The son of an early Chrysler-Plymouth dealer, William A.C. “Bill” Pettit III and his father assembled an extensive car collection culminating in the founding of the Museum of Motoring Memories in Natural Bridge, Virginia. A vast collection encompassing Mr. Pettit’s passion for the automobile, the museum featured a wide range of cars, from a 1906 REO to a 1940 Duesenberg SJ. Mr. Pettit cherished this Chrysler CL Imperial Custom and it remained in his collection until he passed away in 2011. Few American cars of the interwar period better convey the finest in luxury, mechanical power, and cutting-edge design than the Chrysler Imperial. Debuting in 1932, the CL was the upper of two distinct Imperials, riding a massive low-slung 146" wheelbase chassis, and clothed with eight different variations of custom LeBaron coachwork. This impressive example of the Imperial Custom Convertible Sedan reportedly shipped from the factory in June 1932, and was delivered to an owner in Dayton, Ohio. The car’s chassis number suggests that it was the 58th CL built. By the early 1980s, this Chrysler was acquired by Roger Ritterbeck of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, who began restoring the car. The Imperial was soon spotted by noted Chrysler collector Joe Morgan who offered to buy the car several times. In 1986, Mr. Ritterbeck finally acquiesced and Mr. Morgan returned to his native New Hampshire to conduct a restoration. Mechanical components were refurbished beautifully, and cosmetic elements were refinished, resulting in an attractive presentation worthy of concours d’elegance showings. On the basis of the beautiful restoration, the car took First Place in the Primary Division at the CCCA’s 1992 Pennsylvania Grand Classic. In 1999, Mr. Morgan sold the car to Mr. Pettit, who used it sparingly, just as the current owner has. It is notable that of the 220 examples of the CL Imperial Custom that were delivered in 1932, only 49 were bodied as Convertible Sedans. Some enthusiasts believe that a mere 11 of these cars have survived today, suggesting that this special example offers unusual rarity. In correspondence, Mr. Morgan also remarked that this Imperial is particularly unique for its interior layout, which features twin bucket seats in both the front and rear compartments. In addition to the sensationally long engine compartment that visually defines the CL, this Imperial features intricate brightwork, from the chrome trim of the rear fenders, spare wheel covers, and the trunk, to the engine vent covers, which feature plating that is only found on a handful of examples. A beautiful basis for further exhibition that would require little freshening, this stunning Imperial CL is a CCCA-awarded car that represents one of the most opulent American classics of the 1930s. car
