Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America's Auburn Spring event,
May 11-13, 2017.
Chassis No.
5077550
Estimate:
$ 50,000 - $ 60,000 US
Chrysler Airflow factory literature in 1934 proclaimed the new car
was "refreshingly different; delightfully spacious; the atmosphere
of a smart modern penthouse; drawing room luxury;" and
"unparalleled refinements and features." A design far ahead of its
time, the Airflow featured built-in headlamps and wider front seats
that could accommodate three adults abreast. The hood was extended
past the front axle, and the rear fenders had full fender skirts.
There was also a rounded radiator grille and a modified vee-shaped
windshield, further styling features that set this car apart from
anything ever seen on North American shores.
In 1934 the entire DeSoto lineup featured Chrysler Corporation's
new streamlined Airflow design. Walter P. Chrysler expected the
streamlined and futuristic Airflow models to take the nation by
storm and to reap huge profits.
Not just an exercise in styling, the Airflow series was also a
mechanical marvel, incorporating many new concepts in an effort to
improve the driving experience. For improved handling, neutral
weight distribution was attempted, and the body was lower to the
ground thanks to a unit body construction and extra-long leaf
springs. One of the major pay-offs of the Airflow design was
greatly increased fuel consumption over traditionally styled
vehicles of the era. Respected racer of the era, Harry Hartz,
managed a cross-continental road trip from New York City to San
Francisco, California with a total fuel bill of just $33.06,
averaging better than 22 miles per gallon.
A truly unique car for the time, the Airflow wasn't widely accepted
by the buying public. Coupled with the height of the Depression,
only 1,584 DeSoto coupes were built in 1934. Of them, reportedly
only 15 are reported as being known to have survived.
This is a fine looking example that is reported as a California car
with known ownership from new. It has been cosmetically and
mechanically restored as needed, plus has the nice period accent of
matching 1934 California license plates.
Running with a 241.5-cid, 100-hp inline six-cylinder engine with a
three-speed manual transmission, the Airflow has many notable
features that includes rear fender skirts, split rear window,
crank-out windshield sections, stylish "waterfall" grille, driver's
side spotlight, front and rear bumper guards, artillery-style
wheels, factory hood ornament and similar trim elements on the
skirts.
The beautiful Art Deco appointments include period-style cloth
interior, attractive dash and instrument design, chrome interior
trim and jumpseats. The accents on this unique, but short-lived
modern marvel included the unusual (for the time) width of the
doors for simple entrance and exit; "you enter and leave through
doors as wide as those in your home."
This forward thinking Desoto is an exceptional example of both form
and function and ready to be appreciated anew.
