1930 Chrysler Imperial

Convertible Coupe by Locke - Convertible

310ci

Manual

EP562P

Clear

Gasoline

1930 Chrysler Imperial, bodied by Locke Rare, one of 142 made Ex William Harrah collection Excellent restoration candidate Here up for bids on eBay is this rare 1930 Chrysler Imperial.  At the start of the Great Depression, few people had the means to purchase expensive cars, and Chrysler's Imperial was near the top of the list.  Coachbuilt cars, such as this example, added to the price.  As a result, only 142 of these Locke bodied cars were built from 1929 to 1930.  Locke and Co. were based in Manhattan and later opened an assembly plant in Rochester.  In the 20s and into the 30s they built custom bodies for a variety of manufacturers including Cadillac, Packard, Duesenberg and Mercedes. Formerly part of the Harrah's Collection, this car has just emerged from a 30 year hibernation.  Although not running, the motor turns freely.  The car is exceptionally solid and complete, an excellent starting point for a full restoration.  Click to enlarge any of the photos below, a link to a slideshow of all the enlarged images is available to view at the bottom of the page. The scalloped hood was a design feature of Locke bodied cars.  The grill shell is in good condition, crank hole cover is in place.  Radiator mascot has a broken tip on one wing.  Headlights have some small dings but good chrome and silvering inside. The 1930 Imperials had smooth bumpers instead of ribbed.  This car is missing the luggage rack.  Convertible top is of unknown age, back window is in good condition.  All of the glass on the car is good with no cracks or delamination. Hall Lamp Co. tail lamp with the Imperial logo.  This logo is also seen on the head lamps and rear deck.  The glass lenses on this car are all in nice condition.  In the 3rd photo you can see a dent on each fender, this is the only area on the car with damage, the rest of it is remarkably straight.  The gauge of this sheet metal is very heavy, I have inspected the car top to bottom and have found ZERO filler anywhere.   The side mounts (and wire wheels) were an option for this model.  The side mount wells are in super condtion with no areas of rust through.  All mounting equipment is intact.     The only rust issue I've found on this car are some pinholes on each of the lower doors.  The remainder of the car is impressively solid.  In the 4th photo, where the paint has chipped away, you can see that the bare metal doesn't even have surface flash. A hallmark of Locke's design was the side door entrance into the rumble seat compartment, probably pretty unique in 1930.     Behind the footrest is where the tools are stored.  Although deteriorated, this car presents many original details. The wood framing in this car is in excellent condition, still solid and tight with no rot.  A body number is stamped underneath the rumble seat door, as well as on a plate just inward of the passenger side sill. The interior is original with the exception of the seat covering, done in vinyl instead of leather. The ignition system is operable and the oil gauge shows pressure as the engine turns.  The car has fresh oil in the motor and transmission. The doors latch closed securely, the window winders are stiff and I have not tried to move them.  Convertible top frame is all intact, but again, I have not attempted to move them. Good floorboards with no rot.  The clutch operates freely but the brake pedal does not.  The transmission shifts freely, a 4 speed was offered in 1930 which this car has. First 2 photos show the area beneath the bottom seat cushion. The car is still on its title from Harrahs, signed off and free and clear.  Included with the car is much paperwork and reference literature relating to this car, as well as research notes by Clyde Wade of Harrahs. The motor turns freely, it has fuel, spark and compression but needs someone who has the time to get it running smoothly. Original radiator and dual point distributor.  Motor number is L6545. Original Stromberg UX4 carburetor.  I have 6 Firestone 7.00x18 tires with tubes, from Coker.  If the winning bidder would like these I will sell them for 50% off current retail price. Solid and original undercarriage, this car has never been off the frame.  The exhaust shows all original hangers, the springs are still wearing their original gaiters. Click here for a slideshow of all of the enlarged images. About the Reserve Price: Out of fairness to all bidders, the reserve is held in confidence, please just bid at the level that you are comfortable paying.  This auction ends Tuesday, 10-30-12 at at 11 AM Pacific Time , 1 PM Central , 2 PM Eastern, 6 PM GMT. About Payment: I will contact the winning bidder via email within 3 hours of auction completion.  I would like a $500 deposit via paypal within 2 days.  Balance is due (bank check or bank wire transfer only) within 7 calendar days of auction end. The car will be securely garaged until pickup. About this auction: This auction process is a legally binding contract into which you enter when you click "confirm" on your bid.   Please have finances in order before you decide to bid and please ask all questions before you decide to bid.   Basically, please only bid if you are ready to purchase this car.  Car is sold as-is with no warranties express or implied.  Any disputes regarding the sale of this vehicle shall be resolved through binding arbitration exclusively in Multnomah County, Oregon under applicable state laws.  By bidding you agree to these terms. About me: Please check my feedback, I take customer satisfaction very seriously and am a licensed, bonded and insured dealer in the State of Oregon.  I own this car outright and the pictures were taken last week.  You and/or your representative are welcome and encouraged to inspect the car in person before the close of auction. I can be reached at 503-891-7702 between the hours of 9-5.  Previously sold inventory is available to view at www.cascadiaclassic.com Post Auction details: The transport cost is the responsiblity of the winning bidder, although I can certainly help with logistics.  I have a wholesale account with a transport booking service and can help you find a reasonable shipping rate.   Overseas bidders may contact any of these international shippers for a quote: Schumacher Cargo CFR / Rinkens California Shipping Thanks for looking!