While it is often taken as common knowledge that Chrysler’s CL Imperial models all featured bodies by LeBaron, this was not actually true, as LeBaron provided only the open styles.

The closed bodies, most notable among them the rather rakish Close-Coupled Sedan, were built by Chrysler’s own coachbuilding facilities, with no less a standard of fit and finish.

Further, the closed bodies were unusual in being almost entirely of metal construction.

Despite their very much classic styling, they were quite modern automobiles and drove that way.

Few cars of the Classic Era are as enjoyable to tour with as a CL Imperial, in particular a closed model.

Historian Joe Morgan recounts that only four of these Close-Coupled Sedans remain extant.

His fellow CL Imperial historian Dan Phenicie records the history of serial number 7803627 back to the original owner, Ira O.

Bashore of Mifflintown, Pennsylvania.

Indeed, the car remained in Mifflintown for its first two decades.

After Mr.

Bashore’...