The Chrysler Speedster That Launched a Pebble Beach Dynasty
one-off 1932 CH Imperial Speedster pebble beach - Life in classic
At the 2025 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, one automobile quietly commanded the attention of seasoned collectors and casual spectators alike: a one-off 1932 CH Imperial Speedster. Displayed as part of Chrysler’s centennial celebration, this bespoke machine embodies a remarkable intersection of family heritage, engineering ambition, and concours history—and it has the trophies to prove it.
Built for a member of the Chrysler family, the CH Imperial Speedster was never intended to be just another elegant prewar cruiser. It wore sporty, custom-crafted coachwork that signaled its purpose from the first glance: long of hood, taut of line, and unmistakably purposeful. What truly sets it apart, however, is the spirit of experimentation that Chrysler engineers poured into the car. Beneath the sweeping bodywork sits a 384.8-cubic-inch straight-eight, equipped with a high-compression head—an advanced specification for its day, aimed at extracting more power and efficiency from a proven powerplant. With higher compression came crisper throttle response and improved performance, attributes that aligned well with the Speedster’s athletic stance.
Innovation extended beyond the cylinder head. The car incorporated an automatic stall restart feature, a forward-looking convenience rarely associated with early 1930s automobiles. In an era defined by mechanical simplicity and driver engagement, such a device demonstrated Chrysler’s willingness to test new ideas at the uppermost tier of its lineup. The Speedster was, in essence, a rolling laboratory rendered in metal and chrome—glamorous on the outside, quietly radical underneath.
Its modern-day story is intertwined with two of the most successful names in concours competition: Sam and Emily Mann. The couple acquired the Speedster in the late 1980s, recognizing both its historical significance and its potential for restoration. They proceeded with the kind of meticulous care that top-tier classics demand, balancing originality with correctness and preserving the car’s unique engineering details. Their efforts were rewarded in spectacular fashion at the 1991 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where the Chrysler took Best of Show. That victory did more than bring a single car to glory; it ignited a run of triumphs for the Manns that would help define their legacy at the world’s most prestigious concours.
To encounter the CH Imperial Speedster again at Pebble Beach in 2025 is to witness a curated slice of American automotive history. Chrysler’s centennial provides the perfect backdrop for reflecting on the marque’s dual identity—equal parts luxury and innovation. The Speedster exemplifies this balance. It was born into a period when American automakers were not only competing on elegance and craftsmanship but also on technological leadership. The straight-eight engine, the experimental components, and the bespoke bodywork all speak to a company pushing the edge of what a grand touring car could be.
In the context of Pebble Beach, where the lawn is often a living museum of artistry and engineering, the CH Imperial Speedster represents a narrative that extends beyond aesthetics. It illustrates how individual commissions—cars built for specific people, for special purposes—can influence broader thinking within a brand. It also underscores the role of dedicated owners and restorers in shaping how history is remembered. Without the Manns’ stewardship, the full significance of this one-of-a-kind Chrysler might not shine as brightly today.
The car’s Best of Show victory in 1991 is a reminder that concours judging rewards more than gleam and glamour. Authenticity, rarity, historical importance, and the quality of restoration all factor into the outcome. The Speedster excelled on every count. It was rare to the point of singularity. It showcased technology that was forward-thinking for its time. It bore connections to the founders of the marque. And it returned to form after a painstaking restoration that honored the car’s original intent. Those elements combine to create the kind of complete story that judges—and enthusiasts—find irresistible.
Seeing the Speedster at Pebble Beach three decades after its crowning moment carries a distinct resonance. It invites comparisons between past and present: how the understanding of prewar engineering has deepened, how restoration techniques have advanced, and how the best cars continually find ways to reassert their relevance. It also offers a window into Chrysler’s formative years, when ambition and experimentation laid the groundwork for a century of design and innovation.
In an environment where every vehicle on display is special, the 1932 CH Imperial Speedster still manages to feel singular. It is a reminder that some automobiles are more than the sum of their parts. They are documents—of a company’s aspirations, a family’s pride, and the enduring allure of speed and style done with taste. As Chrysler celebrates 100 years, the Speedster stands as a fitting ambassador: bold in concept, elegant in execution, and unforgettable once seen.
