1935 Chrysler Air Flow C2 Sedan

edited by David Barth, 2 March 2009.
Courtesy The Automobile Driving Museum in Los Angeles, California, USA.
Photos were taken in January 2009.

The Chrysler Airflow was the first automobile in the industry with a all-steel body for production cars. The airflow was designed in 1934 when Chrysler's triumvirate, or the "Three Musketeers," as they were known, Zeder, Breer, and Skelton were looking for a new design. The trio determined that a Zeppelin-like oval design tapering to the rear was the automobile's optimum shape. The Airflow began as a miniature in a wind tunnel to get the right design. From this followed a series of engineering decisions to create the car.

Chrysler described the Airflow as "The beauty of nature, itself." Unfortunately, the public didn't agree, found the design bizarre or just plain ugly. Only 10,794 cars were sold in 1934. In 1935, 7,751 were sold.

Body Style: Four Door Sedan
Factory Price: $1,245
Production: 2,598
Weight: 3,948 lbs.
Engine: Straight 8, L head
Horsepower: 130 at 3,400 rpm
Displacement: 323.5 cubic inches
Wheelbase: 123 inches
Transmission: 3 speed, floor shift, with overdrive
Brakes: 4 wheel, hydraulic