1935 Chrysler Airstream Series CZ Sedan

Chrysler introduced the Airflow in 1934. It was an advanced vehicle in both design and mechanical components yet the American public was hesitant to accept its radical aerodynamic design. Chrysler acted quickly and a year later introduced its more conventionally styled Airstream. Airflows were introduced on January 2nd of 1935 while the new Deluxe Airstreams followed much later in May, as Chrysler needed more time to prepare the new models for the market. Designer Raymond Bel Geddes along with Ray Dietrich, who also re-styled Plymouth and Dodge, was responsible for the redesign.

The redesign worked and the public responded by giving Chrysler stronger sales. The new design featured a vee'd grille, subtle chrome trim, raked windshield, teardrop fenders, and skirted rear wheels with winged emblems.

33,755 Airstreams were built, including 9,297 Airstream Eights. Airflows accounted for less than twenty percent of Chrysler's total production for 1935, and after 1937, the model was discontinued.

For 1937, the Airstreams were given an all-steel body and powered by a new L-head 273.8 cubic-inch Eight, which developed 105 horsepower with Autolite ignition.

This dark blue sedan features brown cloth upholstery, rides on whitewall tires, a crank-out windshield, a robe rail, and footrests in the rear, along with a Phinney Walker clock in the rearview mirror.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the St. Johns sale presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $30,000 - $40,000.
As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $27,500 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2012