1927 Chrysler Imperial Sportif Convertible

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Artifact Overview

The Imperial Model E-80 was Chrysler's top-of-the-line car for 1926 and 1927. This Sportif's look, inspired by Laurence Pomeroy's designs for British automaker Vauxhall, suggested speed. The car's 112-horsepower, six-cylinder engine was capable of 80 miles per hour. The dual-cowl layout provided separate windshields for front and back passengers. Chrysler called these models, "as fine as money can build."

Artifact Details

Artifact

Automobile

Date Made

1927

Creator Notes

Chassis made by Chrysler Coporation in Detroit, Michigan; custom body manufactured by Locke & Company in Rochester, New York.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

62.9.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of John Warren Watson.

Material

Metal
Steel (Alloy)
Glass (Material)
Canvas
Leather
Rubber (Material)
Nickel (Metal)

Color

Cream (Color)
Light yellow
Black (Color)
Blue
Gray (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 57 in
Width: 67 in
Length: 192 in
Wheelbase: 133 in

Inscriptions

Circular emblem on radiator: THIS CAR AND PASSENGERS PROTECTED BY / WATSON STABILIZERS / CONTROL / AND / SAFETY / OVER ALL / ROADS Emblem on center edge of hood: CHRYSLER On hubcaps: C Stamped on center of rear taillight: CHRYSLER Center emblem on front and rear bumpers: CHRYSLER Plate on firewall: CHRYSLER CORPORATION / DETROIT, MI., U.S.A.

Specifications

Make & Model: 1927 Chrysler Imperial Sportif
Maker (Chassis): Chrysler Corporation, Detroit, Michigan
Maker (Body): Locke & Company, Rochester, New York
Engine: inline-6, L-head valves, 309 cubic inches
Transmission: 3-speed manual
Height: 57 inches
Wheelbase: 133 inches
Width: 67 inches
Overall length: 192 inches
Weight: 4240 pounds
Horsepower: 112 at 3200 revolutions per minute
Pounds per horsepower: 37.9
Price: $2,895
Average 1927 wage: $1,380 per year
Time you'd work to buy this car: about 2 years, 1/2 month
1927 Chrysler Imperial Sportif Convertible