operated as a subsidiary. Briggs was already supplying bodies to nearby Chrysler, Essex, Ford, Hudson, and Overland. As a Briggs subsidiary, LeBaron handled special custom work, provided design ideas for the main business, and supplied exquisite custom bodies for various car companies such as Chrysler's luxury Imperial line, Duesenberg, Packard, and Cadillac. In 1932, for example, they built 28 Imperial Custom Convertible Coupes, Chrysler's top model, which rode a 146-inch wheelbase and used a 384.8 cubic-inch straight-8 engine. Thomas L. Hibbard became design director at Ford in 1947. Raymond H. Dietrich was hired by Chrysler in 1932 to become the first official Chrysler stylist. Briggs Manufacturing was purchased by Chrysler in December 1953. Gallery References External links Coachbuilt: Briggs Manufacturing Co. - 1909-1954 Conceptcarz: Chrysler LeBaron news Chrysler LeBaron History Coachbuilders of the United States Design companies established in 1920 Defunct companies based in Connecticut Companies disestablished in 1953 Companies based in Bridgeport, Connecticut 1920 establishments in New York City 1953 disestablishments in Connecticut Chrysler