Vehicle Description
USED IN THE 1972 BLOCKBUSTER FILM, THE GODFATHER 2012 AACA GRAND
NATIONAL & 1994 AACA SENIOR AWARD WINNERFORMERLY OWNED BY DESOTO
CLUB PRESIDENT, CHUCK COCHRANPROVENANCE DOCUMENTED BY CHRYSLER
AIRFLOW CLUBFORMAL BLACK PAINT OVER BEIGE CLOTH INTERIORSPACIOUS &
LUXURIOUS PASSENGER COMPARTMENT130 BHP 323 CI L-HEAD INLINE
8-CYLINDER ENGINE3-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION W/ AUTOMATIC
OVERDRIVE4-WHEEL LOCKHEED HYDRAULIC BRAKESLEGENDARY AERODYNAMIC
STYLING & ADVANCED ENGINEERING For 1934, Chrysler Corporation
shocked the automotive world with its all-new, radically
streamlined Airflow model lines, featuring extremely strong,
all-steel unit-body construction. A design far ahead of its time,
the Airflow featured wonderful Art Deco styling with its built-in
headlamps and attractively flowing "waterfall" grille up front, an
extended-length hood, modified V-shaped windshield, and fully
skirted rear fenders. Passenger comfort was second to none with the
Airflow's wide, comfortable seats placed fully inside the car's
wheelbase. Extra-long leaf springs placed front and rear enhanced
the Airflow's low ground clearance, delivering remarkable ease of
entry and exit for occupants. Lockheed 4-wheel hydraulic brakes
delivered industry-leading stopping power, while many competitors
still relied on old-fashioned mechanical brakes. Other choice
Airflow features included an ignition lock, full instrumentation, a
brake lamp, steering-hub headlamp controls, an automatic windshield
wiper, oil filter and overdrive.However, despite the many virtues
offered by the new Airflow models in terms of comfort, efficiency,
and passenger safety, wary Depression-era buyers failed to respond
in the numbers Chrysler anticipated. Consequently, sales were
underwhelming and the original Airflow design was no longer after
1936. However, today's collectors deeply appreciate the many
contributions made by the Airflow's designers and engineers to the
automobile and the cars are now highly sought-after.One of just
2,398 examples produced, this top-of-the-line Chrysler Imperial
Airflow Series C-2 Sedan carries outstanding provenance, documented
as having been rented out for one day to Alfran
Productions/Paramount Pictures for use on Francis Ford Coppola?s
iconic 1972 movie, The Godfather. Ownership history as documented
by The Chrysler Airflow Club also confirms this historic vehicle
was most recently acquired from the Estate of former DeSoto Club
president Chuck Cochran, who acquired the Airflow in 1975. Under
Mr. Cochran's care, this Imperial Airflow Sedan earned the AACA
Senior National First Prize award in 1994 and then in 2012, it
received the AACA Grand National First prize award. Badges
confirming both awards are duly affixed to the unique
waterfall-style grille's lower extremities.Featuring a dignified
Black paint finish and Beige cloth upholstery, this Imperial
Airflow's aerodynamic body styling and luxurious passenger
compartment continue to present well with the older restoration
work it has received. The 323 cubic-inch inline 8-cylinder engine,
factory-rated at 130 BHP, and its surrounding engine compartment
are both tidy and continue to feature correct finishes and
components. A 3-speed manual transmission delivers the power.
Cruising ease is enhanced by the Airflow's standard overdrive,
which factory literature states is engaged at 45 mph. Other choice
features include a rear-mounted spare wheel/tire, crank-out
windshield ventilation, and a heater, plus steel artillery-type
wheels mounting White sidewall tires. Accompanying documents
include known history supplied by the Chrysler Airflow Club and a
one-page rental agreement for this vehicle?s use on The Godfather,
executed by past owner William F. Corkill and a representative of
Alfran Productions/Paramount Pictures.While the airflow may have
been a bit too modern for buyer tastes when new, its design and
engineering excellence continues to profoundly influence automobile
production today. Accordingly, this high-end Chrysler Imperial
Series C-2 Sedan is offered ready to grace any collection
celebrating the many innovations made by Chrysler since company
inception 100 years ago. See it for yourself, obtain full details,
and contact us to make it yours today!
