘Custom’ chassis.

See full 1931 Chrysler Imperial Eight Gallery

1931 Chrysler Imperial Eight
1931 CG Imperial Roadster. Chrysler brand 75th Anniversary press kit photo. March, 1999.

 

In Detail

type Series Production Car
built at Michgan, USA
engine Inline-8 w/L-shaped Cylinder Head
position Front, Longitudinal
aspiration Natural
block material Cast Iron
fuel feed Stromberg DD3 Dual Downdraft
displacement 6305 cc / 384.8 in³
bore 88.90 mm / 3.5 in
stroke 127.00 mm / 5 in
power 93.2 kw / 125 bhp @ 3200 rpm
specific output 19.83 bhp per litre
torque 379.6 nm / 280 ft lbs @ 1200 rpm
body / frame Body over Steel Chassis
driven wheels RWD
front tires 18×7.00
rear tires 18×7.00
front brakes Hydraulic Drums
rear brakes Hydraulic Drums
f suspension Solid Axle w/Leaf Springs, Houde Shock Absorbers
r suspension Live Axle w/Leaf Springs, Houde Shock Absorbers
transmission 4-Speed Manual
tran clutch 11 Inch Single Dry Plate
top speed ~154.46 kph / 96 mph