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In a blog post from January 2017, the Chrysler CL Imperial Dual-Windshield Phaeton was praised as “one of the best-engineered automobiles of its era, a car so wonderful that many of the fewer than 20 known survivors are still on the road and being enjoyed.” Such high praise indeed!
Upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that this car was a true legend during its time of glory. It also marked a new era for the company’s engines, featuring a nine-bearing straight-eight engine that produced 125hp.
One remarkable feature found on some of the open-top Imperials was the dual shield, with the rear shield creating a partition right behind the front seats. This was a symbol of luxurious cruising to savor the warmer seasons.
Unsurprisingly, this car was highly sought after by prominent individuals. One notable collector of the Imperials was Lou Fageol, a well-known figure in the world of motor sports at the time.
Having achieved success both on water and land with impressive boats and cars, Lou was often seen driving a Chrysler CL on the streets. On one occasion, he enhanced an Imperial model with a more powerful engine and adjusted chassis, boosting its output to a remarkable 175hp.
He aptly described it as “an outstanding high-performance highway automobile.” This ensured that the CL Imperial earned its place in the history books.
Image Source: Hemmings Motor News
