1935 Desoto Airflow For Sale
Don’t miss your chance to own this 1935 Desoto Airflow from Legendary Motorcar Co. The dealership tells us the 6-passenger sedan is powered by a 241.5ci L-head 6-cylinder engine and produces 100 horsepower. LMC included this in their ad:
“The DeSoto Airflow was built by Chrysler for sale through its DeSoto division during model years 1934 to 1936. These models are noted for their unique aerodynamic styling and for their engineering innovations.
Chrysler’s Engineer Carl Breer’s was responsible for the concept of the Airflow. Orville Wright, an aviation expert, was called upon to help design a vehicle that achieved aerodynamic similar to an airplane. Airflows became the first to evolve through the extensive use of wind tunnels. Light weight, rigid materials were used to help compliment the vehicles design. Tests showed its all-steel unibody construction safer than other cars made at the time since many still used wooden sub-framing over which steel skins were applied for their car bodies. The safety demonstration, as many car enthusiasts can remember seeing, was the famous film clip of an empty Airflow pushed off a Pennsylvania cliff, falling over 110 feet then once righted, the battered car was driven off.
The sleek design had the headlights moved from their traditional pods to flush mountings on either side of the broad waterfall-styled grille eliminating the traditional upright radiator and decorative cap ornament. In place of the flat windshield that most cars had the Airflow split the windshield into two panes of glass, each angled to better redirect the air around them. Front and rear fenders received smoother, more form fitting curves. In the rear, Airflows encased the rear wheels through the use of fender shields and the rear mounted spare was enclosed in a metal case. In addition to the benefits of its smoother exterior design, which translated into a quieter passenger compartment, the car featured wider front seats and deeper back seats with more leg room. For the power, Chryslers Airflows used strictly eight-cylinders while the De Soto version used 6 cylinders.
The automotive press marveled at the futuristic design and gave the cars positive reviews for their handling and acceleration. However stung by the lack of consumer interest as being too different, Chrysler responded by making modifications to the body that brought the front of the car more in line with public taste. Foremost of the 1935 changes was the placement of a slightly peaked grille with a more conventional ‘skyscraper’ look to replace the ’34 waterfall unit. Other than cosmetic changes the cars remained unchanged.
Chrysler advertisements for the DeSoto had the title of ‘It’s Still America’s Most talked About Car’
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