In the roaring 1920s, luxury car manufacturers often sold what were known as “running chassis” — bare mechanical frameworks without a finished body. These chassis were then handed over to prestigious coachbuilders who crafted bespoke, one-of-a-kind bodies tailored to each customer’s desires.
One of the most renowned coachbuilders of the era was New York’s LeBaron Carrossiers. They designed and built the charming and romantic Chrysler Imperial Convertible Coupe pictured here, finished in a striking deep red.
This exquisite body was mounted on a substantial 145-inch chassis, powered by a robust 6.3-liter engine. The car could reach a top speed of 100 mph (160 km/h) and cruised comfortably at 85 mph (135 km/h)—a remarkable feat considering the poor road conditions of the time.
Only ten convertible units of this model were ever produced, making it an exceptionally rare collector’s gem. The price? A staggering $280,000 in its day, underscoring its exclusivity and craftsmanship.
