1947 Chrysler Imperial

This motor car is being sold as part of an overseas collection. It has been imported under the Bonhams temporary admission customs bond and is therefore subject to the lower rate 5% import tax if the car is to remain in the UK & purchased by a private individual. The 5% is calculated on the final selling price. For example, if the car sells for £7,000, then £350 is added, making the total amount payable of £7,350.

The winning bidder will receive a receipt for the final hammer value, and proof that HMRC fees are paid. If the car is subsequently exported abroad within 30 days then these fees are refundable.

Lastly, there will be a nominal administration fee of £350 for processing the NOVA application, and payable direct to the shipping company. A completed and processed NOVA will provide you formal proof that all duties & taxes are paid in UK and thus allow you to register the vehicle with the DVLA

In common with the majority of cars in this collection, this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section.

We have not started or driven the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

It is available for view and inspection at our HQ near Abingdon and we will be delighted to show the car to you and/or your appointed engineer.

In common with many vehicles from the vendor’s collection, this 1947 LHD auto Chrysler Imperial Crown Limousine comes with very little history and no service records.

We know that the VIN is 7810200.

We know that the odometer currently reads 60,956 miles.

We know that it was living in Maine in 1996.

And we know that it entered the vendor’s static display car collection in 2018.

We found the following reference to this very car on The Imperial Club website. The site quotes the auction listing from James D. Julia Auctioneers of Fairfield, Maine, in January 2011.

“1947 CHRYSLER CROWN IMPERIAL C-40 LIMOUSINE. This classic looking four-door limousine has a bench front seat with single bench back seat with mounted foot rest, privacy divider glass and loads of room. Simulated burl wood trim, and electric windows which were new to the world at that time. Odometer reading 59,850 miles; Vin # 7810200. Last inspected per the license plate in 1988 and vehicle registration certificate. Straight 8. Research indicates 750 were produced. Black paint with chrome trim. SIZE: 235" l; 78" w; 68" h.

PROVENANCE: Barnard Estate of Augusta, Maine.

CONDITION: We have not had the car running, this car was used extensively by the previous owner in Augusta, Maine, at parades and for personal touring. The two side windows are down and the window motor makes noise but it appears the windows are unhooked. There is some rust at the edges & on chrome parts, no evidence of accident from an outside cursory look.”

The car was subsequently offered for sale again in Maryland in 2016. The then vendor said at the time…

“Here is a luxurious blast from the past! This 1947 Chrysler Crown Imperial is an amazing survivor. Chrysler’s flagship line Limousine. Interior and paint are original, car runs and drives well. Fluid drive shifts smooth.”

We can’t vouch for the car’s mechanical status but we think its overall condition now puts it into the light project category and, although much of the work could prove to be cosmetic, there is undoubtedly a reasonable bit to do to restore this rare and imposing limousine to its previous magnificence.

The bodywork is reasonably true, the panels are pretty straight, and there are relatively few dinks, dimples, creases or folds of any significance to report.

The shut lines and door gaps seem fairly consistent and even.

The black paintwork, however, is beyond salvation.

It has gone from gloss to matt in most places and is mainly covered in light scratches, swirls, stone chips, heavier scratches and patches of rust in varying degrees pretty much everywhere you look.

Most of the chrome is foxed and pitted.

There is rust in the rims of all four wheel arches, although it isn’t of the flaking or holed variety.

There is a dent in the bottom of the o/s/r door.

There is what appears to be superficial rust in the wheels.

The interior, which has clearly been properly restored and refurbished at some point, is good in parts.

We’ll start with the good.

The vinyl (at the front) and fabric (in the rear) upholstery is in pretty decent overall condition.

The rear seats still have the protective plastic covers they were photographed with at the time of its 2016 sale, but there are a few holes visible under the plastic.

The wood and veneers are in broadly fine condition. The steering wheel, dashboard, instruments and all interior fixtures and fittings look good, too.

The door cards in the front cabin have held up pretty well.

The carpets, headlining and fabric sections in the rear cabin, however, have fallen prey to some particularly voracious moths and their offspring, many of whose carcasses were still present when we first encountered the interior of this vehicle.

We can’t make any claims about the functionality of switches, knobs, levers, toggles, buttons, dials or other electrics as we haven’t started the vehicle.

The cavernous boot contains a spare wheel, some rather tired looking tools and a rim of rust around the inner edges.

Everything we can see underneath appears to have a reasonable amount of structural integrity.

There is some rust dust and flaking in evidence and, clearly, you’ll want to see it for yourself before reaching your own conclusion.

The engine and engine bay seem to be in decent condition with everything in its right and proper place.

The car doesn’t come with a service history or any record of work done.

Currently, it has neither an MoT certificate nor a V5.

It must be registered in the country of your choice and you will need to contact the appropriate vehicle licensing agency for instructions on how to do this. Any paperwork shown in the gallery in no way constitutes any kind of licensing or registration certification.

We haven’t tried to start or drive the car so our understanding of it is somewhat limited.

Obviously, the car needs some cosmetic attention – maybe more – both inside and outside, but we’re of the opinion that some attention paid to the car’s superficial rust issues, a proper respray and a refurbed interior might be the extent of what’s required to restore a very rare and special limousine to its considerable former glory.

Provided, of course, that the car’s engine and mechanicals are in proper working order and amenable to recommissioning.

We’re confident to offer this car for auction with an estimate of £7,000 - £12,000, plus Bonhams bond payment and £350 NOVA fee.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions.’