1934 Chrysler Airflow Series CU 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 BorgWarner'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.