The CG Imperial was Chrysler’s answer to the luxury automobile market dominated at the time by Packard, Cadillac, and Duesenberg.
The Dual Cowl Phaeton body was designed by LeBaron, at the time owned by Thomas Hibbard and Ray Dietrich. Al Leamy, designer of the Cord L-29 was retained to style the Imperial and thus the resemblance between the two automobiles. Like the L29, the CG was long and low, featuring gracefully swept fenders and a vee-shaped radiator. LeBaron improved on the design, however, with a longer hood, a swept back grille, and a more elegant bodyside treatment.
Many collectors consider the CG Imperial Dual Cowl Phaeton to be among the finest looking and best driving cars of the era. Although the 383.83 cubic inch flathead V-8 engine produces 125 HP, it was not considered as desirable as the more glamorous V12 and V16 engines offered by other manufactures, although its performance was competitive. The Imperial featured a four speed transmission that allowed a top end speed of 96 MPH.
The Imperial rides on a 145” chassis and measures just over 17’ from bumper to bumper and weighs 5,000 pounds.
The Great Depression had its effect on sales resulting in only 339 custom and semi-custom CG’s being produced. Only 85 Dual Cowl Phaetons were manufactured. The CG Imperial was Chrysler’s answer to the luxury automobile market dominated at the time by Packard, Cadillac, and Duesenberg.