Vehicle Description
The Airflow was engineer Carl Breer’s implementation of “form follows function,” a wind tunnel-tuned shape built on a semi-unitary “truss bridge” chassis based on aircraft principles. The engine was pushed forward, over the front axle, which allowed both seats to be situated within the wheelbase. The Airflow was roomy inside and extremely comfortable, but the styling was too advanced for its time.
This Chrysler Airflow Eight is a celebrity of sorts. It was featured in the former Special Interest Autos magazine, where historian and journalist Arch Brown compared it to its rival, the Lincoln-Zephyr. In the December 1990 issue, Brown opined: “the individual who places a premium on maximum comfort and minimum noise would doubtless be happier with the Airflow.”
It was discovered as a basket case, circa-1985, by San Jose Chrysler dealer Lon Normandin, and was restored to grace his showroom. So it was literally right from the showroom floor that Brown drove this Airflow. The Pond Collection acquired the car from the Normandin family.
Although the restoration is now close to a quarter century old, the car presents very well in deep maroon over black fenders. The interior is spotless gray cloth. The undercarriage shows a modicum of use, as does the engine. A modest detailing will make the car stand out. The Chrysler Eight sedan was the most popular Airflow, with more than 4,000 built. However, the “conventional” Airstream vastly outsold all Airflows, so this car represents the majority of the minority, and thus a rare chance to acquire one.
Many reciepts and features in Magazines will come with the sale
