Chrysler Airflow

Chrysler Airflow 1930s American classic car

The Chrysler Airflow was where Art met Science! Its body lines were aerodynamic – at a time when that craft was a mere glint in a boffin’s eye. Indeed, the Airflow was the first production car to feature the fledgeling craft. A wind tunnel was duly constructed. Today, such systems are considered arcane … in the early ’30s, they were a black art! The Airflow wizards of engineering were Carl Breer, Fred Zeder and Owen Skelton. Breer had been first to be smitten by the new-fangled science. Zeder and Skelton soon followed suit. And it did no harm at all when pioneer pilot Orville Wright’s input was added. Over 50 test cars were subsequently built. So – by a process of painstaking refinement – the Chrysler Airflow gradually took shape.

The Airflow, though, was not just aerodynamics. Weight-saving, too, was part of its brief. Its svelte frame was made from light metal – rather than heavy timber. Perched on that frame was a monocoque body. That reduced weight still further. What mass was left was optimally placed. The engine was over the front wheels – with ride and handling in mind. The seats sat neatly within the wheelbase – in the interests of balance. Thanks to all the wind-cheating work, the Airflow was well-placed to turn up the wick. A top speed of 88mph was not to be sniffed at, in ’34.

The Airflow’s sales, though, were lacklustre. Walter Chrysler showed courage and commitment, in commissioning the car. But, the Airflow was the future. Buyers were not yet ready for its free-flowing lines. On top of that, there were rumours of build quality faults … on account of new welding techniques. Ultimately, though, cars like the Airflow are not about sales. Rather, they are about the legacy they leave – and the visions they engender. The Chrysler Airflow influenced automotive design for decades!

23 thoughts on “Chrysler Airflow”

  1. I am sure this piece of writing has touched all the internet people, its really really nice piece of writing on building up new website. I have been surfing online more than 2 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours.It is pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the net will be much more useful than ever before. Everyone loves what you guys tend to be up too.This sort of clever work and coverage! Keep up the amazing works guys I've included you guys to my own blogroll. http://foxnews.co.uk

  2. It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you some interesting things or tips. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article. I want to read even more things about it!There's definately a great deal to know about this issue.I love all the points you've made. I couldn’t resist commenting.Very well written! http://nestle.com

  3. It’s perfect time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy.I have read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you few interesting things or suggestions.Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article.I wish to read even more things about it! Ahaa, its pleasant dialogue concerning this post here at this webpage, I have read all that, so at this time me also commenting here. Hello would you mind letting me know which web host you're utilizing? I've loaded your blog in 3 completely different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you recommend a good web hosting provider at a honest price? Thanks a lot, I appreciate it! http://pepsi.net

  4. Thank you! I can recommend 'GoDaddy', from personal experience. I couldn't fault their service – and their prices are very competitive.

  5. I'm really impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself?Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it's rare to see a great blog like this one these days.

  6. Thank you very much indeed! It's a Google Blogger free theme, but, yes, I've customised the 'HTML' + 'CSS' code, so as to personalise it a bit. I deliberately chose the most basic template I could find in the list – the easier to modify it. Still pretty minimal, of course! Not basic … 'minimal'!!!

  7. I've been surfing online greater than three hours as of late, but I by no means discovered any interesting article like yours.It is pretty price sufficient for me. In my view, if all website owners and bloggers made just right content as you did, the web will likely be much more helpful than ever before.

  8. What's Going down i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I've found It positively helpful and it has helped me out loads.I'm hoping to contribute & aid different users like its helped me.Great job.

  9. Thanks for a marvelous posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you could be a great author.I will be sure to bookmark your blog and may come back later in life.I want to encourage one to continue your great writing, have a nice holiday weekend!

  10. It is really a great and useful piece of info. I'm glad that you just shared this useful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

Discover more from CARS // MOTORBIKES

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

%%footer%%