Chrysler Royal

Chrysler have always been a little bit different. From the early days, Walter Chrysler offered the discerning American a car which did everything that a Ford or Chevrolet could do, but with a lot more sophistication. Hydraulic brakes, Firedome heads, even an electrolyte level indicator – and that was in the 1920s. By the late 1930s their cars were powerful, smooth and would cover a million miles.

In the period just before the war, Chrysler decided that the firm should try and get a foothold in the UK market. Bad timing, some would say, as little more than two dozen were to leave the Kew head office before reality dawned. Available as the economy 'Royal' with its 6-cylinder engine, or the straight-8 ‘Imperial’, they were sold with the steering on the right side.

Advertised as capable of carrying “three big people stretching out front and rear”, they claimed an average of 18mpg from the lazy 95bhp 4,086cc straight six. Chrysler also boasted that this engine had the highest compression ratio in the world for its bore size – now there’s a claim! It was modern by any standards though, with an effective independent front suspension and good hydraulic brakes.

Registered in December 1938, this fine rust-free example has been in long term ownership and is one of the rare Kew-built cars. The 4-litre engine starts and runs well, although the vendor reports that it has seen very little use over the last few years and is due some light recommissioning before active use again. Its colour was changed from green to red and beige in 2000 and the car is accompanied by bills for work done over the years totalling £7,000. Complete with a buff log book, it even has some period maps and RAC books to help out in emergencies and to round it all off, the nice original number, FLC 111, is included with the car and is transferable.