Chrysler was first in the industry with an all steel body for production cars. The airflow design was introduced in 1934. It was indeed a revolutionary car and a most interesting one by any standard. Chrysler’s triumvirate, or the Three Musketeers as they were known back then, Zeder, Breer, and Skelton, were looking for a new design. The trio had determined that a Zeppelin-like oval design tapering to the rear was the automobile’s optimum shape. Thus, the Airflow began as a miniature in a wind tunnel to get the right design. From this followed a series of engineering decisions creating this most innovative car. Chrysler described the Airflow appearance as “The beauty of nature itself”. Unfortunately the public did not agree and found it bizarre or just plain ugly. Only 10,794 were sold in 1934 and total production for 1935 was 7,751.
 In the 1991 movie, Bugsy, a gold ’35 Chrysler Airflow can be seen to the lower right of the screen. |
| 1935 Chrysler Airflow | |
| Body Style | 4 door sedan |
| Factory Price | $1,245 |
| Production | 4,617 this model |
| Weight | 3,928 lbs. |
| Engine | Straight 8 L-head |
| Horse Power | 130 @ 3,400 rpm
B15
|
| Cubic Inches | 323.5 |
| Wheel Base | 123 in. |
| Transmission | 3 speed floor shift w/overdrive |
| Brakes | 4 wheel hydraulic |
1935 Chrysler Airflow at the Automobile Driving Museum. Photo: Michelle Leveille
The 1935 Chrysler Airflow at the Automobile Driving Museum features an all stamped metal unibody design.
