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1934 Chrysler Imperial Airflow Series CV

Chrysler introduced its new 'Airflow' model at the New York Auto Show in January of 1934. It was modern, aerodynamic, and a radical departure from traditional designs, with streamlined and art-deco design cues complemented by technical ingenuity. It used a novel semi-unitary 'beam and truss' design, based on contemporary aircraft construction principles, that was both lightweight and strong, and the engine was placed over the front axle, approximately 20 inches further forward than in other Chryslers. The straight eight-cylinder engine was placed directly over the front axle, which allowed the seats to be located entirely within the car's wheelbase, resulting in a roomy and comfortable passenger compartment and a remarkably smooth ride. The interior housed 50-inch wide chair-height seats and a rear seat situated forward of the rear axle, but still with unprecedented room for the era.

The flowing lines allowed air currents to slip by, reducing its overall drag, which increased the power-to-drag ratio. The windshield was composed of two sheets of glass that formed a raked 'vee' both side to side, and top to bottom instead of a flat panel of glass. Chrysler proudly proclaimed that its new Airflow model was the result of master craftsmen working with untiring hands to set a new standard for a custom-built motorcar. The design is properly credited to engineer Carl Breer, who with Owen Skelton and Fred Zeder formed Chrysler's 'Three Musketeers'. The streamlined shape was the result of groundbreaking wind tunnel research with the assistance of aviation expert Orville Wright to study which forms were the most efficient shapes in nature that could be suitable for an automobile.

Many contemporary manufacturers used wood structural framing members in their car bodies, but the Airflow utilized a full-steel body to carry its passengers. The front seats were wider than in other vehicles, and the rear seats were deeper.

Chrysler's 1934 model lineup included the Series CA and CB powered by a six-cylinder engine displacing 241.6 cubic inches. The Series CA had a 117-inch wheelbase and a CB of 121 inches. These were conventional cars while the Airflow and Imperial Eights wore the new aerodynamic styling. The Chrysler Airflow Series CY also used six-cylinder power, but was actually a DeSoto with Chrysler trim and built for export.

The Airflow models were comprised of the Series CU, CV, CX, and CW. The CU had a 122.8-inch wheelbase, the CV of 128 inches, the CX at 137.5 inches, and the CW at 146 inches. The 299 CID eight powering the CU delivered 122 horsepower. The CV and CX had a 323.5 CID eight with 130 horsepower. The CW used a 384.84 CDI eight with 145 hp. The Custom Imperial Airflow CW used a four-speed manual transmission while the other series had a three-speed gearbox. Lockheed hydraulic brakes were standard on all series, with the CW being vacuum assisted.

The Series CU was known simply as the Airflow CU; the CV was known as the Imperial Airflow CV; and both the CX and CW were known as Custom Imperial Airflow models.

The Series CV was offered as a coupe, sedan, town sedan, and bare chassis. Prices were higher than the $1,345 priced Series CU, at $1,625. The sedan was the most popular with 1,997 examples built. 212 were coupes and 67 were town sedans. The CV was both later and better equipped than the Series CU, with a split windshield and triple bar bumpers. Standard equipment included an automatic vacuum-operated clutch, 'Floating Power,' downdraft carburetor, Delco Remy ignition, a cross-flow radiator, vacuum-assisted 'power' Lockheed brakes, a waterfall grille, and full shroud rear fender skirts.

The total combined production of the conventional Series CA and CB was 23,802 units. 8,389 examples of the CU and 2,277 of the CV were built. Just 106 examples of the CX and 67 of the CW were built. The CX was priced in the low-$2,000s and the CW topped the range at over $5,000s.

Chrysler's experimentation with aerodynamics and radically bold styling was brief, ending in 1936, reverting back to traditional designs in 1937. The world was ready for aerodynamic bodies - this was proven by the revolutionary Lincoln-Zephyr of 1936, featuring teardrop shapes and an integral body frame construction - but the attempts made by Chrysler were unsuccessful. Many factors contributed to this demise including early build problems, a slow start of production, higher prices, and a smear campaign by would-be competitors. Nevertheless, Chrysler Airflow influenced future vehicle designs and started a revolution in ride, interior seating, engine packaging, and body engineering. The designs were numerous awards and helped established 72 AAA speed records that endured for 23 years.

The Airflow proved to be too advanced for the era and the public was not ready for its bold new design.


by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2020

Related Reading : Chrysler Airflow History

The Chrysler Airflow was introduced in 1934 as an exercise in aerodynamics, form, and function. Soon, the Airflow would be used by the Chryslers counterpart, the DeSoto Motor Company. The interior was surprisingly roomy and comfortable. The eight-cylinder engine provided around 115 horsepower or more depending on the options selected. It was a design that was far ahead of its time. Unfortunately,....
Continue Reading >>

Related Reading : Chrysler Airflow History

Produced from 1934 until 1937, the Chrysler Airflow was the original full-size American production vehicle that used streamlining as a basis for building a sleeker automobile, one less susceptible to air resistance. Though it ended up being what is considered by some a commercial failure, Chrysler did make an effort at a fundamental change in automotive design with the Chrysler Airflow. Chryslers....
Continue Reading >>

1934 Chrysler Imperial Airflow Series CV Vehicle Profiles

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Performance and Specification Comparison

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1934 Imperial Airflow Series CV
$1,625-$14,000
1934 Chrysler Imperial Airflow Series CV Base Price : $1,625

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Other 1934 Chrysler Models

Airflow

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
8,389
122.80 in.
8 cyl., 323.49 CID., 115.00hp
$1,345 - $1,345
2,277
128.00 in.
8 cyl., 323.50 CID., 130.00hp
$1,625 - $1,625
2,598
128.00 in.
8 cyl., 323.50 CID., 138.00hp
$1,475 - $1,475
4,996
123.00 in.
8 cyl., 323.50 CID., 120.00hp
$1,245 - $1,245
32
146.50 in.
8 cyl., 384.84 CID., 150.00hp
$5,000 - $5,000
128.00 in.
8 cyl., 323.50 CID., 130.00hp
8 cyl., 323.50 CID., 138.00hp
$1,475 - $1,475
137.00 in.
8 cyl., 323.50 CID., 130.00hp
8 cyl., 323.50 CID., 138.00hp
$2,475 - $2,575
1,700
123.00 in.
8 cyl., 273.80 CID., 105.00hp
8 cyl., 273.80 CID., 110.00hp
$1,345 - $1,345
128.00 in.
8 cyl., 323.50 CID., 138.00hp
$1,610 - $1,610

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