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{{Infobox automobile
|manufacturer=[[Chrysler Corporation]]
|name=Series CU/C-1/ C-9/C-17
|image=1936-chrysler-archives.jpg
|production=1934–1937<br>(< 29,600 built)
|layout=[[FR layout]]
|predecessor=[[Chrysler Royal]]
|successor=[[Chrysler PT Cruiser]]<ref name="AutoEvolution 2021">{{cite magazine |last=Serban, Tudor |first=Serban, Tudor |date=2021 |title=The Rise and Fall of the Retro-Styled PT Cruiser |url= https://www.autoevolution.com/news/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-retro-styled-pt-cruiser-175064.html|magazine=AutoEvolution |location=United States |publisher=SoftNews Net |access-date=March 25, 2022}} </ref><br>[[Chrysler Airflow (EV)|Chrysler Airflow (2025)]]
|related=[[Chrysler Airstream]]<br>[[Chrysler Imperial#1934–1936|Chrysler Imperial]]<br/>[[Chrysler Royal]]<br/>[[DeSoto Airflow]]
|class=[[Full-size car]]
|body_style=4-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]]<br/>2-door [[coupe]]
|assembly=[[Highland Park Chrysler Plant]], [[Highland Park, Michigan]], United States
|engine={{ubl
  | {{cvt|298.65|CID|L|1|adj=ri0}} [[Chrysler flathead engine#Straight-8|Chrysler I8]] (1934<ref name="kimes1996">{{cite book|last=Kimes|first=Beverly|title=standard catalog of American Cars 1805–1942|year=1996|pages=306–331|publisher=Krause publications|isbn=0-87341-478-0}}</ref>)
  | {{cvt|323.5|CID|L|1|adj=ri0}} [[Chrysler Flathead engine#Straight-8|Chrysler I8]] (1937<ref name="kimes1996"/>)
  }}
|transmission= 3-speed manual floor shift<ref name="kimes1996"/>
|wheelbase=CW Airflow Custom Imperial: {{convert|146.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<br/>Airflow Eight: {{convert|123.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<br/>CV Airflow Imperial Eight: {{convert|128.0|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<br/>CX Airflow Custom Imperial {{convert|137.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
}}

The '''Chrysler Airflow''' is a [[full-size car]] produced by [[Chrysler]] from 1934 to 1937. The Airflow was the first [[full-size car|full-size]] American [[car|production car]] to use [[streamliner|streamlining]] as a basis for building a sleeker automobile, one less susceptible to [[drag (physics)|air resistance]]. Chrysler made a significant effort at a fundamental change in automotive design with the Chrysler Airflow, but it was ultimately a commercial failure due to a lack of market acceptance and controversial appearance.

Chrysler also marketed a companion model under the [[DeSoto (automobile)|DeSoto]] brand, the [[DeSoto Airflow]], and the appearance was also offered on the [[Chrysler Imperial#1934–1936|Chrysler Imperial]]. In 2022, Chrysler announced that the Airflow name would be resurrected for an electric [[Chrysler Airflow (EV)|crossover SUV]].

==Origin==
[[File:1934 Chrysler Airflow sdn - blue - fvl.jpg|thumb|1934 Chrysler Airflow]]
[[File:'34 chrysler airflow doors open.JPG|thumb|[[suicide door|Front-opening]] rear doors aided entry into the back of the 1934 Airflow. The hood cooling vents are fully functional.]]
[[File:'34 airflow rear 2.JPG|thumb|Early Airflows have no trunk; one was bolted on starting in 1936.]]
[[File:'34 chrysler airflow interior.JPG|thumb|The highly stylized dashboard of a 1934 Airflow]]

[[Carl Breer]], along with fellow Chrysler engineers [[Frederick Morrell Zeder|Fred Zeder]], and [[Owen Ray Skelton|Owen Skelton]], began a series of [[wind tunnel]] tests, with the cooperation of [[Orville Wright]], to study which forms were the most efficient shape created by nature that could suit an automobile. Chrysler built a wind tunnel at the [[Highland Park, Michigan|Highland Park]] site, and tested at least 50 scale models by April 1930. Their engineers found that then-current [[Three-box styling#Two-box design|two-box automobile design]] was so aerodynamically inefficient that it was actually more aerodynamic when tested as if being driven backwards. Applying what they had learned about shape, the engineers also began looking into [[unibody]] construction to achieve rigidity with less weight than could be achieved with the conventional separate frame and body. The strengthening was demonstrated in a publicity reel.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uaw-chrysler.com/resources/VideoDetail.cfm?VAID=82 |title=Contemporary reel showing the Airflow being crashed |publisher=Uaw-chrysler.com |access-date=2010-11-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717131617/http://www.uaw-chrysler.com/resources/VideoDetail.cfm?VAID=82 |archive-date=2011-07-17 }}</ref>  The car thus represented a breakthrough in lightweight-yet-strong construction, as well as increasing the power-to-drag ratio, since the lighter, more streamlined body allowed air to flow ''around'' it instead of being caught against upright forms such as radiator grilles, headlights and windshields.

Traditional automobiles of the day were the typical two-box design, with about 65% of the weight over the rear wheels. When loaded with passengers, the weight distribution tended to become further imbalanced, rising to 75% or more over the rear wheels, resulting in unsafe handling characteristics on slippery roads. Spring rates at the rear of traditional vehicles, which used [[leaf spring]]s, were therefore necessarily higher, and passengers were subjected to a harsher ride.

Innovative weight distribution in the new Chrysler Airflow stemmed from the need for superior [[Car handling|handling dynamics]]. The engine was moved forward over the front wheels compared with traditional automobiles of the time, and passengers were all moved forward so that rear seat passengers were seated within the [[wheelbase]], rather than on top of the rear axle. The weight distribution had approximately 54% of the weight over the front wheels, which evened to near 50:50 with passengers<ref>{{cite book|last=Weiss|first=H. Eugene|title=Chrysler, Ford, Durant, and Sloan|year=2003|publisher=McFarland|isbn=0-7864-1611-4}}</ref> and resulted in more equal spring rates, better handling, and far superior ride quality.

Chrysler would not build another unibody vehicle until 1960 with the [[Virgil Exner]] [[Forward Look]].

===Debut===
Prior to the Airflow's debut, Chrysler did a publicity stunt in which they reversed the chassis, placing the front axle and steering gear of a conventional 1933 [[Chrysler Six#Series CJ, CM, CI, CO, CA, CB|Chrysler Six]] at the back of the car, which allowed the car to be driven "backwards" throughout Detroit. The stunt caused a near panic, but the marketing department felt that this would call attention to the poor aerodynamics of current cars, and send a hint that Chrysler was planning something big.{{citation needed|date=March 2018}} The car that emerged was like no other American production car to date.

The Airflow, which was heavily influenced by the [[Streamline Moderne|streamlining design movement]], was sleek and low compared to other cars on American roads. The car's grille work cascaded forward and downward forming a waterfall look<ref name="kimes1996"/> where other makes featured fairly upright radiators. Headlights were semi-flush to areas immediate to the grille.<ref name="kimes1996"/> The front fenders enclosed the running surface of the tire tread. The rear wheels were encased by [[fender skirts]].

Instead of a flat panel of glass, the windshield comprised two sheets of glass that formed a raked "vee" both side to side,<ref name="kimes1996"/> and top to bottom. All the windows were made of safety glass.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chrysler_and_Imperial/1934_Chrysler/1934_Chrysler_Imperial_%20Airflow_Limo_Brochure/1934%20Chrysler%20Imperial%20Airflow%20Limo-06.html|title=Drirectory Index:Chrysler_and_Imperial / 1934_Chrysler / 1934_Chrysler_Imperial_ Airflow_Limo_Brochure / 1934 Chrysler Imperial Airflow Limo-06|website=OldCarBrochures}}</ref> Passengers were carried in a full steel body (at a time when automakers like [[General Motors]], [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] and even Chrysler itself continued to use wood structural framing members in their car bodies) that rested between the wheels instead of upon them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chrysler_and_Imperial/1934_Chrysler/1934_Chrysler_NY_Auto_Show%20_andout/1934%20Chrysler%20NY%20Auto%20Show%20Handout-08.html |title=Directory Index: Chrysler_and_Imperial/1934_Chrysler/1934_Chrysler_NY_Auto_Show _andout |publisher=Oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=2011-11-20}}</ref> The front seat was wider than in other cars and the rear seat was deeper. Overall, the car possessed a better [[power-to-weight ratio]], and its structural integrity was stronger than other like models of the day.

The car was introduced in January 1934,<ref>{{cite book|title=Curves of Steel|year=2009|publisher=Couchbuilt press|isbn=978-0-9779809-6-3|editor=Stein, Jonathan A.}}</ref> months before it was put in production. Production peaked at only 6,212 in May 1934 — very late in the year and barely enough to give every dealer a single Chrysler Airflow. The factory had not accounted for significant manufacturing challenges and expense due to the unusual new Airflow design, which required an unprecedented number and variety of welding techniques. The early Airflows arriving at dealerships suffered from significant problems, mostly the result of faulty manufacturing. According to Fred Breer, son of Chrysler Engineer Carl Breer, the first 2,000 to 3,000 Airflows to leave the factory had major defects, including engines breaking loose from their mountings at {{convert|80|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.

===1934===
For 1934, both Chrysler and its junior running mate, [[DeSoto Airflow|DeSoto]], were scheduled to offer the Airflow. DeSoto was assigned to offer nothing but Airflows; Chrysler, however, hedged its bets and continued to offer a [[Inline-six engine|six-cylinder]] variant of its more mainstream 1933 model cars. The Airflow used a [[flathead engine|flathead]] [[Straight-8|I8]] engine and was produced in both 2-door [[coupe]] and 4-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]] variants. Pricing was simplified at US$1,345 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|1345|1934}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars {{inflation-fn|US}}) for a choice of two, two-door sedans or two, four door sedans labeled Coupe, Brougham, Sedan and Town Sedan.<ref name="kimes1996" />

Chrysler of Canada produced an Airflow Six, model CY, which was basically a [[DeSoto Airflow]] with a Chrysler grille, bumpers, instrument panel and emblems. A total of 445 were built. The Airflow Six was dropped at the end of 1934. The appearance was also used for commercial trucks as the Dodge Airflow.<ref name="kimes1996" />

The Chrysler line of eight-cylinder Airflows included model CU Airflow Eight ({{convert|123.5|in|mm|abbr=on}} wheelbase), model CV Airflow Imperial Eight ({{convert|128|in|mm|abbr=on}} wheelbase), model CX Airflow Custom Imperial ({{convert|137.5|in|mm|abbr=on}} wheelbase). At the very top was the model CW Airflow Custom Imperial with a body built by LeBaron on a {{convert|146.5|in|mm|abbr=on}} wheelbase. The CW had the industry's first one-piece curved windshield on a production automobile.

Within six months of the Airflow's introduction, the vehicle was a sales disaster. Adding insult to injury, General Motors mounted an advertising campaign aimed at further discrediting the Airflows. Most automotive historians, though, agree that the Airflow was shunned in large part because buyers did not like its looks. The hood, [[waterfall]] [[Grille (car)|grille]], [[headlamp]]s, and [[Fender (vehicle)|fenders]] were all merged into one continuous form that was interpreted as an "anonymous lump". While thoroughly modern, the public was slow to embrace the Airflow. At the depth of the [[Great Depression]], the car seemed to be too advanced, too different for many consumers. While Airflows sold in respectable numbers in its first year, Chrysler's traditional sedans and coupes far outsold the Airflow by 2.5 to one, with first year Airflow sales at 10,839 units.

DeSoto fared far worse than Chrysler for 1934. Without any "standard" car to sell, DeSoto's sales numbers plunged. And while the Airflow design looked somewhat sleek on the Chrysler's longer wheelbase, the DeSoto appeared to be short and stubby.

Rumors also persisted that the "new-fangled" body was unsafe, which was mostly untrue. In one widely distributed advertising film shown in movie theatres, an empty Airflow was pushed off a [[Pennsylvania]] cliff, falling over {{convert|110|ft|m|abbr=on}}; once righted, the car was driven off, battered, but recognizable.

===1935===
[[File:Chrysler Airflow 1 (5442084379).jpg|thumb|1935 Chrysler Airflow]]
Stung by the lack of consumer interest in the car, Chrysler responded by making modifications to the body that brought the front of the car more in line with public taste. Foremost of 1935 changes was the placement of a slightly peaked grille that replaced the waterfall unit of 1934.<ref name="Cheetham">{{cite book|last1=Cheetham|first1=Craig|title=Vintage Cars - The Finest Prewar Automobiles|date=2004|publisher=Grange Books|location=Rochester, United Kingdom|isbn=1840136359|pages=61}}</ref>

The Airflow models offered for 1935 were the same as in 1934, with the exception of the Airflow Eight two-door sedan, which was dropped. Chrysler Airflow production dipped below 8,000 units for 1935, with roughly four [[Chrysler Airstream|Airstreams]] produced for every Airflow.

===1936===
For 1936, the Airflow surrendered its smooth backside when a trunk was tacked onto the body of the car.<ref name="Cheetham" /> The grille also became more pronounced. Only one Airflow body style, the four-door [[Chrysler Imperial#1934–1936|Imperial sedan (C-10)]] broke the 1,000 unit mark with 4,259 units built. Otherwise, total Airflow production sank to 6,275 units compared to the concurrent Airstream models, which sold more than 52,000 units for 1936. 1936 would be the last year that Chrysler's premium Imperial model range would carry the Airflow. Lifeguard tires were introduced, which had two tubes inside the tire.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chrysler_and_Imperial/1936%20Chrysler/1936%20Chrysler%20Airflow%20Brochure/1936%20Chrysler%20Airflow-17.html |title=Directory Index: Chrysler_and_Imperial/1936 Chrysler/1936 Chrysler Airflow Brochure |publisher=Oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=2011-11-20}}</ref> In 1936 the [[Lincoln-Zephyr]] was introduced as a two- or four door sedan and while it was also a streamlined product, it sold much better than the Airflow and had a V-12 engine.<ref name="kimes1996"/>

===1937===
[[File:37 Chrysler Airflow C-17 (9344480585).jpg|thumb|1937 Chrysler Airflow sedan]]

In its final year, the Airflow was reduced to one model, the Airflow Eight, offered as a two-door coupe and four-door sedan. A total of 4,600 were produced before the program was cancelled.<ref name="Cheetham" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chrysler_and_Imperial/1937_Chrysler/1937_Chrysler_Brochure/1937%20Chrysler-08-09.html |title=Directory Index: Chrysler_and_Imperial/1937_Chrysler/1937_Chrysler_Brochure |publisher=Oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=2011-11-20}}</ref>

It was in this year that an [[Chrysler Imperial#1934–1936|Imperial Custom Airflow Series CW]] limousine became the official car of Philippine president [[Manuel L. Quezon]]. The historic vehicle was restored in 1978 and is on display in [[Quezon City]], [[Philippines]] Another major restoration was conducted in 2009 by Alfred Nobel Perez of the Vintage Car Club of the Philippines in time for the 131st birth anniversary of Quezon. It was first displayed at Doña [[Aurora Quezon]] replica house corner of San Luis and Rizal Streets, Poblacion, [[Baler, Aurora]], Philippines. It later became part of the [[National Historical Commission of the Philippines]] collection for its [[Presidential Car Museum]] inaugurated on August 19, 2018 in partnership with the [[Quezon City]] government.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1045326|title=Presidential car museum opens in Quezon City|first=Ma. Teresa|last=Montemayor|work=Philippine News Agency|date=19 August 2018|access-date=28 August 2018}}</ref>

Another 1937 Imperial Custom Airflow Series CW limousine was owned by radio personality [[Major Edward Bowes]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.imperialclub.com/Yr/1937/specs.htm#CW |title=1937 C-14, C-15, C-17 and CW Chrysler Imperial Specifications, Equipment and Options |publisher=Imperialclub.com |date=2002-05-08 |access-date=2010-11-13 |archive-date=2011-05-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110517133204/http://www.imperialclub.com/Yr/1937/specs.htm#CW |url-status=dead }}</ref> Chrysler was one of Bowes' radio show sponsors. The two Airflow Custom Imperials were actually leftover 1935 models and only the two were built for 1937; Imperials and Custom Imperials built for the U.S. market in 1937 were conventionally styled, and priced below and above the Airflow, respectively. The cars have a {{convert|140|in|mm}} wheelbase.

===Impact===
{{mi|section=yes|
{{unreferenced section|date=January 2021}}
{{original research|section|date=January 2021}}
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[[File:1936 Toyoda Model AA 03.jpg|thumb|The 1936 [[Toyota AA]] was influenced by the Chrysler Airflow via the [[DeSoto Airflow]].<ref>{{citation |title=1934 De Soto Airflow Series SE |url=http://www.toyota.co.jp/Museum/collections/list/data/0020_DeSotoAirflowSeriesSE.html |author= Toyota Automobile Museum |access-date=22 December 2014}}</ref>]]
[[File:GOT Volvo PV36.jpg|thumb|[[Volvo PV 36 Carioca]]]]
While the Airflow may have signaled [[Chrysler (division)|Chrysler]]'s attempt to set itself apart from other manufacturers, the failure of the car in the marketplace caused the company to take a more conservative path with its future models. Until the debut of [[Virgil Exner]]'s "[[Forward Look]]" cars of 1955, Chrysler's corporate styling was conservative and mainstream.

It is rumoured that [[Ferdinand Porsche]] imported an early Airflow [[coupe]] into [[Germany]], and using this model for "inspiration", designed the first [[Volkswagen Beetle]]. The similarities between early Volkswagen Beetles and the Airflow [[coupe]]s could be a testimony to this hypothesis.{{Citation needed|date=September 2007}} However, the general lines of the KDF-Wagen were drawn as early as 1932, and the Czech [[Tatra 97]] and [[Tatra 77]] are far more likely inspirations.{{Citation needed|date=March 2017}} German automaker [[Adler 2.5-litre|Adler]] also introduced a streamlined sedan in 1937.

Regardless, the revolutionary benefits of the design were immediately evident to designers the world over. U.S. designers could not and did not ignore the benefits of all-steel construction, aerodynamics and a rear seat forward of the rear axle. [[General Motors]] was quick to respond with all-steel "Turret Tops"{{explain|date=August 2024}}, and later introduced a fastback coupe appearance on all of their nameplates from 1942 until 1950, offering the appearance on the [[Chevrolet Fleetline#style|Chevrolet Fleetline]], [[Pontiac Streamliner]], [[Oldsmobile 88#First generation (1949–1953)|Oldsmobile 88 Club Coupe]], [[Buick Super#1942–1948|Buick Super Sedanette]] and [[Cadillac Series 61#1948–1951|Cadillac Series 61 Sedanette]]; other manufacturers either followed suit or went out of business.

In other countries, where gasoline was more expensive and practical considerations were therefore more important than styling, the flattery-by-imitation was even more sincere. [[Volvo]] was one of the first to get a smaller copy of the Airflow into production and was later followed by [[Peugeot]] with their [[Peugeot 202|202]] and larger [[Peugeot 402|402]] models, which would become a major sales success. Imitating the Airflow would be a secret of the success of a brand-new venture in the auto business called [[Toyota]].

After nearly a century, Chrysler created the Chrysler PT Cruiser which was a retro-style car with its styling having mixed elements from the 1949 [[Chevrolet Advance Design]] and the Chrysler Airflow.

The Airflow was the inspiration for [[Claes Oldenburg]]'s print/sculpture ''Profile Airflow'', featuring a [[lithograph]] of the car beneath a superimposed aquamarine resin relief. The initial resin in the initial printing faded to an [[olive green]] color and was thus recalled by Claes Oldenburg and Gemini G.E.L., the printmaking studio which fabricated ''Profile Airflow''.

''Profile Airflow'' is especially significant because it revolutionized the idea of a print, expanding it to include serialized sculpture.

==See also==
*[[Streamliner#Automobiles|Streamliner: Automobiles]] for overview of early aerodynamic automobiles
;Early aerodynamic cars, chronologically:
*[[Rumpler Tropfenwagen]] (1921), first aerodynamic "teardrop" car to be designed and serially produced (about 100 units built)
*Persu car (1922–23), designed by Romanian engineer [[Aurel Persu]], improved on the Tropfenwagen by placing the wheels inside the car body
*Burney car (1929-1931), working prototypes designed by [[Dennis Burney]] and manufactured by [[Streamline Cars]]
*[[Stout Scarab]] (1932–35, 1946), "teardrop" US car
*[[Dymaxion car]], 1933 US "teardrop" car
*[[Pierce Silver Arrow]] (1933)
*[[Dodge Airflow truck]] (1934), special request model truck that used styling cues from Chrysler Airflow and Divco 1937 vans
*[[Tatra 77]] (1934), claimed to be the first truly serial-produced aerodynamically-designed automobile
*[[Lincoln-Zephyr]] (1936-1942)

==Notes==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons cat}}
*{{imcdb vehicle|make=Chrysler|model=Airflow|Chrysler Airflow}}

{{Chrysler}}
{{Chrysler historic timeline}}

[[Category:Chrysler vehicles|Airflow]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1934]]
[[Category:1940s cars]]
[[Category:Streamline Moderne cars]]
[[Category:Streamliner cars]]
[[Category:Full-size vehicles]]
[[Category:Coupés]]
[[Category:Sedans]]