1934 Chrysler Model CA Six Coupe (RHD) (Project)

Description

Founded by Walter P Chrysler in 1924 and first unveiled to the public at the New York Auto Show held at the Commodore Hotel in January that year, the new marque was America's first mid-priced automobile to combine excellent performance and features like all-wheel hydraulic brakes, a tubular front axle and full-pressure lubrication. Powered by a relatively small capacity L-head six displacing 201.5 cubic inches, the new engine boasted aluminium pistons and higher than normal 4.7:1 compression ratio to generate 68 horsepower, a figure normally reserved for much more expensive luxury cars and the Chrysler's top speed of 70-75 mph was only marginally slower than a Packard Eight. With more than 32,000 sold in the first year of production, the Chrysler proved a genuine success story and the company continued refining what was already an excellent product throughout the 1920s, adding a four-cylinder line and a luxury Imperial model in 1927. By the early 1930s most Chrysler cars were powered by straight eights but the company continued to offer a six and for 1934, with the arrival of the controversial Airflow series, this became the only conventional model available. Designated the CA or longer wheelbase CB series, the 1934 cars featured redesigned front and rear fenders, horizontal bonnet louvres, body coloured radiator shells and a one-piece windscreen. Major changes under the skin included independent front suspension and Delco Remy ignition. Powered by a 241.5-cid six rated at 93 horsepower, the CA was offered with a variety of body styles including a Business Coupe, Deluxe Coupe, Convertible Coupe, Brougham and Sedan while the longer CB series was available as a Sedan or Convertible Sedan. Optional equipment included front and rear bumpers, sidemounts, spot lights, a luggage rack, chrome wheel trim rings, a clock, cigar lighter, radio and electric horns. Local assembly of Chrysler products began in 1928 with T J Richards & Sons in Adelaide, who added a production line at the new Mile End factory in 1934 and the company was ultimately taken over to become Chrysler (Australia) Limited.