Lot 53
1929 Chrysler Model 66 Royal Coupe
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

218.6 cid L-head inline six-cylinder engine, 68 HP, Stromberg single-barrel carburetor, three-speed manual transmission, drop-forged front axle with hydraulic shock absorbers, semi-floating rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes; wheelbase: 112.75”


After the Chrysler Corporation spun-off their four-cylinder cars into their new Plymouth line, the entry-level series for the medium-priced Chrysler marque in 1929 was the new Model 65. It presented a number of improvements such as the Lockheed hydraulic brakes for all four wheels, improved shock absorbers for a better ride, a longer wheelbase, and an improved engine with 65 horsepower. For 1930, this base series was treated to even more welcomed updates such as heavy split chrome bumpers, bullet-shaped painted headlights, pennon-type vertical louvres for the hood sides and fuller fenders which gave this new car a bold and impressive front-end look that was stylish and distinctive. A chrome plated badge was affixed to the center of the headlight bar proclaiming this was the Model 66, which was underscored with a bolt of lightning. Also new, was a larger displacement engine, nearly 219 cubic-inches and rated at 68 HP at 3,000 RPM, with fuel delivered through an improved Stromberg carburetor. With the new Model 66 riding on smaller 18-inch wheels, their side profile sat a few inches lower than previous models lending to their appearance of sleekness. Six body styles were offered in the Model 66 line with one of the more popular being the Royal Coupe. These rumble-seat equipped models saw 3,257 copies produced during its lifespan. Chrysler offered a long list of accessories so that no two cars would be equipped identically. The most expensive model was the Royal Sedan coming in at $1,095 with the sharp little Royal Coupe priced for about $20 less. Wood spoke wheels with a rear-mounted spare tire were part of the standard package with the new dual-bar chrome bumpers up front and a split bumper to the rear to accommodate the spare tire.

This Model 66 Royal Coupe found its way to our consignor’s collection in the early 2000s. It was purchased from Warren Herrington of Grand Rapids, Michigan. For years he had operated the Old Timer’s Diner in Wyoming, Michigan and used this coupe in promoting the well-known eatery. The Chrysler was used on a regular basis, often seen at community events, and nearly always parked in front of the diner. Herrington had performed a cosmetic refurbishment on the car in the early 1990s when he resprayed the car in a dark burgundy then applied bright red to the center belt-line trim as well as along the bottom fold of the body. This bright red was also applied to the six wire wheels that accompany the car, including the two side-mount spare tires. Our consignor tells us that wire wheels on the Model 66 are rare as most came equipped with the wooden artillery wheels; the same is true for the optional side-mounted spares. One area that Mr. Herrington left to do was improving the radiator shell; however, our consignor has acquired an original radiator shell that is suitable for being chrome plated and that will be included in the purchase of this car. The interior is upholstered in a neutral wide-stitched gray fabric with what appears to be original door panels, along with a solid wooden floor painted black. When the car was photographed, it started up with little coaxing and seemed like it wanted to hit the road. This car is also equipped with a single Pilot Ray lamp up front, a rare non-split dual bar rear bumper and a factory trunk rack with a period travel trunk that fits like a glove. The engine is reported to be original to the car and is in fine working order but could benefit from a deep cleaning and detailing session. Also included are repair manuals, advertising literature and other related materials to the Model 66. Despite the tightening grips of the Great Depression, the Model 66 managed to sell in strong numbers and helped to build Chrysler’s reputation for designing and building dependable, reliable, and good-looking automobiles.