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The streamlined, aerodynamic Chrysler Airflow, introduced for the 1934 model year, took wind-cheating design beyond what others had been experimenting with and introduced a raft of other innovative design features as well. Chrysler's attempt to jump ahead of the competition was such a dismal failure in the market that the company's designs became conservative for two more decades. When the radical Airflow model was first released in 1934, the Chrysler Corporation of Detroit, MI, was only 10 years old. One of the young company's strengths was engineering excellence, an outgrowth of Walter P. Chrysler's early experience as a railroad mechanic.
While most automakers of the day still used wood-reinforced metal bodies on a separate steel frame, the Airflow was a unit-body design with a full steel body. The conventional inline eight was forward over the front axle allowing for more interior room and a near 50/50 weight distribution.
Chryslers and DeSotos tended to be rather conventional, but this changed with the introduction of the Airflow in 1934. Engineer Carl Breer was inspired by the formation of military airplanes and consulted with Orville Wright regarding aerodynamics and wind tunnel testing. Breer had his colleague Fred Zeder design a strong unibody structure based on the results of this aerodynamic testing. The unconventional design failed to gain much public acceptance although it was miles ahead in safety and strength.
The Airflow was ahead of its time in the use of aerodynamics, a unibody design, and many other innovations but it also suffered from major defects that affected reliability. Sales were dismal, though the Airflow models, including a DeSoto, lasted until 1937.
This C-1 Imperial Airflow is one of 307 Imperial C-2 coupes produced with only six remaining in existence. A complete restoration was done in 2012. The current owner found the car in the possession of the original owner's daughter in California with the original, never-used license plate still in its envelope.
While most automakers of the day still used wood-reinforced metal bodies on a separate steel frame, the Airflow was a unit-body design with a full steel body. The conventional inline eight was forward over the front axle allowing for more interior room and a near 50/50 weight distribution.
Chryslers and DeSotos tended to be rather conventional, but this changed with the introduction of the Airflow in 1934. Engineer Carl Breer was inspired by the formation of military airplanes and consulted with Orville Wright regarding aerodynamics and wind tunnel testing. Breer had his colleague Fred Zeder design a strong unibody structure based on the results of this aerodynamic testing. The unconventional design failed to gain much public acceptance although it was miles ahead in safety and strength.
The Airflow was ahead of its time in the use of aerodynamics, a unibody design, and many other innovations but it also suffered from major defects that affected reliability. Sales were dismal, though the Airflow models, including a DeSoto, lasted until 1937.
This C-1 Imperial Airflow is one of 307 Imperial C-2 coupes produced with only six remaining in existence. A complete restoration was done in 2012. The current owner found the car in the possession of the original owner's daughter in California with the original, never-used license plate still in its envelope.
No auction information available for this vehicle at this time.
1935 Chrysler Airflow Imperial Series C-2 Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Chrysler Airflow Imperial Series C-2
(Data based on Model Year 1935 sales)
1935 CHRYSLER IMPERIAL AIRFLOW COUPE Chassis#: 7014767 Sold for USD$168,000 2024 Gooding : Amelia Island Concours | |
1935 Chrysler Airflow Chassis#: C23263 Sold for USD$33,000 2021 Mecum : Monterey | |
1935 Chrysler Imperial C-2 Sold for USD$29,700 2021 Mecum : Orlando | |
1935 Chrysler C2 Imperial Airflow Coupe Chassis#: C2-3227 Sold for USD$66,000 2011 RM Auctions - Concours d'Elegance at St. Johns | |
1935 Chrysler Airflow 4-Door Sold for USD$23,000 2011 Dana Mecum's Original Spring Classic Auction - 24th Year | |
1935 CHRYSLER C 2 IMPERIAL AIRFLOW COUPE Sold for USD$40,750 2002 Kruse Auction - Auburn, IN |
Chrysler Airflow Imperial Series C-2s That Failed To Sell At Auction
1935 Chrysler Airflow Imperial Series C-2's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1935 CHRYSLER AIRFLOW | 2018 McCormick's Auction # 64 | $21,000 | |||
1935 Chrysler Airflow Eight Sedan | 2014 Auctions America : California | $39,000 | |||
1935 CHRYSLER AIRFLOW | 6604182 | 2010 Silver Auction Hot August Nights | $19,000 |
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1935 Chrysler Airflow Imperial Series C-2
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