For Sale: 1935 DeSoto Airflow in Rogers, Minnesota

This 1935 Desoto Airflow Model SG is a gorgeous and exceptionally rare pre-war Mopar with a fantastic look and great options! Making its debut in January 1934, the DeSoto Airflow arrived alongside Chrysler's version, introducing a radical reimagining of automotive design. Critics and tastemakers praised its bold look, but the public was less enthusiastic, finding the design too unconventional for the era. Still, the Airflow pioneered innovations that foreshadowed the future of American car design. Most automobiles of the early 1930s, though elegant, were boxy and reminiscent of horse-drawn carriages. The Airflow broke this mold, emphasizing aerodynamics and streamlined Art Deco styling. Its forward-sloping "waterfall" radiator contrasted sharply with the upright grilles of earlier cars. The fenders, once awkward appendages, became fluidly integrated into the body. Headlights were built into the fenders rather than bolted on, and the flat windshield was replaced with a modern vee-shaped design, improving both style and wind resistance. Yet despite these advances, buyers remained wary. In the depths of the Depression, consumers clung to tradition, and the Airflow's futuristic styling proved too radical. By 1935, however, the auto industry was beginning to rebound, and DeSoto adjusted the Airflow to better suit the market. The '35 model adopted a milder grille, a more prominent hood, and additional trim for a refined, less daring appearance. Mechanical improvements also enhanced comfort and usability. Thanks to a unitized body and repositioned axles, the Airflow sat lower, creating a roomier cabin and making entry and exit easier than in many competitors. These refinements gave the car a smoother, more comfortable ride while maintaining its aerodynamic advantages. Despite these efforts, sales faltered. Interestingly, the 1934 Airflow outsold the 1935 version more than two to one-not due to consumer enthusiasm, but because DeSoto introduced the more conventional and cheaper Airstream that year, drawing away buyers who wanted familiarity at a lower cost. Ultimately, only 6,269 DeSoto Airflow four-door sedans were produced in 1935, cementing its status today as a rare and historically significant automobile. This particular '35 SG Airflow comes to us from a prominent east coast collection known for its affinity for high quality automobiles and where it was meticulously cared for. Under the rear-hinged hood of this 1935 Desoto SG Airflow is a 241.5 cubic inch L-Head Inline 6 fed by a single barrel carburetor that together were said to have produced 100 horsepower when new. The 242 straight 6 is mated to a 3 speed manual transmission that is shifted via a floor-mounted shifter, making this pre-war Desoto a very fun car to take for a cruise. This 1935 Desoto Airflow is nicely equipped with options too! Dual amber-lensed fog lights greatly improve visibility in low-light situations and they also give the car a nice aesthetic upgrade. Additionally, this Desoto comes optioned with an exterior sun visor that looks great and helps keep the sun out of your eyes on a gorgeous summer day. Optional front and rear chrome bumper guards are another great-looking feature that further elevate the exterior look of this wonderful car. Moreover, dual chrome outside mirrors greatly assist in parking efforts, whether you're maneuvering into a tight parking space at a car show or the local ice cream parlor. The rear wheels tuck neatly behind a pair of optional (and removable) fender skirts and each skirt is upgraded further with special add-on ornaments. The rear end also features several factory upgrades including a covered rear spare tire as well as a rare right hand side taillight housing, something virtually unseen back in the pre-war era. This '35 Airflow rides on a set of wide whitewall tires mounted on beautiful color-matched Artillery-style wheels and accented with a chrome Desoto-branded hubcap that give the car a truly upscale look. The all steel body has been refinished in a gorgeous two-tone paint scheme consisting of Envoy Red paint over black. Gorgeous brightwork and chrome complete the outstanding exterior look of this beautiful automobile. The interior of this 1935 Desoto Airflow Model SG is absolutely stunning! The front and rear seats have been reupholstered in a tufted medium grey Bedford Cord-type cloth that looks to be period-correct. Also quite in period are the rear suicide doors that open in the front and are hinged in the rear. The matching upholstered door panels, carpeting, and steering wheel all appear to be in excellent condition as well and all remain in what appears to be a stock configuration. The woodgrain-trimmed window surrounds as well as the wood grained-trimmed dash are another highlight of the beautiful interior of this '35 Airflow. Instrumentation also appear to remain in the stock configuration and is comprised of a bevy of gauges including a 100 MPH speedometer, amp gauge, temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, and fuel gauge. The interior is completed with an upgraded turn signal system as well as a rear ash receiver. Whether you're buying your very first classic car or you're adding to you existing classic car collection, this 1935 Desoto Airflow would make an excellent choice. Give Ellingson's a call today at 763-428-7337!

*241.5 Cu. In. L-Head Inline 6
*Single Barrel Carburetor
*3 Speed Manual Transmission
*Wide Whitewalls on Artillery Wheels w/ Desoto Hubcaps
*Optional Fender Skirts & Amber Fog Lights
*Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*1 of only 6,269 Produced
*Envoy Red over Black All Steel Body
*Grey Bedford Cord Cloth Interior
*Woodgrain Trimmed Dash & Windows
*Stock Instrumentation
*Odometer Reads: 80,249 Miles