1935 Chrysler Airflow

Designer: Carl Breer, Owen Skelton & Fred Zeder

Estimate: $40,000 - $55,000 Without Reserve

Chassis Number: 9603496

Engine: 385 cid, L-head in-line 8-cyl.

1-barrel carburetor/130 bhp

3-Speed Manual Transmission

Lockheed Four Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

Odometer: 65,335 Miles Showing

Ultimate Art-Deco Automotive Styling

Simple Mechanics, Exotic Coachwork

Airflow Design Positive Head-Turner

The Model -The trio of Breer, Skelton, and Zeder were what many considered the three wise men of the Chrysler Corporation. By the 1930's, all three of these mechanical geniuses were legends with experiences dating back to the latter years of the 19th century! Working with designs that were inspired by Breer's fascination with the flying "V" formation of wild geese, they experimented with streamline design, testing many of their ideas in wind-tunnels. For a combination of strength and weight savings, the Airflow design was one of the first to combine the chassis and body as one unit. Over 50 different design models were tested before they realized that items like stand-up headlights and flat front grilles were so aerodynamically disastrous that in some cases the car was better off going down the road backward. The answer was a smooth, gently-arced front end that allows air to flow over the car, cutting wind resistance, providing more speed with less power. It was the ultimate in modern styling for that era.

The Car -Even today the Chrysler Airflow is a captivating automobile. This example was restored a number of years ago but appears to be fresh and ready to hit the road. Finished in dark brown with light tan fenders and accents, the proportions are really made to stand out in the two-tone finish. Under the hood, the engine bay was restored to like new condition both cosmetically and mechanically. Used sparingly since it was completed, the seats look fresh and the simulated wood-grain dashboard contains all the meters needed for trouble-free motoring. Seats are done in a pleasing tan-brown check pattern while the floors are covered with wall to wall deep tan carpeting with a lighter tan material used for the door panels. Dashboard and garnish moldings have all been done in a simulated wood finish, while the gauge faces are clean, clear and easy to read. With the engine purring, slip the car into gear, release the light clutch pedal and this full-size sedan is ready to hit the road. Even the luggage compartment has been restored and trimmed out just as it was the day it rolled off the assembly line. For the ultimate expression of Art-Deco, this Airflow from Chrysler is an icon of that exciting era in design.