1935 Chrysler Imperial Model C2 Airflow Coupe
The streamlined, aerodynamic Chrysler Airflow, introduced for the 1934 model year, took wind-cheating design beyond what others had been experimenting with and introduced a raft of other innovative design features as well. Chrysler's attempt to jump ahead of the competition was such a dismal failure in the market that the company's designs became conservative for two more decades.
While most automakers of the day still used wood-reinforced metal bodies on a separate steel frame, the Airflow was a unit body design with a full steel body. The conventional inline eight was forward over the front axle allowing for more interior room and a near 50/50 weight distribution.
The Airflow was ahead of its time in use of aerodynamics, unibody design and many other innovations but it also suffered from major defects that affected reliability. Sales were dismal, though the Airflow models, including a DeSoto, lasted until 1937.
1935 Chrysler Imperial Model C2 Airflow Coupe
The streamlined, aerodynamic Chrysler Airflow, introduced for the 1934 model year, took wind-cheating design beyond what others had been experimenting with and introduced a raft of other innovative design features as well. Chrysler's attempt to jump ahead of the competition was such a dismal failure in the market that the company's designs became conservative for two more decades.
While most automakers of the day still used wood-reinforced metal bodies on a separate steel frame, the Airflow was a unit body design with a full steel body. The conventional inline eight was forward over the front axle allowing for more interior room and a near 50/50 weight distribution.
The Airflow was ahead of its time in use of aerodynamics, unibody design and many other innovations but it also suffered from major defects that affected reliability. Sales were dismal, though the Airflow models, including a DeSoto, lasted until 1937.