1936 DeSoto Airflow news, pictures, and information

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Sedan
Chassis Num: 5092645

The DeSoto Airflow was produced from 1934 through 1936 and built by the Chrysler Corporation. As the name suggests, these vehicles were aerodynamic, curvy, and smooth. Full fender skirts enclosed the rear fenders, the windshield was vee-shaped, the headlamps were built into the body, and the radiator grille was rounded. The interior could accommodate three adults in the front seat.

The Airflow was a partly a design study and partly a tribute to mechanical excellence. Great effort had been taken to achieve neutral weight distribution and to lower the body closer to the ground. The lower was achieved due to a unit-body construction and additional long leaf springs. These changes added to the performance of the vehicle, enhanced the handling, and improved the fuel mileage.

The Airflow received minor styling improvements in 1936, the most noticeable was the addition of an ornamental radiator grille design.

This 1936 DeSoto Airflow Sedan is powered by a 241-5 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine with Ball & Ball carburetor is capable of producing 100 horsepower. It has a three-speed synchromesh manual transmission with overdrive and Lockheed four-wheel hydraulic brakes.

At the 2006 RM Auctions at Meadow Brook it was estimated to fetch $30,000 - $40,000. It was sold at a price of $38,500.

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Sedan
Chassis Num: 5091863

This 1936 DeSoto Airflow Coupe is believed to be one of only eight remaining from the model year production. It is powered by a 241.5 cubic-inch engine that is outfitted with a Ball & Ball carburetor and capable of producing 100 horsepower. This car was brought to the 2007 RM Auctions held at Meadow Brook where it was estimted to sell between $55,000 - $65,000. It was awarded a Second place in the 2005 National Airflow Club and AACA Jr. Division where it scored 365 of a possible 400 points. The odometer reads just 86,904 miles since new. It was treated to an overhaul in the 1960s which included a black paint job, engine overhaul, refinishing of chrome, and re-upholstered the interior.

This car is outfitted with the optional tachometer which runs off the distributor, and optional electric clock. THe car is deemed to be roadworthy and in very good condition.

There were around 5000 DeSotos Airflows produced in 1936 with only 250 of those being coupes. Of the eight that are remaining, only is has been fully restored. The Airflow design was new for 1934, and it was well ahead of its time. In the front, next to the waterfall grill, were built in headlamps, which were incorporated into the very curvy body. The hood extended past the front axle and in the rear the fenders were enclosed with fender skirts.

The Airflow design remained mostly unchanged until 1936 when it was slightly revised. This was true for the mechanical components as well.

In 1936 a new panel insert was bolted to the roof and served as the vehicles antenna for the radio. It is a unique feature that adds to its futuristic appearance.

At auction, the estimated value was accurate for this vehicle, as a winning high bid of $55,000 was secured, and the vehicle found new ownership.

The Carl Breer designed Chrysler Airflow was ahead of its time in terms of aerodynamics. The design was revolutionary for the 1930s; the sales however would be its downfall. The design of the vehicle came about after many hours spent in wind tunnels. Orville Wright, an aviation expert, was called upon to help design a vehicle that achieved aerodynamic similar to an airplane. Light weight, rigid materials were used to help compliment the vehicles design. A prototype called the Trifon Special was constructed in 1932. In 1934, the production model was completed and ready for sale.

Chryslers Airflows used strictly eight-cylinders while the De Soto version used 6 cylinders. The vehicle could be purchased in five different wheelbase lengths. The largest length being 145 inches and labeled the Custom Imperials.

The front of the car had a large grill that extended from the hood to the bumper. When sales did not do well, the grill was changed to a more conventional 'skyscraper' gill in 1935. This also did not produce desirable sales results so the grill was once again modified. Sadly, sales still were unacceptable.

Hydraulic brakes were fitted to the car. A three-speed manual gearbox was used. The 122 horsepower Inline-8 could power the car from zero to sixty in 19.5 seconds and attain a top speed of about 88 miles per hour.

During the first year of production, 11,292 Chrysler Airflow's were sold. The cheaper De Soto alternative sold 13,940 vehicles. The 1936 year saw only 6,285 Chrysler Airflow sales and 5,000 De Soto sales. In 1937, the vehicle was taken off the market.

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