Harry's Thoughts
THE ESSENTIALS
1928 Chrysler Series 80 Imperial Convertible Coupe
This striking Series 80 Imperial LeBaron Convertible Coupe is an elegant example of Chrysler’s first muscle car. This great looking and rare motorcar is equipped with some of the most desirable options: the motor upgrade referred to as the “Red Head” and the Buffalo Wire Wheels. This is a Full Classic and would be welcome to participate in all CCCA CARavans and Grand Classic events.
The “Red Head” was a motor upgrade that for 1928 made this model America’s most powerful car. Beginning in 1928, the Chrysler seven main-bearing six cylinder engines could be ordered with an optional performance upgrade that featured an enlarged intake manifold and a new, red-painted cylinder head that reduced the size of the combustion chamber and thus increasing the compression ratio to 6.1:1 for greater power output. The Red Head was a cherished favorite of enthusiasts then as it is today! With 112 hp this automobile has the muscle to back up its handsome looks!
Another fabulous feature for this 1928 Chrysler Imperial is its internal expanding Lockheed hydraulic braking system. Compared to its contemporaries, Chrysler was a decade ahead with its brakes. The logic was simple: a car that can drive faster needed to stop quicker! This car can stop as readily as it can pull up a steep grade!
The aluminum cased transmission has four forward speeds (first is a stump-puller, so day-to-day it performs like a three speed) and performs quite well. It is quiet and shifts well. The emergency brake contracts onto the drive shaft and also performs well.
This LeBaron designed rumbleseat convertible coupe body is on the 136” chassis giving this car an elegant and imposing presentation. Complete with dual side mounted spares, luggage rack with the trunk and tools, this motorcar is fairly well equipped.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbO6_rnnJlY[/youtube] This motorcar was acquired by its present owner in February 1987. This car was the crown jewel of his collection and he proceeded to spend years thoroughly restoring this to concours and CARavan condition. For decades this motorcar was driven and enjoyed. The car was always well serviced and well tended. Hundreds of receipts of all parts and work since 1987 are included along with the service and owners manual.
Over the past year, Alan Taylor Company, a restoration center featuring many Pebble Beach Concours award winning motorcars, has completed the following interior improvements:
- New butter soft tan leather interior to the seats, doorpanels and all leather surfaces,
- New convertible top, top boot and trunk cover,
- New carpet in the front and rear passenger compartments.
The following are the recent electrical upgrades also performed by Alan Taylor Company:
- Complete new wiring harness
- Newly rebuilt instruments
- New Optima battery
- New battery cables
- New battery cut-off switch.
As the owners aged, the gentleman has recently passed away leading to the sale of this auto. The motorcar is in very good condition for touring with only minor servicing needed. The tires are excellent looking and drive well but have visible cracking. For touring the tires would need replacing.
The paint maintains a high luster, sheen and is serviceable for touring and local car shows, but for concours events it would need to be touched up or resprayed. There are some areas where the paint has minor cracking. The metal work under the paint is excellent and the panel fit is very good.
The chrome is excellent in most all areas with the bumpers being only good. The undercarriage is all restored and in great shape but could use a detailing.
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