You are looking at One of the Most Important Automobiles of Our Time! Introduced at the 1934 New York Auto Show, it was So Advanced for it's time it took 2 Centuries for consumers to catch-up to it's Concept and Design. This car almost broke Walter Chrysler's company and the resulting reaction turned out to make this car a victim of "American Pop Culture Infamy". It broke the American Tradition of 'boxy. bulky looking' cars with a radical new design. The Airflow is The Very First Car to be "Streamline Designed" in a Wind Tunnel , Built with Uni-body Construction, carry 50/50 Weight Distribution, Position Passengers between Both Axles (instead of over), Offer 'Flow-Thru' Ventilation, and the First Car to carry Lockheed Hydraulic Brakes (4 years before Ford). The whole project was spearheaded by Engineer; Carl Greer, Oliver Clark (Chief Stylist of Exterior Design) and help from Orville Wright (ie: 1st Flight of an Airplane). Chrysler Engineer, Carl Breer designed the engine to be mounted OVER the front axle with the back seat moved forward of the rear axle while offering a unitized, hugely roomy cabin. A concept that is still used today. The result was a Rolling Work of Art Deco designed with future aerodynamics of an Automobile Age yet to come. They mastered flow-thru air by being the First Car with 2 - Split Windshields that pivoted out , complimented by not one, but 2 Cowl Air Vents, Side Drop Windows and enough under-seat space to allow air to pass through the cockpit. Chrysler was considered a genius at the time....not a stupid man, he hedged his bet by offering a second, conservative model and called it the "Airstream". That model held to the 'Old-fashioned' Design Convention. We should also mention however, he was so convinced this new model would sell well, much to his undoing, he not only offered it in the Desoto line but, a full line of Chrysler's & Imperial's, as well. All carried the new "Airflow" body-style. Incredibly,Ferdinand Porsche also purchased a new Airflow, and it is said by some, he followed the design when he built "The People's Car" under Hitler's direction...the German Volkswagen (note; the similarities, are striking). Today, the Airflow is considered an Art Deco Masterpiece. It's a car that testifies to progressive design and engineering blending into one Perfect Form. In this model, only 418 were ever built and according to several Auto Clubs, only SIX restored Desoto Airflow SG's still survive today. Part of the 'Low Drag' Design was attention to 'Fuel Economy" and the Airflow's Aerodynamically, Futuristic Body delivered in Spades (especially, if you compare it to the other conservatively styled automobiles of the time, which got better mileage driving backwards). The mileage and performance of the Airflow were stellar. Race Driver: Harry Haartz drove cross country from New York to the San Francisco (3,114miles) on a total fuel bill of $33.08 and average 21.4 mpg (remember, there were no Super Highways at that time!). By 1935, the well criticized 'waterfall grille' was dropped and the '35 offered what the brochure claimed was an "ever more beautiful grille, than it's predecessor. With a Front-end brilliantly re-styled and given a feeling of added speed and movement". This Desoto Airflow SG model carries 90,802 miles (@78 years young: 1,164 miles per year) and hails from Kentucky and Florida. It is a remarkably rust-free vehicle with original-style Mohair Headliner and Seating, Factory described "Enclosed Rumble Seat" (rear pass. seat), Faux Wood Dash & Window Surrounds, loaded with : Bumper Guards Front & Rear, Wide Whitewall Bias-Ply Tires, Fender Skirts with Chrome Embellishments, Cigar Lighter (yet, ashtrays never used), 3-Speed Transmission with Standard Automatic Overdrive, original 'SG' Engine, Chrome Wheel Trim Rings, Right-hand Tail Light, Signal Lights, Cream Color Pinstripe, Art Deco Dash Clock (added), Trumpet Horn, Right-hand Sun Visor, Special Paint Color: "Burgundy Wine"(one brochure claims' "Envoy Red"). Shown with Steering Column Zenith Radio head, Deco Flower vase, Trippe Foglights, (some of which are available at extra cost). Based on recent Auction & Private Sales, the popularity on these rare cars has increased 10 fold. Even, Jay Leno, owns one in his collection. Despite the fact, the restoration is over 15+ years old, this car is in remarkable condition. Body number is "1417" out of 418 built (2nd to last made?) The 1935 Desoto Airflow SG Coupe sold for $1015 new...today it is priceless! Yet, offered for the first time from our Museum Collection...$59,500 OBO. see complete story at www.classicdreamcars.com
