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For Sale: 1938 Chrysler Imperial in Saint Louis, Missouri

Vehicle Description

Incredibly rare and desirable 1938 Chrysler Custom Imperial (C20) Town Limousine by LeBaron

Just released from a private collection

Known history since new

Ordered new by and custom built for Joseph P. Kennedy (father of John F. Kennedy) while he served as the U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain



Equipped with several unique special ordered features and amenities including:

Dual Side Mount Spare Tires
European Style “Semaphore” Turn Signals And Parking Lights
Roll Up Partition Window
Dual Rear Glove Box Compartments
Fold Away Rear Jump Seats
Seven Separate Interior Lights
Rear Clock
Whitewall Tires
Wheel Trim Rings
AM Radio
Personal Communication System
Rear Passenger Radio Controls
Dual Floor Heaters
Sterling Silver Trim
Twin Vanities


Only 28,021 believed-to-be actual miles!

One of only 11 coach built examples and possibly the only one assembled by LeBaron

Previously shown at the Glenmoor Gathering Concours, Meadow Brook Concours and the Concours d’Elegance at St. Johns
Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) full classic; eligible for all events and caravans

Full documentation including copies of the Joseph P. Kennedy papers courtesy of the JFK Presidential Library (including a letter from Walter P. Chrysler to Joseph P. Kennedy), copy of a letter from Senator Robert F. Kennedy, referencing the Chrysler, display signs form the Meadow Brook Concours, Concours d’Elegance at St. Johns, the Glenmore Gathering and more!

Recently serviced

Performs wonderfully

An outstanding piece of American history!

A collector’s dream

The magnificent 1938 Chrysler Custom Imperial Town Limousine by LeBaron featured here is finished in stunning Dark Green Metallic with a beautiful black leather interior in the front and a blue and beige interior in the rear. This outstanding example was ordered new by and custom built for Joseph P. Kennedy (father of U.S. President John F. Kennedy) while he served as the U.S. ambassador to Great Britain from 1938-1940.  As such, this Custom Imperial is equipped for VIP service with several unique features including European style “semaphore” turn signals and parking lights, a roll-down partition window, fold away rear jump seats, dual rear glove box compartments, dual floor heaters, twin vanities as well as rear passenger radio controls while the interior trim is plated in silver. Custom Imperials (also designated as C-20 models) were assembled on a 144” wheelbase chassis and power was derived from the “Gold Seal” inline-8 cylinder engine that produced 130 horsepower while standard Imperial models were equipped with a 110 horsepower engine and a shorter 125” wheelbase. Since leaving the service of the Kennedy Family, this Chrysler has enjoyed many years of collector ownership. The vehicle’s rarity and unique ownership provenance has garnered its entry into several notable Concours level events including the Meadow Brook Concours and the Concours d’Elegance at St. Johns. A mere 28,000 miles are present on the odometer today which is believed to reflect the total accrued mileage since new. We are proud to offer this exceptional 1938 Chrysler Custom Imperial Town Limousine by LeBaron to the most astute collector or investor who understands and appreciates this outstanding piece of American history. Classic cars have proven to be among the most resilient and rewarding investments in recent years with the Historic Automobile Group Index (HAGI) jumping 39% in 2013, 16% in 2014 and 17% in 2015 while posting gains of 467% over the last 10 years. Ready to make an investment you can actually enjoy? Please contact one of our expert sales consultants at (314)291-7000 or [email protected] for more information. They will be happy to give you a complete walk-around, supply you with a more detailed description, and answer any questions you may have. Buy with confidence.

Trades welcome! Financing available. Please visit www.schmitt.com to view our full inventory.

Vehicle Details

  • 1938 Chrysler Imperial
  • Listing ID: CC-1265492
  • Price: $79,900
  • Location:Saint Louis, Missouri
  • Year:1938
  • Make:Chrysler
  • Model:Imperial
  • Exterior Color:Dark Green Metallic
  • Interior Color:Black, Blue
  • Transmission:Manual
  • Odometer:28021
  • Stock Number:407240
  • Trim Level:Custom Imperial Town Limousine by LeBaron
  • VIN:7805935
  • Title Status:Clear
  • Exterior Condition:Excellent
  • Seat Material:Leather
  • AM Radio:Yes
  • Drive Train:Rear-wheel drive
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