A 1932 Chrysler won Best in Show at Hillsborough Concours d’Elegance – Robb Report

There were rare Ferraris and Shelbys vying for top honors at the Hillsborough Concours d’Elegance this year, but it was an outstanding Chrysler named Best in Show.

The world’s longest-running competition, which took place on June 26, brought together more than 200 collectible cars and motorcycles from every era at Crystal Springs Golf Course in the Bay Area. The highlight of the annual event, however, was a 1932 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron CL.

The 100-point ride won against a panel of esteemed judges from the international car collector world. It’s also easy to see why. Not only is it one of only six such models known to exist, but it was recently treated to a careful two-year restoration.

For the inexperienced, the CG Imperial was introduced by Chrysler in 1931 as a more affordable luxury car that offered both elegant styling and performance. A year later, the original CG was refined into the CL. Only a small number of CL Imperials, like the winner of the show, had LeBaron Carrossiers bodies and the sought-after convertible bodywork. Looks aside, the four-wheeler had a solid amount of power, with a straight-eight producing about 125 horsepower. Pretty impressive for the time.

“This presentation demonstrated a truly exceptional and distinctive design combined with groundbreaking engineering,” Concours President Glen Egan said in a statement. “The 1932 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron CL is a perfect example of those traits and a great selection for our most coveted honor.”

There were all 17 special jury classes, including Vintage Racecars, American Sports Cars through 1987, Japanese Cars, and Vintage Motorcycles, to name a few. The Chrysler in question won the U.S. Pre-War through 1946 class, then beat the 16 other class winners to become Best in Show. Last year, a pristine 1937 Horch 853 Sport Cabriolet took top honors.

“We are very honored that the Hillsborough judges chose this magnificent Chrysler, given the beautiful cars on display,” added Lorenzo and Susan Nannini.

Other celebrations of the 66th show included a salute to historic Route 66 and special displays celebrating Ferrari’s 75th birthday and Shelby American’s 60th birthday. To top it off, organizers said there was a record turnout. After a year off in 2020 due to the pandemic, it’s good to see business in Hillsborough back in full swing.