![]() ![]() In 1935, the DeSoto Airflow won the coveted Grand Prix award for its styling at the Concours d’Elegance at Monte Carlo. The 1935 Chrysler Airflow closely resembled the previous year’s offering, with a new hood design and single broad bumpers replacing the elaborate original triple-tiered bumper design.Ĭhrysler Airflow advertising with train (Chrysler Archives) The 1934 DeSoto Airflow models also offered a streamlined body design which allowed three people to sit up front just like the Chrysler models. After more wind testing was done, it was determined that air resistance was reduced when the front of the body was wider than the rear.Ĭhrysler Airflow on display at the Walter Chrysler Museum The great looking interior also featured extra wide doors for easy entrance, and the seats were designed on a frame of chromed tubing to allow air to circulate beneath the driver and passengers. ![]() The rear seat was moved 20 inches forward, so that it would no longer be directly above the rear axle. The model offered a streamlined shape design, which most of the public, unfortunately, did not like.Ĭhrysler Airflow advertising (1934 Chrysler)įrom an interior standpoint, passenger comfort was a focal point around which the vehicle would be designed. Instead of riding over the vehicle frame, the driver and passengers rode inside it. The various body panels were welded to the frame so that both body and chassis were in essence one complete unit, providing maximum strength with a minimum of weight. Crisscrossed trusses gave it a bridge-like appearance. Beams were designed to form the car’s chassis design. Various studies took place to evaluate the location of the engine, which ultimately was placed forward over the front axle. Modifications were made for the windshield and the basic silhouette of the Airflow model was established. The results of the exhaustive wind tunnel tests gave Chrysler engineers the basis for the streamlined shape that would form the basis of the Airflow design.ġ934 Chrysler Airflow assembly (Chrysler Archives) Miniature scale models were used during a period of experimentation and testing. ![]() Looking back at the history of the Airflow, you have to start with Chrysler engineering chief Carl Breer, who began studying the aerodynamics of the conventional car. Introduced in 1934, the Chrysler and DeSoto Airflow models were completely unlike any other vehicle on the road at that time. By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher ![]()
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