1928 Chrysler Model 72 Roadster
Two nearly stock roadsters finished third and fourth at the 1928 24 Hours of Le Mans, beaten only by a Bentley 4½ Litre and a Stutz Black Hawk. These mid-priced American entries ran with minimal preparation yet demonstrated greater reliability than many purpose-built racing machines, finishing ahead of Bentley legend Tim Birkin.
The roadster body featured fashionable dipped beltlines and well-balanced proportions. A rumble seat folded neatly into the tail section for occasional passengers. All roadster variants received Chrysler’s optional “Red Head” high-compression cylinder head.
Power came from a 249-cubic-inch L-head inline-six with seven main bearings, generating 85 horsepower at 3,200 rpm through a single updraft Stromberg carburetor. Cast aluminum pistons and full-pressure lubrication contributed to the engine’s ability to outperform larger competitors.
A three-speed manual transmission sent power to the rear wheels, while Chrysler’s hydraulic four-wheel brakes (still a rarity in 1928) were considered among the best in the industry.
Model 72 production totaled 15,554 units across ten body styles, with roadsters priced from $1,495.
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