Fantasy Junction

Description

1931 Chrysler CD8 Sport Roadster

Chassis No. – CD 1601R
Engine No. – C19-2334
Exterior Color – Red
Interior Color – Black Leather
Engine – 299 cu. in. inline 8 cylinder
Transmission – 4-speed multi-range manual
Current Miles – 13,347 miles (TMU)
Current Owner – Purchased in 2024

History of the Chrysler CD8 Roadster

With just over 500 Chrysler CD8 Roadsters constructed with the distinctive rumble seat configuration and handsome sports body, the Chrysler CD series roadster remains among the most elegant and sporting factory bodied cars of the pre-war era. Known for durability, torque, and power, the nine-bearing inline eight-cylinder engine displaced 240 cu in linked to a 4-speed transmission, with stopping power coming from four-wheel hydraulic brakes.

The elegant body design, penned by Al Leamy (who also designed the Cord L29) was constructed largely by hand at Budd Coachbuilders. The quality of construction had to be superb as these were only offered to wealthy clientele, the fortunate few to have weathered The Great Depression. The CD8 offered unique multi-color paint treatment and special appointments including twin side mount tires, disappearing rumble seat, an elegant and stately chrome plated grille, and long hood to accommodate the inline eight cylinder engine. These elements resulted in an impressive profile even when standing still. On the road, these well-appointed sporting cars were comfortable and refined, cruising comfortably at highway speeds but also proving their competition metal in the 1931 Le Mans and Spa 24 hours.

History and Build Details

Under the care of the current owners since 1994 and spanning 32 years of ongoing event participation, the Swig Family Collection has enjoyed this Chrysler as a stalwart pre war sporting example of performance and durability. In preparation for 30 years of vintage event participation, the family invested $66,000 in services, preparation, and improvements to the car spanning 1994-1995. Among the many notable modifications, the heavy steel fenders and running boards were removed in favor of lightweight fixed front cycle fenders and bobbed rear fenders, dual side mount tires removed in favor of a single rear mounted spare tire, custom floor pans fabricated and installed, Brooklands style windscreens installed, and dual frame mount road lamps. Both front and rear bumpers were removed and various body details tailored to this period spec’d competition-based roadster.

During the extensive reconfiguration to build this period-style roadster into a worthy competition entrant, numerous frame and body structure support work was done to fortify the chassis, create new alignment for the doors, weld in pillars, restore and repair steel body panels, and fabricate new parts as needed to complete the car as a robust and confident package. In addition to the body and frame work, suspension and brakes were restored, and the engine was replaced with a more robust 1938 Chrysler Imperial Eight 299 cu. in. engine fitted with dual downdraft Stromberg carburetors and an Edmunds aluminum intake manifold, topped with Edmunds vintage dual air cleaners. The heavy cast iron exhaust manifold was also removed in favor of four-in-two tubular headers. After completion of all body and mechanical work, the car was finished in red and black and road tested followed by a vintage road event competed in late 1995. Improvements by Conrad Steverson included fabricating a more robust drive shaft, transmission removed and new larger studs fitted, gears and main shaft inspected, safety wires installed on all drain plugs, suspension lowered 2” for better handling via front spring re-arch and reshaping perch points, while the rear was lowered using lowering blocks and extended u-bolts with rear Koni shocks installed for better travel and Alfa Romeo rear axle limit straps. A new exhaust was also fitted at this time.

Additional work continued with Stevenson refining the car further including the fabrication and installation of a custom 1951 Chrysler New Yorker rear axle custom machined to fit the 1931 hubs and suspension mounting points, and numerous additional enhancements. By the early 2000s, the car was serviced by The Pit Stop including a transmission rebuild, brake work, ongoing suspension improvements, valve adjustments, new kingpins and bearings, and other details. By 2007 Genoa Racing was preparing the car including new Excelsior tires, new wheel brake cylinders, rebuilt wire wheels, as well as a new clutch, throw out bearing, and pressure plate. Work continued with Genoa Racing in 2010 including a new gearbox, machining for the gearbox and bell housing, repairing the fuel tank, and continued services in 2011. In 2013, the engine head was removed and resurfaced and reinstalled with a new head gasket, followed in 2020 with a new battery, spark plugs, head retorque, new coil wire, and fluid service.

Proven over numerous events including multiple Rolex Monterey Reunions, Pre-Reunion, Sonoma Historics, Monterey Historics, as well as participation in the California Mille (founded by Swig Family patriarch Martin Swig), and Mille Miglia Retrospectives, the listing of vintage event participation can be viewed in the robust log book spanning 1995-2015 documenting 30 years of event participation.

Current Condition

Having benefited from a high-quality professional build and restoration, the finishes have acquired a welcomed level of patina making it ideal for ongoing vintage events and enjoyable drives without the worry of concours presentation. The current condition is representative of a car that has been enjoyably used, and more recently stored for the past five years. The car starts, runs, and idles smoothly, however a pre-event service is always recommended should the new owner wish to participate in future vintage distance or touring events.

Visually the car presents very nicely with handsome colors and glossy paint. The finish overall, while older and showing signs of age, still delivers a pleasant and sporting impression. The body is sound and the unique lightened fender contours, hood panels, louvers, impressive grille and lighting are all excellent visual accents to the stately presence of this American classic. The stance, lowered ride height and silver and red finished 18” wire wheels are very well suited to the long hood and body lines. A set of Excelsior 6.00/6.50-18 tires are fitted. The general condition of the interior materials is very much in keeping with the exterior cosmetics and consistent throughout with nicely finished door panels and a painted dashboard including vintage gauges to monitor operating temperatures and pressure. As part of the goal to build a lighter sports roadster, the rumble seat cushions have also been removed which helpfully allows for welcomed storage space for luggage and tools when touring.

Under the hood, the upgraded higher displacement Chrysler Imperial straight eight engine is a well-balanced combination of correct Chrysler engineered features and period performance upgrades. The underside of the car is clean and tidy, displaying nominal signs of use but properly maintained under long-term family use and specialized expert care.

This is an excellent opportunity for a vintage sport enthusiast seeking a desirable pre-war car with unique provenance, excellent mechanical features, and wonderful touring capacity. Very likely eligible for world events such as the Le Mans Classic, Spa Classic, and Mille Miglia to name a few, this Chrysler is poised to enjoy the next chapter in vintage road events with the same confidence spanning 30 years of current ownership and vintage event participation.

Included with this Chrysler

This Chrysler roadster is accompanied by a soft top and top bows, a set of inner tubes, a vehicle log book containing the vintage events documented from 1995-2015, and various publications featuring Chrysler references pertinent to this series roadster including a photo and article in March 1999 Road & Track magazine featuring this car.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608