In many ways, the 1933 Chrysler Imperial represents Chrysler’s ultimate aesthetic statement of the Classic Era.

This Chrysler Custom Imperial Phaeton is known to have been delivered new on 9 June 1933, to its first owner in Washington, D.C.

One of the estimated 17 remaining of the 50 1933 models bodied by LeBaron, this Phaeton embodies the beauty of the 1933 enhanced styling – the imposing frontal view and a sharply pointed grille blending into the remarkably long hood line, achieved by overlapping the cowl and extending it to the raked split windshield.

For many, this is the best-looking Imperial of all.

At some point before the 1950s, the car was in the hands of a Mr.

Paul Vanderbilt.

In 1954, famed collector Homer W.

Fitterling of South Bend, Indiana, discovered the car in the Chicago area and purchased it for his collection, giving the CL its first restoration.

Although the body was in good condition, the chassis was reportedly very high mileage; thus, Fitterling swapped th...