1931 CHRYSLER CD DELUXE ­EIGHT SERIES RS COUPE
Designer: Herb Weissinger

Estimate: $32,000 - ­ $45,000

Chassis Number: 7519159 (Engine No. CD20739)
Engine: 288 cid L­-head in­line 8 cylinder
2­-barrel Carburetor / 100 bhp
4­-Speed Manual Transmission
Four Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
Mileage: 51,274

● Recognized as “Full Classic” by the CCCA
● Elegant Styling, High Performance
● Well Appointed and Ready for the Road

The Model: For automotive historians, following the lineage of the 1931 Chrysler CD series can be confusing. However, in its third and final form released in May 1931, the best engine available was put under the hood which complimented the sporty looks and coachwork. Chrysler’s head stylist, Herb Weissinger, seemed to borrow a number of styling cues from the Al Leamy designed Cord Front Drive cars produced about this same time. With a long hood­line featuring an elegant grille up front, these were the height of fashion in the Motor City that season. Weissinger’s body lines begged for two-­tone paint schemes, and the coupe was an excellent canvas. Between the combination of a late introduction plus a worsening economic situation in the USA, very slow sales were recorded with just 511 of the “3rd” series CD’s being produced, and very few of those were these sweet little coupes.

The Car: A quick glance at the tan fabric top of this closed car and you might think you’re looking at a stylish cabriolet, similar to the popular “Sport Coupes” of that era. Restored back in the 1980’s, this car has been maintained in private ownership for a number of years, and presents many of cues for “classic­ cars” such as the dual side-­mount spare tires, and a rumble-seat with roll-­down back glass so those outside occupants could converse with those inside, plus a single front mounted fog light. One of the most handsome features is the chrome­-framed split windshield design, a trend setter of the day. Under the hood and the engine shows a slight patina of age, but remains in its pure ­stock form. From an era when not many could afford a sporting coupe and those who could made careful selections, this RS edition was a proven winner.