1936 Chrysler Airflow

The Chrysler Airflow changed the ideas of auto manufacturing forever with functional streamlining, aerodynamic designs, and unique design cues. Introduced in 1934, it caught the industry off guard and was, perhaps, too advanced, as the buying public continued to favor the more conventional and traditional designs. Due to sluggish sales, its lifespan was brief, lasting until 1937.

The Airflow employed the first major use of a unibody type construction where the 'truss-bridge' chassis was actually the backbone of the body. The engine was moved forward, resulting in better weight distribution, and the passenger compartment moved to where it was completely between the axles, improving the ride and comfort. The aerodynamic shape was developed in a wind tunnel and provided far superior fuel economy than its competitors.

In 1936, Chrysler produced the Airflow in three different series and in several body styles, including a coupe, sedan, and limousine. The basic Airflow was the C-9 fitted with an eight-cylinder engine delivering 115 horsepower. It had a cast-iron block, five main bearings, solid valve lifters, and a Stromberg carburetor. With the optional 6.5:1 compression, horsepower increased to 120 hp.

The Imperial Airflow Series C-10 was slightly different, with longer hood ventilators and cowl side panels. Mechanically, the engine received aluminum cylinder heads, power brakes, and an automatic overdrive transmission. The C-10 rested on a 128-inch platform while the C-9 rode on a 123-inch wheelbase and 16x7.00 tires. The Custom Imperial Airflow C-11 Series had a larger 137-inch wheelbase. This larger size allowed for larger doors and windows, and it rode on larger tires.

The final series for 1936 on the Airflow was the Custom Imperial Airflow Series CW resting on a 146.5-inch wheelbase. Only a handful of these was sold.

Chrysler built 110 examples of its two-door Coupe and 1,590 of the four-door sedan on the C-9 Airflow chassis in 1936.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2010