With a strange idea called “aerodynamics” in mind, Chrysler embarked upon a futuristic design called the Airflow. This 1936 Chrysler Airflow C10 in Hockessin, Delaware hasn’t split the wind in over 50 years. Long-term storage did the Chrysler no favors, leaving it rusty and not running. Nevertheless, it’s exciting to think about reviving this fascinating ride and putting it back into the air under its own power. Offered here on eBay, a modest $7500 opening bid will get the auction rolling. Note the extended wheelbase relative to the vehicle’s length. Many Mercedes-Benz models exploit this design element to add stability and passenger comfort.
Black and white vinyl upholstery and the marble shift knob look like custom additions from the 1950s or ’60s. You’d better commandeer a co-pilot to mind the needles on that right-hand cluster. A three-speed manual transmission with automatic overdrive handles the gear changes. The Airflow’s all-steel body marked another advanced feature when many cars relied on wooden frames behind the metal.
“Does that got a Hemi’ in it?” Well, no, but it’s got eight cylinders, one for each black hole on the head of the inline eight. Hopefully, the spark plugs were only recently removed, but I wouldn’t bet on it. Other than the missing air cleaner housing, it looks fairly original.
The split-V windshield represented another nod to aerodynamics during a time when most cars had a flat windshield. The seller identifies some front parts as belonging to a 1937 model. Though elegant in profile, the Airflow’s front doesn’t win any points for style. Indeed styling proved the downfall of the wind-tunnel-tuned Airflow. In addition to being ahead of its time in engineering, its looks proved too forward-thinking for many customers, according to ConceptCarz. What do you like about this Chrysler Airflow?
I think the opening bid is pretty optimistic considering the restoration will be very costly. The ’36 front end is quite different from the ’37 which I would think will deter serious collectors. Still, I hope the car can be brought back to life again. There can’t be too many 85 year-old Chryslers around anymore. The image shows the front end of a ’36 Chrysler Airflow.
Your picture is a 1935
The car in the article is a ’37, not ’36
I always thought that these looked vaguely French…
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I like that it’s a two door and that seems to me quite rare.
Check out that automatic choke. That had to be a first.
nbsp…What does that mean?
No Bulls**t Please
Looks like the ’37 front end was a desperate attempt by Chrysler to make the car look more “mainstream”, effectively doing away with the art deco cool factor. It would of course be possible to go back to ’36 sheet metal, but cost prohibitive. Missing plugs means almost certain seizure.
Looks like an earlier Peugeot
Back the bus up…I think maybe FordGuy1972 miscommunicated. (It’s understandable, for us Ford Guys Moparese is a second language at best) Car listed is a ‘36- with ‘36 nose. Pic is of a ‘37.
Add a gen 3 hemi drivetrain & new interior. Drive and enjoy.
Has the IMS been done?
Is it possible that this is a 1937 model car that was originally sold in 1936 and thus the 1936 designation? Is there anything about the car that belongs to the 1936 model and not the 1937?
Nice place to start…
Did anyone notice the faded “Von Dutch” pinstripe on the trunk and the California plate ? Along with the two tone upholstery and the shift knob, this looks like it may have been some ones hot rod at one time. I’d sure like to know this cars history !
It also has a homemade dual exhaust with Thrush/Flow Master etc. mufflers. It must have sounded sweet!
I’ve always wanted to restomod one of these with some real power under the hood to see if the aerodynamics are good!!
In answer to your question “What do you like about this Chrysler Airflow?”
Well, I like the dash actually. Has some interesting looking gadgetry.
Love the Chrysler Airflow….but the only year that has a special place with me is the ‘33 with the “waterfall grill”
I’m with you on that. The original Chrysler or De Soto Airflow would be my preference. But I think they debuted in 1934, not 1933.
Anybody got a Viper V10 and an Art Morrison chassis?
That’s a good combination Arthur!!!
I’ve got one! 1933 that is.
It was bought in the Chicago area in around 1988 and DRIVEN to Newport RI . I bought it from an aged Hippy and bartered to do some boat work for him to reduce his asking price.
Drove it for my wedding and then my daughter’s.
Had to replace the engine from another rolled 33 after mice set up camp in the original.
Can’t decide if a V10, Hemi or Cummins has the best potential for a powertrain. I’m really leaning towards a Cummins TurboDiesel with a rat rod motif.