The Chrysler Airflow
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What do you think ?? |
| It was 1934 and the world was
in the midst of a deep economic depression.
The word STREAMLINE started to circulate. Engineers understood what it meant but the general public was not quite ready for major changes in automobile design that it would bring. However Walter P Chrysler and Chrysler Corporation tried to show the world what was in the future. The world wasn't ready for the Chrysler Airflow or its lower priced counterpart, the DeSoto Airflow Despite its commercial failure, Chrysler's attempt at innovation made it one of the most important vehicles of the 1930's. Not only did the Airflow lead the way in terms of aerodynamics (or "streamlining" as it was then called), it was the first mass-market car in the world to use the "modern" architecture that has now become standard. The passengers comfortably rode in a roomy interior between the axles. Power was supplied to the rear wheels by a front mounted in-line eight engine, pushing the Airflow into higher than normal speeds while maintaining good economy. The Airflow had many revolutionary ideas, like the placement of a portion of the engine ahead of the front axle, which allowed moving the passenger compartment forward. The frame was also different. Instead of the simple ladder frames used in that period, the Airflow used a, space-frame, which was similar to the best contemporary practices. This was what today would be known as a unibody construction. The Airflow's frame ran up the fender line, across and encircling the door openings. This made a very rigid car. However, as modern as the Airflow was, it wasn't accepted by the buying public and the car was only in production for four years. Introduced in 1934, production was ceased in 1937. It's with great pleasure that
I present this tribute to
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This page was last updated April 12 2007
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| This car and the reason it is a 1934 / 1935 is explained at the end of this page. Please scroll down for the details. | |
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Robert is in the process of restoring it. |
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| This car is owned by the Bouthillier family of Montrea, Quebec,
Canada and the pictures were
submitted by Gaetan Bouthillier |
| He had the following to say about the car.
"My father and I bought that car from David S. Howell (http://www.fordor.com/) in 1998. My father completely dismantled the car, had the engine and transmission redone. He also outcontracted the upholstery but everything was reassembled by him with the help of a knowledgeable mechanic friend. The body was painted part by part by a reputable shop. It took 2 years of full time work by my father and his helper. My father restored a number of cars but had never seen such complexity and precision. This car had to be built beside the assembly line at the time. It is as complex as a Rolls Royce. The car was previously owned by Eugene Morningstar who died in Huntingdon, PA and had bought it in 1967. Before that it belonged to Paul Stern from Manheim, PA. The car is now in a showroom at a luxury car dealer in Montreal http://www.johnscotti.com/ and is for sale For further information on this car you may contact me at |
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| I wasn't going to add this picture
to the page but then I want to show what a grand old car would turn into
if it was left to the elements. This car is/was a very rare right hand
drive car. It is located in Wymondham, Leicestershire, England.
It's owner was the late Peter Hill, who founded a car museum at Caister Castle, Norfolk. The reason for this neglect can only be for one reason, because he could. To add a foot note to this story. Alex Scott
contacted the new owners of the site and this car and was given permission
to remove any or all the parts that were useable.
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This car is owned by Alex Scott also of the UK.
He had the following to say about his car. "I live in southeastern England and drive a reasonably well preserved unrestored right hand drive 34 Airflow CV straight eight, not quite as a daily ride but reasonably regularly. As far as I know there are only two right hand drive Straight eight 34 Airflow CV's in a road worthy condition. Mine and one in New Zeeland....there may well be others though. My car was built in the USA but supplied new in South Africa, hence the right hand drive. I have attached a photo of my car for your amusement...you could even put it on your tribute site if you want, it would make a sharp comparison with the other right hand drive car. |
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