Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America’s Auburn Fall event, September 1-4, 2016.
Chassis No.
7023319
Estimate:
$ 33,000 - $ 37,000 US
Advertising for the 1937 Chrysler Airflow Series C-17 Sedan proclaimed: “…you have the impression of entering a drawing room on wheels…doors are as wide as those in your home… floors are padded and covered in deep, soft carpeting…chair height seats are soft and relaxing as divans…with upholstery fabrics of wonderful richness and texture. You’ll find style and luxury in lavish abundance in every carefully executed detail throughout these great new Airflows.”
Ray Dietrich was in charge of styling at Chrysler at this time and the 1937 line bore his imprint as he supervised the final makeover of the Airflow, as this was its last year. This black with tan cloth interior sedan has a bustleback-style trunk, and it is powered by a 323.5-cid straight-eight engine that produces approximately 125-hp and is connected to a floor-shift three-speed overdrive transmission with freewheeling. With numerous original elements to this car, you see that the windshield sections are hinged at the top and crank out for ventilation. The dashboard reflects the Art Deco styling influences of the period. The headliner in the Airflow is new, as are the radial whitewall tires. The paint is reported as being “very good.”
Chrysler led with many safety-oriented features in this era; they are acknowledged as being way ahead of their time. The vast majority of its many innovative features were eventually incorporated into the thoughts of mainstream design. With elegance and style; this design of radial streamlining either inspired criticism or admiration.
The owner of this 1937 Chrysler Airflow is generously donating the proceeds of its sale to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum.
