Cars in the early 1930s were nothing like today’s. They had wood in their bodies, rode on ladder frames and sported chrome headlamps bolted to chrome grilles.
But the Chrysler Airflow was different. It carried passengers in a streamlined body and contained an integrated frame for strength, and its headlamps were mounted flush.
It was a modern car. And now it is the inspiration for a new Chrysler project bearing the same name, an autonomous electric vehicle for the 2030s.
Art Deco masterpiece
There were actually three Airflows: an affordable DeSoto, a premium Chrysler and a luxury Imperial with a more formal body. All were striking cars, drenched in Art Deco chrome flourishes and with front pillars that flowed from hood to roof. It’s no wonder the car still attracts aficionados, even ones who weren’t even looking for an Airflow.
“My wife and I had a 1959 DeSoto, and a friend mentioned they found a DeSoto Airflow,” said Kim Forster, an Airflow owner and restorer from Noblesville, Indiana. “I didn’t even know what it looked like, but I saw it and decided to buy it. Its lines are very similar to early Volkswagens."
Forster eventually owned seven Airflows – five DeSotos, a Chrysler, and one of the rare Imperials. He’s had extensive experience repairing them and knows the cars well.
“Carl Breer, considered the father of the Airflow, originally designed the DeSoto version and showed it to Walter Chrysler,” said Forster. “He liked it, but wanted a Chrysler version too. The DeSoto has a straight-six engine and a shorter hood than the Chrysler version with a straight-eight. I like the lines of the DeSoto – especially the coupe version.”
Streamlining came into vogue during the early 1930s, when cars were actually more aerodynamic going in reverse, but the Airflow’s underlying engineering was equally impressive. By moving the engine forward, passengers could fit within the wheelbase for balanced handling and a less bouncy ride. Chrysler would not build another car with an integrated frame until the 1960s.
Airflows are competent, if not fast. The Chrysler eight-cylinder produced 115 horsepower, while the DeSoto’s six-cylinder delivered just 100 horsepower. So they're able to cruise at highway speeds, but it's better to stay out of the left lane.
Are they reliable?
“They are, but like any 90-year-old car, they need regular maintenance,” Forster said. “Members from the California Airflow club drove their cars to a meet in Virginia. My ’36 is comfortable on the Interstate – like sitting on a couch that’s just one long bench. Most came with cloth seats. Leather was an option, but rare.”
Back in the 1930s, the Airflow was affordable, costing about $25,000 in today's dollars, but it was too revolutionary to be popular. Chrysler only sold about 55,000 from 1934-1937. The next Airflow, now a concept that Chrysler is developing, will be less affordable, but it should sell in greater numbers.
Modern automated marvel
Breer noted in his autobiography: “Briefly we may now outline the development of the automobile of the day. It was first necessary to make it run. Second, it was necessary to make the mechanism endure. Third, to make it quiet, and last, and all important, to make it a comfortable and efficient companion.”
That could describe the Airflow electric concept Chrysler recently unveiled at the CES in Las Vegas. It’s a car that foreshadows the brand’s first fully electric vehicle in 2025, en route to an all-EV lineup by 2028. The concept has 350-400 miles in range with fast charge capability, grips via all-wheel-drive, and features Level 3 autonomous driving. But that’s not what ties it to its namesake.
“Airflow was ahead of its time, had an innovative spirit, and was a white space for the Chrysler brand,” said Simeon Kim, designer of the Airflow Concept. “It fits perfectly with the EV movement now. Its streamlined profile inspired us. It was also the package, moving the engine forward, moving the rear passengers forward, creating lots of space.”
The concept employs connectivity unimaginable a century ago when a radio was considered advanced. “SmartCockpit,” the Airflow’s infotainment system, grants every passenger a screen and camera to facilitate group video calls while easing access to information that can be swiped to co-travelers. A screen on the passenger side dashboard allows them to act as a co-pilot for entertainment, navigation and online purchasing. Over-the-air updates keep everything fresh.
“We took the digital lifestyle to the next level,” said Vince Galante, global head of user experience at Stellantis. “We have new technology, an EV, autonomous driving, a continuous space changing radically. It gave us the opportunity to explore all of them. We have designers on the team with gaming backgrounds that can build 3D into the car to help customers see things at a glance. There’s not really differentiation between digital and physical aspects of the car.”
Beyond infotainment, the interior is a calming lounge with individual soft leather-wrapped seats, carpeting made of recycled materials, panoramic glass roof, and ambient lighting that seemingly seeps from every crevice. A rear tray slides out for loading the cargo area. Screens appear as sheer black slabs when off.Moving outside, you notice the compact crossover profile rendered in white over 22-inch wheels. Blue accents continue cues from the Pacifica and Wrangler plug-ins.
“From the front, there’s a modernized wing with thin LED light bar,” Kim said. “It has a wide stance, minimal grill opening and slim, athletic proportions. As you walk to the back, wide taillights, the stance, and overall sleek proportions provide attitude for the vehicle.”
Much of Chrysler’s heritage-inspired line-up rests on the Charger, Challenger and Wrangler, but the Airflow is worth moving forward – especially if it inspires a car for the 2030s.
“The original Airflow was a more stately, premium product,” said Randy Hjelm, designer in Chrysler’s advanced studio. “It’s what we’re trying to do with the new Airflow. I like the proportions of the car, its sleek roofline and athletic presence. Details like the front signature are more aggressive than we’ve seen from Chrysler in recent history – more youthful.”
So, what thinks the man who’s owned a few Airflows?
“It’s interesting, but I do so much driving,” Forster said. “It doesn’t look like the Airflow I know, but I think it’s great – might generate more interest in old Airflows.”
