In July 1930 Chrysler launched the second generation CG Imperial referred to in the sales literature as the Imperial 8.

The 8 referred to the new L head 6.3 litre 384.8 cubic-inch, nine-main bearing straight 8 motor which developed 125 horsepower in it’s original incarnation.

The CG’s chassis has an imposing 145″ wheel base, the same as a contemporary Duesenberg.

Imperial 8’s could be ordered with either roadster, coupé, saloon / sedan or limousine bodies, the latter could be ordered with a way ahead of the curve dictaphone.

This particular car photographed by Geoffrey Horton at the 2013 Desert Classic meet in Palm Springs is a 1931 CG with a prototype body by LeBaron.

Unusually this roadster, which is believed to have been taken to the Chicago Auto Show, has no running boards.

When the current owner bought this car he it restored in burgundy and silver in the absence of any knowledge as to the cars original colour scheme.

The 145″ CG Imperial 8’s were only manufactured for one year the succeeding CL only had a 133″ wheel base.

My thanks to Geoffrey Horton for sharing his photographs.

Thanks for joining me on this “145 Inch Prototype” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now !