Vehicle Description
1935 Chrysler Airflow �
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Designer: Carl Breer, Owen Skelton & Fred Zeder
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Estimate: $40,000 - $55,000 Without Reserve
Chassis Number: 9603496
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Engine: 385 cid, L-head in-line 8-cyl.
1-barrel carburetor/130 bhp
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Lockheed Four Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
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Odometer: 65,335 Miles Showing
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Ultimate Art-Deco Automotive Styling
Simple Mechanics, Exotic Coachwork
Airflow Design Positive Head-Turner
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The Model -The trio of Breer, Skelton, and Zeder were what many
considered the three wise men of the Chrysler Corporation. By the
1930's, all three of these mechanical geniuses were legends with
experiences dating back to the latter years of the 19th century!
Working with designs that were inspired by Breer's fascination with
the flying "V" formation of wild geese, they experimented with
streamline design, testing many of their ideas in wind-tunnels. For
a combination of strength and weight savings, the Airflow design
was one of the first to combine the chassis and body as one unit.
Over 50 different design models were tested before they realized
that items like stand-up headlights and flat front grilles were so
aerodynamically disastrous that in some cases the car was better
off going down the road backward. The answer was a smooth,
gently-arced front end that allows air to flow over the car,
cutting wind resistance, providing more speed with less power. It
was the ultimate in modern styling for that era. �
The Car -Even today the Chrysler Airflow is a captivating
automobile. This example was restored a number of years ago but
appears to be fresh and ready to hit the road. Finished in dark
brown with light tan fenders and accents, the proportions are
really made to stand out in the two-tone finish. Under the hood,
the engine bay was restored to like new condition both cosmetically
and mechanically. Used sparingly since it was completed, the seats
look fresh and the simulated wood-grain dashboard contains all the
meters needed for trouble-free motoring. Seats are done in a
pleasing tan-brown check pattern while the floors are covered with
wall to wall deep tan carpeting with a lighter tan material used
for the door panels. Dashboard and garnish moldings have all been
done in a simulated wood finish, while the gauge faces are clean,
clear and easy to read. With the engine purring, slip the car into
gear, release the light clutch pedal and this full-size sedan is
ready to hit the road. Even the luggage compartment has been
restored and trimmed out just as it was the day it rolled off the
assembly line. For the ultimate expression of Art-Deco, this
Airflow from Chrysler is an icon of that exciting era in
design.
