Image credits: © Chrysler.

1934 Chrysler Airflow Series CU news, pictures, and information

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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Sedan

No other automobile influenced vehicle design more than the Airflow. There were numerous imitators (some better) of its styling, but it started a revolution in ride, interior seating packaging, engine packaging and body engineering. This car was the basis for all modern cars. Prior to the Airflow, the engine was behind the front axle and rear seating for three was over the rear axle, while there was only room for two in the front. Here, the passengers all rode between axles where the ride was smoother, and the axles used much longer springs for better ride dynamics. The car was wider in the middle, making it the first true six-passenger car.

The body was incredibly strong, using an early version of unibody construction. The Airflow was the first American car to use Borg-Warner's automatic overdrive. Its original list price was $1,245 FOB Detroit. Only 6,341 CU sedans were produced.

Despite many design awards and setting 72 AAA speed records that stood for 23 years, a slow start of production, early build problems, high pricing, and a smear campaign by would-be competitors combined to delay public appearance. By the time production and design problems were ironed out, competitors had started to catch up, at least with the styling cues.

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Coupe
Chassis Num: 6597700

This 1934 Chrysler Airflow CU Coupe is believed to be just one of eight complete CU Coupes remaining in the United States. It has been given a photo-documented restoration that still is in superb condition. It was one the cover of the March 1983 edition of Antique Automobile and was displaced at a number of prominent venues, including the San Diego Museum, the National City Automotive Heritage Day, the Petersen Automotive Museum and the Prescott Antique Auto Club.

In 2009, this example was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $65,000 - $85,000. As bidding came to a close, the lot had been sold for the sum of $57,200 including buyer's premium.

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Sedan

The Chrysler Airflow was a full-size American production car and the first to use aerodynamics for more efficiency. Wind tunnel research was used in the vehicles design and it was given unibody construction. The wheelbase measured 123.5 inches and it had the engine moved over the front wheels while the rear passengers were moved forward of the rear axle, thus improving the ride. The Airflow was introduced in 1934 and powered by a 299 cubic-inch flathead straight-8 engine offering 122 horsepower.

The waterfall grille, sloping hood, unique headlamps and fenders were too advanced for the era and sales were disastrous. Priced at $1,245, only 7226 Chrysler 4-door Airflows were sold in the shortened 1934 model year.

The Chrysler Airflow was introduced in 1934 as an exercise in aerodynamics, form, and function. Soon, the Airflow would be used by the Chrysler's counterpart, the DeSoto Motor Company.

The interior was surprisingly roomy and comfortable. The eight-cylinder engine provided around 115 horsepower, more depending on the options selected. It was a design that was far ahead of its time. Unfortunately, style had not caught up to function and sales suffered. It was very different from other cars on the road at the time and that did not prove to be what customers wanted. The waterflow grille was very different and controversial that later models were changed with more conventional ones.

Appearance was not its only downfall; the vehicle suffered from reliability problems. Production continued for a number of years but popularity never really materialized. A vehicle ahead of its time, it would never grow into the desired success the company had hoped it would become.

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