“ride-inside” motorcar, because passengers were centered between
the axles and did not ride atop a ladder-style chassis. This subjected
passengers to less vibration.
The car’s unitized construction meant that the body was much
more rigid than a conventional car’s. Somewhat counterintuitively,
this also assisted ride and handling, as bumps in the road were left
to the car’s suspension to deal with, rather than transmitted through
the body to the passengers.
Unfortunately, because of the car’s failure in showrooms, its
engineering innovations (such as placing the wheels at the corners
of the vehicle with minimal overhang and aerodynamically efficient
styling ) were not adopted industry-wide for some time.
Introduced in 1934, only about 25,000 examples were sold
between Chrysler and DeSoto models that first year, despite
many more preorders. The car’s waterfall grille, short hood, and
lack of conventional fenders signaled that this was no ordinary
automobile, and for buyers it proved to be a step too far into the
future. In 1935, consulting designer Norman Bel Geddes added a
more conventional-looking grille to the Airflow; owners of 1934
models could have their cars upgraded to the new look.Specifications
of Interest
Engine
323ci/5.3 liter straight eight
Power
117 bhp
Top Speed
90 mph/144kpm
Transmission
Three-speed manual
Wheelbase
112.8 inches/287cm
We i gh t
3,700 lbs/1,678 kg