Motorclassica 2011: 1932 Chrysler Imperial
In an era when work was scarce and corruption was rife, owning a vehicle was a sign of considerable wealth.
During the early 1930s, gangsters had a hold over the streets of many major American cities, and for those on the wrong side of the law, a car was not only an important means of transportation but was also vital in case a quick getaway was required.
Infamous Irish-American gangster and bootlegger Jack 'Legs' Diamond was no exception. Known for his extravagant and unlawful lifestyle, he was one of Upstate New York's biggest celebrities. Nick-named 'the clay pigeon of New York's underworld', 'Legs' managed to survive a number of gunshot attacks on his life between 1916 and 1931, and was often wanted by police for his involvement in bootlegging of alcohol and narcotics.
'Legs' was one of the first to buy the 1932 Chrysler Imperial Sedan, the perfect car for a man famous for his flamboyant lifestyle. It is believed that 'Legs' bought the Chrysler Imperial in the weeks leading up to the fatal shooting that saw his past finally catch up with him. The details surrounding his death remain a mystery.
Following his death, the vehicle was stored in New York City, where it remained for many years before being snapped up by avid Chrysler collector Paul Stern. The fact that Stern kept the car in pristine condition and barely took it out on the road means it has never been restored and looks almost identical to how it would have appeared when the legendary gangster drove it.
The vehicle has made its way to Australia and will soon be on display at the RACV Motorclassica from 21-23 October at Melbourne's Royal Exhibition Building. Strict laws that usually prevent USA heritage cars leaving the country mean this particular car will provide an incredibly rare sight for Australian motoring enthusiasts.
Only 1000 Chrysler Imperial CH models were ever made, just seven of which remain - and this vehicle is believed to be the only one to be preserved in its original, unrestored condition. In addition, the car has done so few kilometres that chalk marks from the factory production process are still visible under the bonnet!
Chrysler offered this 135-inch wheelbase model with automatic transmission, making it popular among the well-heeled who chose to drive themselves rather than opting for a chauffeur. The enormous engine is 385 cubic inches and produces a whopping 125 horse power. To put that into context, at the time the car was built the majority of vehicles on the road managed a mere 40 horse power or less. The car was designed for ascending steep inclines and has the ability to effortlessly sustain cruising speeds.
The dark brown CH 5 passenger sedan features V-type windshields, cowl lamps, twin sun visors, twin trumpet horns, Delco-Remy ignition, hydraulic brakes, four speed transmission, downdraft carburettor and rear mounted trunk rack with accessory trunk.
From infamous New York gangster to one of the most famous Chrysler collectors in America, the vehicle is now owned by Australian Rod Hokin, who credits his father for igniting within him an enthusiasm and passion for classic cars.
Hokin had organised to drive the car from Louisiana along Route 66 to a shipping container before bringing it to Australia. However, the previous owner insisted he transport it via truck instead because it had spent so little time on the road. Extra precautionary measures, such as a closed container, were taken to guarantee its safe and secret arrival in Australia.
Hokin bought the car under the proviso that he would never restore it, a condition to which he readily agreed. He does, however, intend to enjoy the car by adding a few extra miles to its odometer.
RACV Motorclassica attracts car enthusiasts from all corners of the globe, and brings together more than 100 of the world's rarest and most desirable classic, vintage and veteran cars.
The 2011 event will have a completely different look and feel to last year's show. Event Director and classic car enthusiast Paul Mathers said he was excited to have many more vintage and pre-war era exhibits on show.
"The 98 cars chosen so far to go on display consist of the beautiful, the spectacular and the unexpected. The diversity and quality of entries received this year has ensured the event will be even bigger and better than 2010," he said.
One of the very special cars of the show this year will be a 1921 Ballot 2L Sports. This preservation class car with a magnificent patina has been in the same Australian family for 85 years and is one of only five remaining worldwide. The Ballot joins a bevy of other forgotten marques including Cord, Delage, Facel, Marmon, NSU, Salmson, SS, Sunbeam and Wanderer, all of which will share the limelight at the Australian International Concours d'Elegance.
Representing Australian motor racing history is the 1973 Holden Torana XU-1, with which Peter Brock won his first Australian Touring Car Championship in 1974.
A number of special celebrations will be held during the event, including the 125th anniversary of Mercedes-Benz, which will mark the occasion by exhibiting the oldest genuine Benz in Australia, an 1896 Velo.
The 50th birthday of the Jaguar XKE and the 60th anniversary of Porsche in Australia will also be celebrated. A parade of Porsches, featuring the famous 935 "Moby Dick" and Derek Bell's 1987 Le Mans winning 962, will star on the Concours floor.
