1939 Chrysler Imperial Dual-Cowl Phaeton

Vehicle
1939 Chrysler Imperial Dual-Cowl Phaeton
323 cid, I-8, 141 bhp

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There were a total of seven chassis built in 1939 for custom coach bodies. In conjunction with Chrysler, three of these were given to coachbuilder Derham to build 3 special long wheelbase Chrysler Imperial phaetons for use at the 1939-1940 NY Worlds Fair by visiting dignitaries. These cars were powered by a 323 cid inline eight which produced 132 horsepower. One of the cars was later modified with a bullet-proof enclosure and rearward facing jump seats by Derham for use by King George VI of England when he and his wife visited the Fair on June 10, 1939. When the Fair closed in 1940, Chrysler gave one of the cars to New York City and that vehicle served as the city’s official parade vehicle for almost twenty years.

Highlights:

  • Imperial model was the flagship luxury model for Chrysler
  • Column shifter was offered by Chrysler for the first time in 1939