The Awesome 1933 Chrysler CL Imperial Was So Beloved

Such Cars Ought To Stay Longer For Generation To Behold

In a very uplifting and befitting tribute to the Chrysler CL Imperial Dual-Windshield Phaeton, a blog post published January 2017 stated that this car “was one of the best-engineered automobiles of its era, a car so wonderful that many of the fewer than 20 known survivors are still on the road and being enjoyed.” What a wonderful description in artistic words of praise!

On a closer look, you realize that indeed this was a monumental car in its days of glory. It also served as flagship for the company’s new-era engines. The mechanical twist to it was a nine-bearing straight-eight engine that generated 125hp and displaced.

An outstanding feature of on some of the open top Imperials was the dual shield, with the rear shield forming a wall right behind the front seats. This was a demonstration of prestigious cruising to enjoy the warmer days of the year.

Needless to say, this was a car of choice for high-ranking individuals. One serious collector of the Imperials was Lou Fageol, a man who needed no introduction to motor sporting back then.

He excelled on water and land with epic boats and cars that he helped to put together. When he wasn’t competing on high waters, Lou rode on a Chrysler CL on the streets. At one time, Lou spiced up an Imperial with a more powerful engine and chassis adjustments so that it gained a massive 175hp.

He correctly described it as “an excellent high-performance highway-automobile.” With that, the CL Imperial had its place reserved in history annals.