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The 30s were a heck of a decade. People toasted the new year with their Tipple Tumblers and Rip Van Winkle discovered RCA. Now it was Chrysler’s turn to get into the act by introducing “The Modern Chrysler of 1939.” The new “Chrysler Royal and Imperial” automobiles.

This grill is actually smiling at you. The art deco design hints at a futuristic Utopia for us all. Reality would not match that desire, but in 1939 you at least had a chance to buy something beautiful.

Chrysler wanted to sell cars, so of course they would emphasize the vehicle’s most important feature, its— rear end? Apparently so. At least the three-quarter rear view explains all the highlights of this aerodynamic design.

You do get to see the front hood and grill in profile and a close-up of the door handles.

What a beautiful design, excerpt for the rear passenger door which opens toward the back. You don’t see that much anymore and for a good reason. They have been nicknamed “suicide doors,” because they could open while the car is traveling and you could fall out. Apparently, mobsters in the 1930s liked this feature, because it made it easier to toss their enemies out of moving vehicles.

Notice the long cord that runs across the back of the front seat. This is called a “robe rail.” Heaters didn’t work well in early cars, so passengers often brought blankets, otherwise known as a lap robes, to keep warm. When you didn’t need them, where do you put them? Easy, you drape them across your “robe rail.”

A stunning steering wheel came complete with an inner ring and attractive horn button. The pamphlet says the new instrument panel is a typical example of artistry and decorative treatment exemplified in 1939 interior designs.

Next a view of the outside of the sedan in all its glory!

Here, enjoy a close look at the steering wheel, as the pamphlet goes into detail about their new gearshift. This replaces a floor unit, thereby ensuring that passengers can sit in the middle of the front seat without straddling a “wabbly” lever.

This car provides maximum fuel economy in city traffic. Saving gas was a priority in 1939 as well as now. Fascinating.

Under the hood, rubber engine supports flexed and moved as the car traveled down the road. This absorbed any vibration, therefore providing a smooth and velvety ride.

Chrysler designed a large and luxurious passenger compartment. Plenty of elbow, leg and head room, along with comfortable upholstery.

The second word on this page sent me running toward my dictionary. Roadability means “the ability of a motor vehicle to maintain a steady, balanced, and comfortable ride, especially under a variety of road conditions.” That’s what I love about reading these old pamphlets. I always learn something new.

I have no idea how much this car cost when it was on sale in 1939, but here they are comparing the value you get in the long run next to the dollars you have spent. Therefore, I suspect the sticker price was pretty high.

A strange ending for this sales brochure. They promote the power of these new vehicles, and give details of features which will reduce maintenance throughout their life. There’s no flowery summation, the brochure just stops.

Oh well. I’ll have to write the final pitch for them. The Chrysler Corporation made its debut in 1925. They had been in business for only thirteen years when the Royal and Imperial were introduced. These cars are a beautiful example of a style and design that is nearly extinct. Yet, the echoes of such luxury still exist within the pages of this pamphlet.

A truly Glorious piece of Vintage Stuff!