1938 Chrysler Imperial

This 1938 Chrysler C-19 Imperial Touring Sedan was refurbished in the late 1990s and was acquired by the current owner in 2021. The car is finished in black over tan cloth upholstery, and power comes from a 298ci inline-eight paired with a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive. Service performed in 2021 is said to have included the installation of turn signals, a new battery, and front seat belts as well as an oil change and a rebuild of the water pump. This Series C-19 Imperial is now offered on dealer consignment with factory literature, refurbishment photos, and a clean California title in the owner’s name that lists the car as a 1938 LTD. The Series C-19 Imperial was built for 1938 and was offered in six factory body styles as well as an unbodied chassis for coachbuilding applications. The body of this example was removed from the frame and refinished in black during the 1990s refurbishment. It features dual brake lights, fender skirts, rear-hinged rear doors, running boards, dual side-view mirrors, a single-piece windshield, and driving lamps. Turn signals were reportedly installed in May 2021. The body color steel wheels are mounted with chrome hubcaps, trim rings, and 6.50–16 Denman bias-ply whitewall tires. A matching wheel and tire are mounted in the trunk. The C-19 Imperial rode on a 125″ wheelbase and featured an independent front suspension with coil springs as well as semi-elliptical leaf springs out back. Stopping power is provided by hydraulically assisted drum brakes at all four corners. A chassis lubrication was reportedly performed in June 2021. The front and rear benches are trimmed in tan wool broadcloth that was installed during the 1990s refurbishment. Matching door panels and carpets are fitted, and additional equipment includes dual gloveboxes and a heater. Front seat belts were added in May 2021. The heater core is said to have been replaced under previous ownership, and a stain is noted beneath the heater. The windshield wipers and AM radio do not work. The white three-spoke steering wheel fronts a steel dashboard housing a 100-mph speedometer and a combination gauge with an inset clock. Areas of paint loss are visible on the steering wheel. The five-digit odometer shows 1,900 miles, approximately 200 of which were added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown. The 298ci inline-eight was rebuilt during the 1990s refurbishment and was factory rated at 110 horsepower. A rebuild of the water pump was reportedly performed in February 2021 along with an oil change, and a new battery was installed in May of that year. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive. A collection of photos taken during the refurbishment can be seen in the gallery along with included factory literature.