(Even in the early ’30s, wooden inner body components were still commonplace.) Chrysler claimed that this new construction was 40 percent stronger than conventional car bodies, and of that there is little doubt. Numerous illustrations like the one above were produced by Chrysler to show the reinforced-steel body construction, in which metal stampings replaced the traditional hardwood braces used in car bodies since the industry began. The Airflow has become the stuff of myths and legends, and here are a few of them. (Watch the 1934 Chrysler engineering film, Fashioned for Function, here.) It’s hardly surprising that such an unconventional car would generate a considerable buzz around it, and the buzz persists to this day. But while the engineering may have been unfamiliar, it was totally sound. And the packaging seemed outlandish as well, with the engine shoved far forward in the chassis and the passengers nestled within the wheelbase. The Airflow’s radical styling was designed to reduce aerodynamic drag rather than to please the eye. When the Chrysler Airflow was officially introduced in January of 1934, it was quite a shock to the American car-buying public. However, a few of the stories aren’t quite accurate. His Imperial Airflow has been preserved and impeccably restored.When the Chrysler Airflow appeared in 1934, it was so controversial that enthusiasts are still talking about it today. 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. 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. Thanks, Ken, for the beautiful photographs of this 1937 Chrysler Airflow. Fortunately, these cars have an enthusiastic following in the hobby, and each have one or more car clubs devoted to their restoration and preservation. Both had what was considered at their time of introduction. The former debuted during the Depression, the latter during a Recession. The Airflow was to Chrysler in the thirties what the Edsel was to Ford in the late fifties. 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. 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. The cars were so different in outer appearance from the other cars of that era.maybe too different. 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.

They were solid, comfortable cars, with beautiful art-deco inspired interiors. These cars were considered the first mass-produced cars based on aerodynamic principles.

The DeSoto model was discontinued after the 1936 model year. Chrysler built Airflows from 1934 through 1937 as DeSoto, Chrysler, or Imperial models.

Major bowes chrysler airflow imperial