PIC: Something different #116 (4/9/2026)

John Bono · 2026-04-09T10:23:46Z

1936 Chrysler Airflow From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Series CU/C-1/ C-9/C-17 Overview Manufacturer Chrysler Corporation Production 1934–1937(< 29,600 built) Assembly Highland Park Chrysler Plant, Highland Park, Michigan, United States Body and chassis Class Full-size car Body style 4-door sedan2-door coupe Layout FR layout Related Chrysler AirstreamChrysler ImperialChrysler RoyalDeSoto Airflow Powertrain Engine 299 cu in (4.9 L) Chrysler I8 (1934[1]) 324 cu in (5.3 L) Chrysler I8 (1937[1]) Transmission 3-speed manual floor shift[1] Dimensions Wheelbase CW Airflow Custom Imperial: 146.5 in (3,721 mm)Airflow Eight: 123.5 in (3,137 mm)CV Airflow Imperial Eight: 128.0 in (3,251 mm)CX Airflow Custom Imperial 137.5 in (3,492 mm) Chronology Predecessor Chrysler Royal The Chrysler Airflow is a full-size car produced by Chrysler from 1934 to 1937. The Airflow was the first full-size American production car to use streamlining as a basis for building a sleeker automobile, one less susceptible to air resistance. Chrysler made a significant effort at a fundamental change in automotive design with the Chrysler Airflow, but it was ultimately a commercial failure due to a lack of market acceptance and controversial appearance. Chrysler also marketed a companion model under the DeSoto brand, the DeSoto Airflow, and the appearance was also offered on the Chrysler Imperial. In 2022, Chrysler announced that the Airflow name would be resurrected for an electric crossover SUV. Origin 1934 Chrysler Airflow Front-opening rear doors aided entry into the back of the 1934 Airflow. The hood cooling vents are fully functional. Early Airflows have no trunk; one was bolted on starting in 1936. The highly stylized dashboard of a 1934 Airflow Carl Breer, along with fellow Chrysler engineers Fred Zeder, and Owen Skelton, began a series of wind tunnel tests, with the cooperation of Orville Wright, to study which forms were the most efficient shape created by nature that could suit an automobile. Chrysler built a wind tunnel at the Highland Park site, and tested at least 50 scale models by April 1930. Their engineers found that then-current two-box automobile design was so aerodynamically inefficient that it was actually more aerodynamic when tested as if being driven backwards. Applying what they had learned about shape, the engineers also began looking into unibody construction to achieve rigidity with less weight than could be achieved with the conventional separate frame and body. The strengthening was demonstrated in a publicity reel.[2] The car thus represented a breakthrough in lightweight-yet-strong construction, as well as increasing the power-to-drag ratio, since the lighter, more streamlined body allowed air to flow around it instead of being caught against upright forms such as radiator grilles, headlights and windshields. Traditional automobiles of the day were the typical two-box design, with about 65% of the weight over the rear wheels. When loaded with passengers, the weight distribution tended to become further imbalanced, rising to 75% or more over the rear wheels, resulting in unsafe handling characteristics on slippery roads. Spring rates at the rear of traditional vehicles, which used leaf springs, were therefore necessarily higher, and passengers were subjected to a harsher ride. Innovative weight distribution in the new Chrysler Airflow stemmed from the need for superior handling dynamics. The engine was moved forward over the front wheels compared with traditional automobiles of the time, and passengers were all moved forward so that rear seat passengers were seated within the wheelbase, rather than on top of the rear axle. The weight distribution had approximately 54% of the weight over the front wheels, which evened to near 50:50 with passengers[3] and resulted in more equal spring rates, better handling, and far superior ride quality. Chrysler would not build another unibody vehicle until 1960 with the Virgil Exner Forward Look. Debut Prior to the Airflow's debut, Chrysler did a publicity stunt in which they reversed the chassis, placing the front axle and steering gear of a conventional 1933 Chrysler Six at the back of the car, which allowed the car to be driven "backwards" throughout Detroit. The stunt caused a near panic, but the marketing department felt that this would call attention to the poor aerodynamics of current cars, and send a hint that Chrysler was planning something big.[citation needed] The car that emerged was like no other American production car to date. The Airflow, which was heavily influenced by the streamlining design movement, was sleek and low compared to other cars on American roads. The car's grille work cascaded forward and downward forming a waterfall look[1] where other makes featured fairly upright radiators. Headlights were semi-flush to areas immediate to the grille.[1] The front fenders enclosed the running surface of the tire tread. The rear wheels were encased by ...

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John Napoli

(@carsman1958)

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Joined: 6 years ago

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10/04/2026 9:17 am

John, thank you for that info in the Chrysler Airflow. When this model came out, I could not wait to get my hands on it. FM Did a great job with this model.

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John Bono

(@sizedoesmatter)

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Topic starter 11/04/2026 12:03 pm

@carsman1958 My pleasure John.

John Bono
North Jersey

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