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23/11/2022 2:34 pm
came the innovative 1934 Chrysler Airflow. Chrysler engineers, with the cooperation of Orville Wright built a wind tunnel in Highland Park looking to find a more aerodynamic body shape. The current two box on frame designs were actually produced less drag in reverse, and weight distribution was some 75% on the rear wheels. They went with a unibody construction to save weight and placed the engine over the front wheels so, with passengers aboard, weight distribution was 50-50. With the waterfall grill, flush headlamps, this remarkable design suffered in sales because the average buyer thought it didn't look like a real car... just a lump. In 1935, they added a peak to the nose giving it a more conventional look. The 4.9 liter straight 8 gave the car good performance and handling but it was discontinued in 1937 due to increasingly poor sales. It wasn't until 1960 that Chrysler would make another unibody automobile as a Virgil Exner design.
23/11/2022 2:40 pm
Too much change all at once it seems. A shame really because it was a very nice car and a bold statement for its time.
Rich Sufficool and Tony Perrone reacted
23/11/2022 3:56 pm
Rich, beautiful pictures of a beautiful car.
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23/11/2022 6:37 pm
Beautiful car. Way ahead of its time which is often a problem with innovation as it does take time for the buying public to see value in change. Great blog and images as usual Rich.
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23/11/2022 10:06 pm
The oil companies were apparently smarter as they wanted something flashy to be seen fueling the airplanes ...
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