1935 Chrysler Series PJ Three-Position Drophead Coupe

Lot details
Registration No: BYL 193
Chassis No: 266920
Mot Expiry: None

Having rescued Willys from their financial woes but failed in his attempt to wrest control of the firm from John Willys, Walter Chrysler obtained a controlling stake in the ailing Maxwell Motor Company. By 1925 he had dropped the Maxwell name and rebranded the business as the Chrysler Corporation. Ten years later, the company was riding high and ranked third overall in the American sales charts. The 1935 Plymouth Chrysler PJ Series cars featured the X type chassis of previous years but with improved torsional stiffness, while the number of body mounting points had been increased to forty-six. The previous year's independent front suspension had been supplanted by a tube axle and new taper leaf springs and, following cooling improvements, Chrysler had been able to extract more power from its 3.3-litre straight-six OHV engine.

This fascinating right-hand drive, 1935 three-position Drophead Coupe is reputed to have been shipped to the UK by Plymouth Chrysler as a rolling chassis and then bodied by the Carlton Carriage Company of Willesden and badged as a Chrysler. Little is then known about the car until it was rescued by the vendor's late husband as an almost derelict 'barn find' in August 1976. A competent engineer, he then set about a painstaking restoration of the vehicle. Much progress was made, but he sadly died before the task could be fully completed. For sentimental reasons the vendor was initially unable to part with the Chrysler, and admits that some deterioration has taken place in the meantime. She commissioned a Condition Advice Report from Classic Assessments, who confirm some of the work will have to be redone. They note: "The vehicle's mechanics, including the semi-seized engine, brakes, transmission, various electrical and ignition components and various ancillaries all appear to require attention and recommissioning before use." Now moving house, the vendor has finally come to terms with selling 'BYL 193' and it is offered as stated. A rare and desirable vehicle, the Chrysler now requires somebody with the patience and competence to restore it to its former glory. Then end result would undoubtedly be extremely satisfying and produce a car worthy of any collection.