1928 Chrysler Model 72 Roadster

The Pride Of Walter P. Chrysler

Although the Chrysler Corporation was still in its relative infancy in 1928, the fledgling company had managed to leap up the sales charts from 32ndplace to 3rdin a matter of a few years, buoyed by its rapidly growing reputation for performance and quality. The main ingredient for success came in the form of the L-head, seven-main-bearing inline-six originally developed for the B-70. These engines were rather unusual in the US market in that, at 248.9 cubic inches, they were smaller in displacement than the competition, yet could match or surpass the output of their rivals. The impressive numbers were achieved via a special high-compression cylinder head and lightweight cast aluminum pistons. These early Chrysler roadsters quickly gained a reputation for being some of the fastest cars in their class.

Chrysler also took a unique path in sending a number of its cars overseas to compete against the best Europe had to offer in motorsport. With the high-performance, six-cylinder Series 72, Chrysler scored a tremendous 3rdand 4thposition in the 1928 Le Mans 24 Hour race. In that same year, Chrysler scored a class win at the grueling Mille Miglia in Italy. Perhaps the most remarkable point about Chrysler’s success in these punishing endurance races is that, at Le Mans in particular, the mid-priced Chrysler was only beaten by much more exotic and expensive machinery. The cars that Chrysler campaigned were only moderately prepared, and they stood up to the might of the Bentley squad’s race-prepared machines which had struggled to keep their big burly cars held together long enough to finish, limping their winning car across the line. A French-entered, overhead cam Stutz Black Hawk took the fight to Bentley for overall honors (finishing second), but Chrysler – in a pair of mid-market roadsters that were essentially unmodified – achieved their remarkable result by managing a steady and reliable race to finish on the podium. Chrysler had achieved what few other American car makers could, using virtually showroom standard machinery.

This unique little roadster was found hiding in a barn for the last 20 years near Kansas City. It retains its original paint and only shows 16,000 original miles. Please note the pictures and ask for any more if you'd like. This car is immaculate. ZERO rust!!! This car is an absolute time capsule. I put a 6V jump to it and it turned over freely. I didn't take it any farther as I am not equipped to drop and clean the gas tank and was afraid to run the old gas thru the motor. I am absolutely sure this car will start with nominal work. The brakes appear to be in good shape and the rubber brake lines have been replaced with braided steel. Thats right...juice brakes. The interior is perfect and the seats are very comfortable. I am sure I have forgotten things, but this should start the conversation. Please don't hesitate to call or text.

Thanks

Dan

970-308-1666