In 1932 Chrysler offered their Series CH Imperial Eight which was a shorter version of the flagship Series CL Imperial Eight Custom.
The 1932 Chrysler received numerous styling upgrades but kept the conventional straight-8 engine and solid-axle suspension from previous years.
Distinct to the 1932 series was a new ‘de Sakhnoffsky’ false hood that extended all the way to base of the front windshield. The hood also featured sliding doors instead of the louvres used just a year earlier.
The Series CH Imperial Eight could be ordered in three different bodystyles from the factory and over 1000 Dour-Door Sedans were ordered compared to the much more scarce 2/4 Passenger Coupes and Convertible Sedans.
In Detail
| submitted by | anonymous |
| type | Series Production Car |
| built at | USA |
| price $ | $ 1,945 |
| predeccesor | 1931 Chrysler Imperial Eight |
| engine | Inline-8 w/L-shaped Cylinder Head |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| fuel feed | Stromberg DD3 Dual Downdraft |
| displacement | 6305 cc / 384.8 in³ |
| bore | 88.90 mm / 3.5 in |
| stroke | 127.00 mm / 5 in |
| compression | 5.2:1 |
| power | 93.2 kw / 125 bhp @ 3200 rpm |
| specific output | 19.83 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 56.18 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 379.6 nm / 280 ft lbs @ 1200 rpm |
| body / frame | Body over Steel Chassis |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| front tires | 17-7.50 |
| rear tires | 17-7.50 |
| front brakes | Hydraulic Drums |
| rear brakes | Hydraulic Drums |
| steering | Gemmer Worm & Roller |
| f suspension | Solid Axle w/Leaf Springs, Houde Shock Absorbers |
| r suspension | Live Axle w/Leaf Springs, Houde Shock Absorbers |
| curb weight | 2225 kg / 4900 lbs |
| wheelbase | 3429 mm / 135 in |
| front track | 1505 mm / 59.25 in |
| rear track | 1553 mm / 61.15 in |
| length | 5171 mm / 203.6 in |
| width | 1822 mm / 71.75 in |
| height | 1715 mm / 67.5 in |
| transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| gear ratios | 3.63:1, 2.48:1, 1.38:1, 1.00:1 |
| final drive | 4.10:1 |
| fuel capacity | 73.81 litres or 19.5 gal. |
Auction Sales History
1 of 5 known to exist. 300 miles since frame-off restoration. Red Head Straight Eight engine. Vee windshield and lamps. Rumble seat. Period ownership photos and documents prior to restoration.
Auction Source: Monterey 2014 by Mecum Auctions
