The Airflow was the first U.S. car to be designed in a wind tunnel. Its aerodynamic looks may have been an acquired taste, and Chrysler pulled the plug after three years. Between 1934 and 1937, both Chrysler and its DeSoto division built 55,000 copies, but their unorthodox appearance kept the car from catching on with the public. But the seeds for wind testing had been sewn for years to come. The seller has a 1936 DeSoto Airflow that looks to have been restored, but practically no details are provided. Located in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, this unique sedan is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $24,000.
Differences between the Chrysler and DeSoto Airflow were mainly related to wheelbase, with the Chrysler having a longer one and a better level of trim. The cars were designed to negate the impacts of wind on “air flow,” so the headlights were moved inboard, for example. The grille was waterfall-like rather than squarish and upright. And the windshield was curved and angled in two pieces to facilitate greater aerodynamics. Unibody construction was employed, somewhat uncommon for the 1930s.
The DeSoto Airflow used a 241 cubic inch inline-6, and the car was built in 1934, 1935, and 1936, like the Chrysler. Except the latter car saw a 1937 model year before Chrysler decided to go back to producing cars that were more like the flurry of post-Depression competition. The seller’s listing is undecided whether the mileage is 6,600 or 66,815 (we’re betting on the larger figure). We’re told the vehicle is in “great shape” and “runs.” And that’s the extent of the input from the seller.
This DeSoto has the earmarks of a restoration, from the quality of the body to the green paint, which seems like it might not be period correct. The interior also looks nice and tidy. Assuming no further work is needed, this could be an awesome machine to show off because a lot of folks have never heard of the car, much less seen one in person. Kudos to Russell J Glantz for the tip!
Leave A Comment