Chrysler Airflow

Series CU/C-1/ C-9/C-17
Overview
ManufacturerChrysler Corporation
Production1934–1937
(< 29,600 built)
AssemblyHighland Park Chrysler Plant, Highland Park, Michigan, United States
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size car
Body style4-door sedan
2-door coupe
LayoutFR layout
RelatedChrysler Airstream
Chrysler Imperial
Chrysler Royal
DeSoto Airflow
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission3-speed manual floor shift[1]
Dimensions
WheelbaseCW Airflow Custom Imperial: 146.5 in (3,721 mm)
Airflow Eight: 123.5 in (3,137 mm)
CV Airflow Imperial Eight: 128.0 in (3,251 mm)
CX Airflow Custom Imperial 137.5 in (3,492 mm)
Chronology
PredecessorChrysler Royal
SuccessorChrysler PT Cruiser[2]
Chrysler Airflow (2025)

The Chrysler Airflow is a full-size car produced by Chrysler from 1934 to 1937. The Airflow was the first full-size American production car to use streamlining as a basis for building a sleeker automobile, one less susceptible to air resistance. Chrysler made a significant effort at a fundamental change in automotive design with the Chrysler Airflow, but it was ultimately a commercial failure due to a lack of market acceptance and controversial appearance.

Chrysler also marketed a companion model under the DeSoto brand, the DeSoto Airflow, and the appearance was also offered on the Chrysler Imperial. In 2022, Chrysler announced that the Airflow name would be resurrected for an electric crossover SUV.

  1. ^ a b c Kimes, Beverly (1996). standard catalog of American Cars 1805–1942. Krause publications. pp. 306–331. ISBN 0-87341-478-0.
  2. ^ Serban, Tudor, Serban, Tudor (2021). "The Rise and Fall of the Retro-Styled PT Cruiser". AutoEvolution. United States: SoftNews Net. Retrieved March 25, 2022.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)