1931 Chrysler CM6 - $64,900 - Orange Village, OH - Spectacular restoration of a highly desirable early Chrysler roadster. 2500 miles since completed in 2006. Powerful, sleek, and very road-worthy, a fantastic tour candidate.
This 1931 Chrysler CM6 roadster is flashy, no question about it. The two-tone dove gray and burgundy paint scheme looks right on the rakish roadster, and care was used to ensure that the final finish looked appropriate. Finish quality is quite good, with expert attention to details, including razor-sharp cut lines between the colors on the beltline and laser-straight pin-striping in contrasting bright red. It does show some signs of use and some minor shelf wear from storage following the owner’s untimely passing, but the intent was never to put it away for show purposes. The chrome was restored with the rest of the car and still shines brilliantly. The intricate gazelle hood ornament shows remarkable details, none of which were erased during the restoration process, suggesting very good base stock when the work began. Other details include the etched wind wings, brightly chromed folding windshield, Chrysler-logo mirrors on the side-mounted spares, and an elaborate rear deck area that supports the top without harming the paint. Twin horns, fog lamps, aluminum step plates on the running boards, and, of course, the rear-mounted trunk all add to the impressive look of this fabulous roadster.
The interior is trimmed in burgundy leather with wide pleats and the hides show virtually zero wear, a testament to quality materials and workmanship. A full array of lovely white-faced instruments (and you thought they were a recent invention, didn’t you?) keep an eye on the engine’s vitals and they are all fully functional, including the mirror-mounted clock. A large chrome knob above the steering column controls the Free-Wheeling feature and the system is functional. The black canvas top is draped over a fully restored chrome and oak frame, and it includes a full set of side curtains and a matching boot, all of which are stored in their own carrying cases in the trunk. The rumble seat is trimmed to match the front seat with two clever storage pockets.
Chrysler’s popularity likely stemmed from the impressive 217.6 cubic inch inline-six engine that powers the CM6. With seven main bearings, it’s incomparably smooth and durable, and it makes a very robust 80 horsepower. Fully rebuilt during the restoration, it shows about the right amount of wear for 2500 miles of touring, with light discoloration of the engine enamel, particularly on the manifolds, which, of course, are virtually impossible to preserve. A rebuilt starter and generator keep the electrical system happy and healthy and you’ll note the master cylinder for the hydraulic brake system is easy to access right below the steering column. It starts easily, idles almost silently, and pulls the roadster around with genuine authority on the open road, cruising happily at 50 MPH. The chassis was detailed to match the fenders, with most components painted to match. A single exhaust gives the six a robust baritone exhaust note that belies its relatively compact dimensions, and the three speed manual transmission features synchromesh on second and third, so shifting is effortless. Six beautiful wire wheels are fitted with Chrysler hubcaps and 6.00-18 Bedford wide whitewall tires.
An exceptional car in every way, beautiful and very road-worthy, this CM6 roadster generates a ton of attention wherever it goes and is perhaps most impressive from behind the wheel.
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