In 1958 a freinda nd i scraped up $100 and bought a 1937 Chrysler airflow. We were sixteen years old. The car had not been well maintained and we had neither the money or the ability to look after it. Many people have commented on why the Airflow failed, but here is another idea. The airflow simply seemed too big. It was a huge ponderous brute. The driver sat behind a large steering wheel the windows were all narrow and high. Although it had vacuum-boosted brakes the steering was manual and required great effort. Eventually our parents demanded that we give the Airflow a merciful death.
Rick Johnson
31-Mar-2005 23:16
1937 Chrysler Airflow. Chrysler built Airflows from 1934 through 1937 as DeSoto, Chrysler, or Imperial models. The DeSoto model was discontinued after the 1936 model year.
These cars were considered the first mass-produced cars based on aerodynamic principles.
They were solid, comfortable cars, with beautiful art-deco inspired interiors. The passengers were "cradled" between the front and back wheels of the car instead of the rear passengers sitting on top of the axle and springs. The cars were so different in outer appearance from the other cars of that era.........maybe too different. Even though these cars were well received by the motor press and automotive experts of the time for their safety, advanced technology and engineering, they were soundly rejected by the public in the market place. Sales were so disappointing , that, by 1936, Chrysler and DeSoto added a more conventionally-styled "Airstream" model series in an attempt to shore up sales and the loss of customers to GM, Ford, and the Independents of the time.
The Airflow was to Chrysler in the thirties what the Edsel was to Ford in the late fifties. The former debuted during the Depression, the latter during a Recession. Both had what was considered at their time of introduction..... controversial styling. Fortunately, these cars have an enthusiastic following in the hobby, and each have one or more car clubs devoted to their restoration and preservation.
Thanks, Ken, for the beautiful photographs of this 1937 Chrysler Airflow. It is the only red example I have seen. From front and rear angles, along with closeups of the front of the automobile, you capture the aerodynamic lines, style, and detail of this car. Perhaps the most famous individual to own an Airflow was Major Bowes, a very popular personality of the time, whose "Amatuer Hour" was one of the most popular radio shows of the time. His Imperial Airflow has been preserved and impeccably restored.
