1926' Chrysler 58 Series

This is a 1926 Chrysler 58 series. Its a 4 cylinder 3 litre, 3 speed transmission car built in the first year of operation of the new Chrysler Corporation. Walter P. Chrysler was already a successful businessman when he commenced manufacturing cars, and in order to get underway with the least possible delay, he bought the Maxwell Motors company and effectively “badge engineered” the cars to carry the Chrysler name, albeit having ironed out some of the deficiencies of the Maxwell design. It was way ahead of its European rivals, with 4 wheel hydraulic brakes, electric start and Chromium plating, believed to be the first such use on a mass produced vehicle. The cars were exported in CKD form all over the world. The “58” apparently refers to the top speed.
I have owned this car since 1997, and has been a popular and reliable wedding car for the last 23 years. It was also in use for that purpose with the previous owner. The car was exported new to Australia (hence the RHD), and although little is known of its life there the car is for the most part totally original. It appears to have the original body, chassis, major running components, hickory spoked wheels and brightwork. There is no evidence of rust damage or previous rust repair and no evidence of filler. There is no evidence of wood rot, and the frame appears to be the factory original with no obvious sign of previous repairs. It is incredibly rare to find a 94 year old car in such condition.
The car has had a colour change probably about 30 years ago, as there is a small photo of the car in a rather lurid yellow and brown colour scheme, and there is evidence in hidden areas of the yellow paint. I believe it was imported into the UK around 1990.
The car starts and drives how it should, the Dodge Brothers gearbox leaks a little oil (through unsatisfactory design), and it takes mastery to drive without the odd crunch. I had intended to fit a more modern gearbox, designed to fit without any irreversible alterations, and I found a Mercedes Sprinter gearbox could be installed in this way, as it is dimensionally similar, with the gear stick astonishingly emerging through the same hole in the floorboard, and offers useable ratios and an overdrive 5th gear as well. I got quite some way with this project, and included in the sale is a disassembled Sprinter box, templates of the components required and some notes on how the conversion would be done.
An electric fuel pump has been fitted (before my ownership), and works well without flooding. The original Autovac is also present, and could be re-connected without much trouble if required. There is a trunk with the car, and a full set of side curtains (8 pieces all together) which are in good useable condition, though the clear sections are a little yellowed. There is a jack, jack handle and wheelbrace present.
The electrical components (what there are of them) all work and the car has flashing indicators fitted. The speedometer is disconnected, and has never worked in my ownership.
During the last 23 years, I have maintained the car well. Ex-wedding cars have a bad name, usually because they are neglected and patched up over and over again. Not me; I have never skimped on keeping my cars on top form, and the reliability of this car is testament to that care. The engine has been stripped and checked some years ago and I had a local engineering firm rebuild the engine bearings in white metal and I have renewed the brake hydraulics, had the steering box overhauled, cleaned and re-packed the hubs, and overhauled the transmission brake and renewed the flexible drive on the rear of the propshaft. The oil pressure is good, the car does not overheat, nor does it blow blue smoke. It runs on 30 grade oil, uses some and leaks a bit every now and then, but all on par for a 94 year old. Everything is easy to get at and virtually every component can be removed readily and quickly. There is a comprehensive file of records with the car, including all the MoTs when they were required together with the handbook.
I can say it has been one of the most reliable cars I have owned, just switch on the ignition, a bit of choke, press the foot starter and away she goes.
There is a video of the car in action on youtube PLEASE MESSAGE FOR THE LINK

It’s a hoot to drive, and is comfortable and quiet in top gear at 30-40 miles an hour, and can achieve 55 mph still. The big engine pulls from very low revs and can remain in top gear down to 10 mph.
I am rationalising my collection of cars, and whilst sorry to see the old Chrysler go, I know there is another custodian who will enjoy the experience of a 94 year old car for years to come.
I welcome interested parties to come and view the car and see for themselves what it offers, I’m usually available 7 days a week.
A concours model 58 recently sold in the USA for $35,000, and with many contemporary cars for sale in excess of £20,000, I believe my car offers exceptional value for money at £10250