Lot details
Registration No: FXV 888
Chassis No: C23/754/6744325
Mot Expiry: Exempt

- Running and driving

- UK manufactured and registered

- Buff logbook with owners back to 1945

The 1939 Chrysler C-23 Imperial is a study in all that is best in American pre-War 'airflow' design. The new-for-'39 front waterfall grille and recessed headlamps, two-piece windshield, running boards and characteristic fastback style perfectly evoke the era of The Great Gatsby and befitted its place as Chrysler's flagship model. Its 5,300cc 8-cylinder flathead engine produced 130bhp, enough to propel the car to 95mph whilst hydraulic shock absorbers afforded a comfortable ride. Inside, adjustable seats and steering column added to the refined nature of the cabin.

This particular C-23 Imperial has a fascinating history, having been imported in kit form when new and assembled at Chrysler's Kew headquarters in London, the dealer plaque remaining on the dashboard. It was one of just 16 right-hand drive examples ever built and was first registered only after WW2 which is confirmed by the original buff logbook which comes with the history file. Indeed, it has been suggested the car is the last surviving right-hand drive example of the model. This charming art deco car suits its cream coachwork, whitewall tyres and re-trimmed high-quality Mocha leather interior. We are advised that the car has had an engine and gearbox overhaul and was repainted several years ago, and research indicates that it may have an upgraded wiring loom which could be returned to original should the new owner so wish. It also has twin period spotlights which suit the car perfectly. The car, from the Ian Grange Collection, is currently registered in the UK with registration number 'FXV 888' and comes with a current V5. Records show the MOT lapsed in 2011, but the car runs and drives. Currently showing 74,072 miles, the car is offered with no reserve and requires the attention of anyone seeing a fascinating, rare and distinctive car of the period.


A little bit about the late Ian Grange :

Not the tallest man in the world, Ian Grange was nonetheless a very much larger than life character. Born in Stockport, severe dyslexia saw him leave school at fifteen with no qualifications. After doing his National Service, Ian went into the Manchester motor trade. A school of hard knocks that could literally have the shirt off your back (as he found out when purchasing a Jaguar E-Type from Harold O'Connor), the budding entrepreneur learnt to wheel and deal with the best of them setting-up Red Lion Autos in Cheadle before specialising in classic cars and relocating to Chorlton.

A serial nightclub owner as well as a car dealer whose clientele included 'everyone from dustbinmen to lords', Ian traded on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Resident in Florida for several years, he could turn a profit on machinery that made more conservative rivals blanch! Never afraid to sit on his stock 'while it increased in value', he professed there was 'a bum for every seat' and sold a fabulous array of classics including a Mercedes-Benz SSK, Lamborghini Miura, Ferrari 275 GTB, AC 428 Convertible, countless coachbuilt Rolls-Royces and Bentleys not to mention numerous outlandish American cars.

A classic car dealer for almost sixty years, Ian was a familiar face at auctions up and down the country. Happy to be bound by one of his irrevocable handshakes and a stickler for punctuality, he remained active up until his death last year. Thankfully, his daughter Samantha Grange-Bailey is picking up where her father left off and will reinvest the proceeds of the collection in further stock

PLEASE NOTE: There was a difficulty in selecting reverse gear whilst manoeuvring this Lot into position.