Very Nice Chrome Great Exterior Redone Seats 70 Year Old Rust Free Example

1940 Chrysler Crown Imperial

If you were Chrysler, whose Imperial line was in a constant battle with Lincoln for second place behind Cadillac at the top of the luxury market, what could you do? Imperial was already as fine a car as you could make it, buzzing with luxury, technological innovation, craftsmanship and power. So, Chrysler created a badge and trim level to add even more allure: the Crown. At the time of the name's introduction in 1940, Crown was applied to long-wheelbase automobiles, originally all closed cars.

For consignment, the first year first edition of the Imperial Crown line from Chrysler. This car was owned by the consigner's father since 1984, and prior to that it sat in a garage for 25 years. We do not know exactly how many owners have had this car in their hands, but we do know that the original owner paid cash.

Exterior
This prewar steel slab sided car is covered in dark green which consigner states is mostly original paint. We cannot verify this either way, so we will go with the consigner states! Chrome is aplenty with the front bumper complete with vertical bumper guards, and curving rods that protect the front of the curved front fenders. A horizontal ribbed grille creates a point in the front, and chrome trim spears run back from the hood to the rear at the belt line. Badging looks good, as well as mirrors and door handles. Not perfect, but hey its original! Black-wall tires are highlighted by Chrysler badged dog dish style chromed caps and wheels are on all 4 corners.

Interior
Beautiful seats and upholstery in light tan cloth, buttoned and tufted have been redone in an older restoration. Slightly darker door panels with stitched panels and a lower carpet panel, have their original cranks, and the arm rests/door pulls have some wear. The rear seat is plush to say the least, and is also buttoned and tufted, and could be used as your grandmother's couch in her drawing room. In the back of the front bench are convenient storage boxes with locking doors. This would be in the and now for something completely different department! Carpeting is showing its age and is original, with many missing spots of it and plenty of staining. The original dash is still installed, and is in poor condition with chrome fading, missing panels, and broken Bakelite buttons. Bad shape overall, and in need of restoration.

Drivetrain
A 323.5ci Chrysler L head Inline 8-cylinder engine graces an unrestored engine bay. A single Stromberg 2V, Model AAV-2-barrel carburetor rests atop the I8. A 3-speed fluid drive transmission is attached to the back.

Undercarriage
All pretty good under here with no invasive rust, and structural integrity is present. Some patina on the gas tank and other areas, and the battery compartment is rusted through in the corners. Front independent coil spring, and leaf spring suspension and drum brakes all around.

Drive-Ability
Quick starter despite an older engine, smooth shifter when put into gear, and smooth drive, and smooth transmission. Rides nicely, and a totally comfortable interior which definitely has new seats with just a few faults. Dash is functional for info but needs restored, also noted the radio is inoperable.

Overall a mostly original exterior as stated by the consigner, and an interior which definitely has new seats and original carpet dash and headliner. Exterior shows nicely and chrome is good. This car has spent 25 years in a garage and has had an owner since 1984. Some work has been done, and it was sporadic. This is a great find, as it its mostly intact, excepting for the dash. Seating is wonderfully restored with a few faults, but otherwise good condition. If you are looking for a Chrysler, not seen every day, and literally in turnkey condition, then work your way to Classic Auto Mall and we can make a deal!

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.