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71-663: 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 . Carl Breer , along with fellow Chrysler engineers Fred Zeder , and Owen Skelton , began a series of wind tunnel tests, with the cooperation of Orville Wright , to study which forms were

142-504: A DeSoto before you decide." A DeSoto logo was visible in the background during the show. The Cole Porter song " It's De-Lovely " was used, with Porter's permission, in DeSoto advertising between 1955 and 1957. The song lyrics were revised to "It's delovely, it's dynamic, it's DeSoto." DeSotos were used in NASCAR 's Grand National series in the 1950s. DeSoto Airflow The DeSoto Airflow

213-458: A DeSoto, Chrysler introduced the Newport as a 1961 model, selling more than 45,000 units in its first year. At less than $ 3,000, the Newport covered the same price range as the 1961 DeSoto, which had sold 3,034 units total. Thus the DeSoto was dropped and replaced by the Newport. In 1962, Dodge also introduced its own DeSoto replacement, the large DeSoto-sized Dodge Custom 880 . With the introduction of

284-577: A brand-new venture in the auto business called Toyota . After nearly a century, Chrysler created the Chrysler PT Cruiser which was a retro-style car with its styling having mixed elements from the 1949 Chevrolet Advance Design and the Chrysler Airflow. The Airflow was the inspiration for Claes Oldenburg 's print/sculpture Profile Airflow , featuring a lithograph of the car beneath a superimposed aquamarine resin relief. The initial resin in

355-413: A combination of corporate mistakes and external factors beyond Chrysler's control. The market segment DeSoto was positioned in was already filled with brands made by rivals Ford and General Motors . Compounding this, in 1961 Chrysler brought out its new entry-level Newport model – an upper-tier DeSoto competitor – at the same time it discontinued those models. By 1961 the DeSoto brand had been pushed to

426-414: A conventional 1933 Chrysler Six at the back of the car, which allowed the car to be driven "backwards" throughout Detroit. The stunt caused a near panic, but the marketing department felt that this would call attention to the poor aerodynamics of current cars, and send a hint that Chrysler was planning something big. The car that emerged was like no other American production car to date. The Airflow, which

497-439: A flat panel of glass, the windshield comprised two sheets of glass that formed a raked "vee" both side to side, and top to bottom. All the windows were made of safety glass. Passengers were carried in a full steel body (at a time when automakers like General Motors , Ford and even Chrysler itself continued to use wood structural framing members in their car bodies) that rested between the wheels instead of upon them. The front seat

568-423: A harsher ride. Innovative weight distribution in the new Chrysler Airflow stemmed from the need for superior handling dynamics . The engine was moved forward over the front wheels compared with traditional automobiles of the time, and passengers were all moved forward so that rear seat passengers were seated within the wheelbase , rather than on top of the rear axle. The weight distribution had approximately 54% of

639-403: A more conservative path with its future models. Until the debut of Virgil Exner 's " Forward Look " cars of 1955, Chrysler's corporate styling was conservative and mainstream. It is rumoured that Ferdinand Porsche imported an early Airflow coupe into Germany , and using this model for "inspiration", designed the first Volkswagen Beetle . The similarities between early Volkswagen Beetles and

710-452: A move reminiscent of Packard's final lineup. And, as with the final Packards, the final DeSoto was of questionable design merit. Again based on the shorter Chrysler Windsor wheelbase, the DeSoto featured a two-tiered grille (each tier with a different texture) and revised taillights. Only a two-door hardtop and a four-door hardtop were offered. The cars were trimmed similarly to the 1960 Fireflite . The final decision to discontinue DeSoto

781-448: A quieter passenger compartment than on previous DeSoto models, the car featured wider front seats and deeper back seats with more leg room. Passengers sat on seats which were a good distance from either axle. They reminded one of a Victorian era davenport (sofa) . Because of the car's unibody construction, passengers rode within the frame of the car, not on top of the frame as they did with most other American makes. It also boasted

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852-428: A result, the DeSoto received Chrysler's streamlined 1934 Airflow bodies, but on a shorter wheelbase; the design proved unpopular with consumers. Unlike Chrysler, which still had more traditional models on which to fall back, DeSoto was hobbled by the Airflow design until its 1935 Airstream arrived. Aside from its Airflow models, DeSoto's 1942 model is probably its second-most memorable model from its early years, when

923-401: A stiffer body and better weight distribution through the engine placement over the front wheels, in contrast to the common practice of placing the center of the engine's gravity just behind the front wheels. The automotive press gave the cars positive reviews for their handling and acceleration. DeSoto (and Chrysler) touted all of its Airflow bodies as "futuristic" in an age of streamlining, but

994-421: Is a full-sized automobile built by DeSoto during model years 1934, 1935 and 1936. DeSoto received the then-revolutionary Airflow model due to its price structure relationship to larger and more expensive Chrysler brand cars. The 1934 Airflow models are noted for their unique styling. They generate interest for their engineering innovations. It has a 115.5 in (2,934 mm) wheelbase. The Desoto Airflow

1065-563: The Lincoln-Zephyr was introduced as a two- or four door sedan and while it was also a streamlined product, it sold much better than the Airflow and had a V-12 engine. In its final year, the Airflow was reduced to one model, the Airflow Eight, offered as a two-door coupe and four-door sedan. A total of 4,600 units were produced before the program was cancelled. It was in this year that an Imperial Custom Airflow Series CW limousine became

1136-597: The National Historical Commission of the Philippines collection for its Presidential Car Museum inaugurated on August 19, 2018 in partnership with the Quezon City government. Another 1937 Imperial Custom Airflow Series CW limousine was owned by radio personality Major Edward Bowes , Chrysler was one of Bowes' radio show sponsors. The two Airflow Custom Imperials were actually leftover 1935 models and only

1207-577: The "C" car, the "F" car and the "P" car (Chevrolet, Ford, and Plymouth, respectively). While sales of the Dart increased in 1960, they did so at the expense of Plymouth. Traditionally one of the three lower-priced brands, Plymouth fell out of third place, to regain it only twice (1971 and 1974) before its own demise in 2001. Dodge moved upmarket with the Custom Royal in the mid-1950s, which cut into and eroded DeSoto's traditional market segment. The introduction of

1278-411: The 1933 "regular" Chrysler. For 1935 and 1936, Chrysler added the more traditional DeSoto Airstream , which it shared with Chrysler, and DeSoto regained a portion of its lost market share. While the Airflow was still offered, the bulk of DeSoto's sales were Airstreams and the Airflow was relegated to the back of the DeSoto catalog. Those buyers who did choose the Airflow found that their models carried

1349-508: The 1956 model year. That year, for the first and only time in the marque's history, it served as pace car at the Indianapolis 500 . For the 1956 update, Exner gave the DeSoto soaring tailfins fitted with triple taillights, and consumers responded by buying in record numbers. The 1957 had a well-integrated design, with two variations: the smaller Firesweep body placed on the concurrent Dodge 122-inch wheelbase chassis with Dodge front fenders and

1420-583: The 1957 DeSoto Firesweep, a model that used the Dodge engine, chassis, front fenders and hood, pushed DeSoto into direct competition with the Custom Royal. The Firesweep sold well, but at the expense of the higher-priced Firedome and Fireflite models. In an era of strong make identification, when DeSoto began to lose any distinctive styling, trouble lay ahead. Compounding this, when Chrysler marketing showed that consumers were likelier to buy an entry-level Chrysler than

1491-537: The Airflow coupes could be a testimony to this hypothesis. However, the general lines of the KDF-Wagen were drawn as early as 1932, and the Czech Tatra 97 and Tatra 77 are far more likely inspirations. German automaker Adler also introduced a streamlined sedan in 1937. Regardless, the revolutionary benefits of the design were immediately evident to designers the world over. U.S. designers could not and did not ignore

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1562-546: The Airflow by 2.5 to one, with first year Airflow sales at 10,839 units. DeSoto fared far worse than Chrysler for 1934. Without any "standard" car to sell, DeSoto's sales numbers plunged. And while the Airflow design looked somewhat sleek on the Chrysler's longer wheelbase, the DeSoto appeared to be short and stubby. Rumors also persisted that the "new-fangled" body was unsafe, which was mostly untrue. In one widely distributed advertising film shown in movie theatres, an empty Airflow

1633-530: The Airflow. DeSoto was assigned to offer nothing but Airflows; Chrysler, however, hedged its bets and continued to offer a six-cylinder variant of its more mainstream 1933 model cars. The Airflow used a flathead I8 engine and was produced in both 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan variants. Pricing was simplified at US$ 1,345 ($ 30,634 in 2023 dollars ) for a choice of two, two-door sedans or two, four door sedans labeled Coupe, Brougham, Sedan and Town Sedan. Chrysler of Canada produced an Airflow Six, model CY, which

1704-684: The Airflows. Most automotive historians, though, agree that the Airflow was shunned in large part because buyers did not like its looks. The hood, waterfall grille , headlamps , and fenders were all merged into one continuous form that was interpreted as an "anonymous lump". While thoroughly modern, the public was slow to embrace the Airflow. At the depth of the Great Depression , the car seemed to be too advanced, too different for many consumers. While Airflows sold in respectable numbers in its first year, Chrysler's traditional sedans and coupes far outsold

1775-511: The DeSoto and Fargo brands continued to be used on trucks made by Askam in Turkey. In 1978, Chrysler sold its share in the Askam venture to its Turkish partners. DeSoto sponsored the popular television game show You Bet Your Life from 1950 through 1958, in which host Groucho Marx promoted the product by urging viewers to visit a DeSoto dealer with the phrases "Tell 'em Groucho sent you" and "Drive

1846-728: The DeSoto brand of trucks in 1937 to provide a greater number of sales outlets overseas for the American-built Dodge and Fargo commercial vehicles. The DeSoto brand was badge-engineered sporadically on Dodge trucks made in Argentina by its Chrysler local subsidiary (for the D-100 and the D-400 since 1960 to 1965), Australia, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom. Chrysler ended its truck operations in international markets in 1970. However, both

1917-476: The DeSoto brand. Following World War II , Chrysler had a large number of dealers that carried two or more Chrysler makes, with DeSoto-Plymouth and Chrysler–Plymouth relationships being the most common. However, as Chrysler attempted to spin Plymouth off into standalone dealerships, existing dealers typically chose to become higher-volume Plymouth dealerships rather than taking on the slower-selling DeSoto brand, leaving

1988-580: The Firedome and Fireflite (and its halo model Adventurer sub-series), based on the larger 126-inch wheelbase chassis shared with Chrysler. As was conventional in the era, subsequent years within the typical three-year model block were distinguished by trim, bumper and other low-cost modifications, typically by adding bulk to bumpers and grilles, taillight changes, color choices, instrumentation and interior design changes and often additional external trim. The 1958 economic downturn hurt sales of mid-priced makes across

2059-633: The Firedome. Initially, the 276 cu in (4.5 L) DeSoto "Fire Dome" Hemi engine was installed in the French luxury performance Facel Vega . At its height, DeSoto's more popular models included the Firesweep , Firedome and Fireflite . The DeSoto Adventurer , introduced for 1956 as a high-performance hard-top coupe (similar to Chrysler's 300), became a full-range model in 1960. In 1955, along with all Chrysler models, DeSotos were redesigned with Virgil Exner 's "Forward Look." DeSotos sold well through

2130-614: The Newport and the Custom 880, the price gap caused by the demise of DeSoto was effectively closed. Going in the opposite direction, Chrysler pushed into the luxury market by marketing the luxury Imperial as a separate make and division starting in 1955. To make room for the new make, Chrysler began expanding downward, while Dodge began expanding upward, with larger and more luxurious models. Both Chrysler and Dodge began eating into DeSoto's already small market, and Chrysler's upper management did nothing to stop them. Chrysler Corporation introduced

2201-509: The Zimmerman on which it was based. It offered electric lights and a compressed air engine starter, which a customer could decline for a credit of US$ 100 ($ 3,083 in 2023 dollars ). In 1914, the De Soto Six was joined by a two-cylinder, two-passenger, inline-seating cyclecar , which listed at US$ 385 ($ 11,711 in 2023 dollars ). There were plans to move manufacturing to Fort Wayne in 1915 and rename

Chrysler Airflow - Misplaced Pages Continue

2272-465: The atmosphere), the Airflow split the windshield into two panes of glass, each angled to better redirect the air around them, while the upscale Imperial offered a one piece curved glass windshield on the limousine starting 1934. Front and rear fenders received smoother, more form fitting curves. In the rear, Airflows encased the rear wheels through the use of fender skirts. In addition to the benefits of its smoother exterior design, which translated into

2343-589: The benefits of all-steel construction, aerodynamics and a rear seat forward of the rear axle. General Motors was quick to respond with all-steel "Turret Tops", and later introduced a fastback coupe appearance on all of their nameplates from 1942 until 1950, offering the appearance on the Chevrolet Fleetline , Pontiac Streamliner , Oldsmobile 88 Club Coupe , Buick Super Sedanette and Cadillac Series 61 Sedanette ; other manufacturers either followed suit or went out of business. In other countries, where gasoline

2414-540: The board, and DeSoto sales were 60% lower than those of 1957 in what would be DeSoto's worst year since 1938. Also, Ford Motor Company had introduced new mid-price competitors for the 1958 model year with the Edsel brand. The sales slide continued for 1959 and 1960 (down 40% from the already-low 1959 figures), and rumors began to circulate that DeSoto was soon to be discontinued. 1960 was the last year of DeSoto sales in Canada. By

2485-416: The brink. The 1958 recession seriously affected demand for mid-priced automobile makes. DeSoto sales were particularly affected, and sales failed to recover in 1959 and 1960. With falling sales, the 1959 and 1960 models were very similar to the concurrent Chryslers. Moreover, rumors that DeSoto would soon be discontinued did not help sales. Chrysler's dealer network also had an effect on the termination of

2556-456: The cars were fitted with powered pop-up headlights , a first for a North American mass-production vehicle. (The Cord 810 introduced dashboard hand-cranked hidden headlamps in the 1936 model year.) DeSoto marketed the feature as "Air-Foil" lights ("Out of Sight Except at Night"). After wartime restrictions on automotive production were ended, DeSoto returned to civilian car production when it reissued its 1942 models as 1946 models, but without

2627-441: The company as Motorette, but when there were deaths in the Zimmerman family the company was bought by Auburn Automobile Company. The DeSoto marque was founded by Walter Chrysler on August 4, 1928, to compete with Pontiac , Studebaker , Hudson and Willys in the mid-price class. Introduced for the 1929 model year, DeSoto served as a lower-priced version of Chrysler products, with Dodge positioned above DeSoto, while Plymouth

2698-434: The day were the typical two-box design, with about 65% of the weight over the rear wheels. When loaded with passengers, the weight distribution tended to become further imbalanced, rising to 75% or more over the rear wheels, resulting in unsafe handling characteristics on slippery roads. Spring rates at the rear of traditional vehicles, which used leaf springs , were therefore necessarily higher, and passengers were subjected to

2769-553: The engineers also began looking into unibody construction to achieve rigidity with less weight than could be achieved with the conventional separate frame and body. The strengthening was demonstrated in a publicity reel. The car thus represented a breakthrough in lightweight-yet-strong construction, as well as increasing the power-to-drag ratio, since the lighter, more streamlined body allowed air to flow around it instead of being caught against upright forms such as radiator grilles, headlights and windshields. Traditional automobiles of

2840-402: The explorer. In 1929 a total of 81,065 single-model DeSoto Sixes were produced, a first-year record in the U.S. until eclipsed by the 1960 Ford Falcon . However, shortly after the DeSoto was introduced, Chrysler completed its purchase of Dodge Brothers , giving the company two mid-priced makes. Initially, the two-make strategy was relatively successful, as Chrysler was hoping to benefit from

2911-408: The four-door Imperial sedan (C-10) broke the 1,000 unit mark with 4,259 units built. Otherwise, total Airflow production sank to 6,275 units compared to the concurrent Airstream models, which sold more than 52,000 units for 1936. 1936 would be the last year that Chrysler's premium Imperial model range would carry the Airflow. Lifeguard tires were introduced, which had two tubes inside the tire. In 1936

Chrysler Airflow - Misplaced Pages Continue

2982-400: The greatest damage to DeSoto. Rather than managing the market relationship to specific price points for particular consumers, as General Motors had done successfully, Chrysler allowed its divisions to develop products targeting markets covered by their own sister divisions. Dodge was most successful when it introduced the lower-priced Dodge Dart in 1960. The Dart was advertised in comparison to

3053-629: The hidden-headlight feature, and with fender contours extending into the doors, like other Chrysler products of the immediate postwar period. Until 1952, DeSoto used the Deluxe and Custom model designations. In 1952, DeSoto added the Firedome with its 276-cid V-8 Hemi engine . However, in 1953, DeSoto dropped the Deluxe and Custom names and designated its six-cylinder cars the Powermaster and its V-8 car remained

3124-411: The initial printing faded to an olive green color and was thus recalled by Claes Oldenburg and Gemini G.E.L., the printmaking studio which fabricated Profile Airflow . Profile Airflow is especially significant because it revolutionized the idea of a print, expanding it to include serialized sculpture. DeSoto (automobile) DeSoto (sometimes De Soto ) was an American automobile brand that

3195-460: The market reputation Dodge had when it was run by Horace Elgin Dodge and John Francis Dodge , the Dodge Brothers, with DeSoto priced below Dodge models. Despite the economic times, DeSoto sales were relatively healthy, equaling Dodge at around 25,000 units in 1932. In 1933, Chrysler reversed the market positions of the two marques in hopes of boosting Dodge sales, ranking DeSoto above Dodge. As

3266-436: The marque with a weakened dealer network and fewer outlets selling its cars. DeSoto's failure to adjust to changing market trends, evidenced by its lack of a new compact car model in 1960 as GM, Ford and DeSoto's siblings Dodge and Plymouth had done, also hastened its demise. Chrysler's brand management during the 1950s pitted each of its five marques (Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto, Chrysler and Imperial) against one another, causing

3337-464: The most efficient shape created by nature that could suit an automobile. Chrysler built a wind tunnel at the Highland Park site, and tested at least 50 scale models by April 1930. Their engineers found that then-current two-box automobile design was so aerodynamically inefficient that it was actually more aerodynamic when tested as if being driven backwards. Applying what they had learned about shape,

3408-539: The official car of Philippine president Manuel L. Quezon . The historic vehicle was restored in 1978 and is on display in Quezon City , Philippines Another major restoration was conducted in 2009 by Alfred Nobel Perez of the Vintage Car Club of the Philippines in time for the 131st birth anniversary of Quezon. It was first displayed at Doña Aurora Quezon replica house corner of San Luis and Rizal Streets, Poblacion, Baler, Aurora , Philippines. It later became part of

3479-402: The public found the cars to be too different in a time of economic uncertainty . While Chrysler's cars looked better, with the Airflow bodies stretched over their longer wheelbases, the shorter 115" wheelbase of the DeSoto made the cars seem bulky. Walter P. Chrysler , who had been a strong proponent of the Airflow project, was stunned by the lack of interest in the car, which he believed pointed

3550-473: The time it was bought by the Auburn Automobile Company . Advertisements listed the 1910 Zimmerman Z-35 at $ 650 to $ 1,500 ($ 21,255 to $ 49,050 in 2023 dollars ). The De Soto Company was started with US$ 20,000 ($ 616,566 in 2023 dollars ) and produced two models. The De Soto Six was a rebadged version of the Zimmerman and was listed at US$ 2,185 ($ 67,360 in 2023 dollars ) which was more expensive than

3621-418: The time of the formal announcement. Making matters worse, Chrysler continued to ship the cars through December, many of which were sold at a loss by dealers eager to be rid of them. After the parts stock was exhausted, a few outstanding customer orders were filled with Chrysler Windsors. Despite being a successful mid-priced line for Chrysler Corporation for most of its life, DeSoto's failure was attributable to

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3692-476: The time the 1961 DeSoto was introduced in the fall of 1960, rumors were widespread that Chrysler was moving toward terminating the brand, fueled by a reduction in model offerings for the 1960 model year. The introduction of the lower-priced Newport to the upscale Chrysler brand no doubt hastened the decision to end production of the DeSoto, which was very similar in size, styling, price and standard features. For 1961, DeSoto lost its series designations entirely, in

3763-403: The two were built for 1937; Imperials and Custom Imperials built for the U.S. market in 1937 were conventionally styled, and priced below and above the Airflow, respectively. The cars have a 140 inches (3,600 mm) wheelbase. While the Airflow may have signaled Chrysler 's attempt to set itself apart from other manufacturers, the failure of the car in the marketplace caused the company to take

3834-538: The unusual new Airflow design, which required an unprecedented number and variety of welding techniques. The early Airflows arriving at dealerships suffered from significant problems, mostly the result of faulty manufacturing. According to Fred Breer, son of Chrysler Engineer Carl Breer, the first 2,000 to 3,000 Airflows to leave the factory had major defects, including engines breaking loose from their mountings at 80 mph (130 km/h). For 1934, both Chrysler and its junior running mate, DeSoto , were scheduled to offer

3905-403: The very top was the model CW Airflow Custom Imperial with a body built by LeBaron on a 146.5 in (3,720 mm) wheelbase. The CW had the industry's first one-piece curved windshield on a production automobile. Within six months of the Airflow's introduction, the vehicle was a sales disaster. Adding insult to injury, General Motors mounted an advertising campaign aimed at further discrediting

3976-463: The waterfall unit of 1934. The Airflow models offered for 1935 were the same as in 1934, with the exception of the Airflow Eight two-door sedan, which was dropped. Chrysler Airflow production dipped below 8,000 units for 1935, with roughly four Airstreams produced for every Airflow. For 1936, the Airflow surrendered its smooth backside when a trunk was tacked onto the body of the car. The grille also became more pronounced. Only one Airflow body style,

4047-614: The way for the future of American cars. Interest in the Airflow was strong when it was introduced. Unfilled orders for it totaled 15,580 on April 30, 1934. This was 48.3% of comparable Chrysler and DeSoto shipments in 1933. In May 1936 the DeSoto Airflow began to be promoted in some 435 newspapers in the United States. The highly streamlined car was advertised together with more traditional Airstream cars in general magazines and by itself in class magazines. The DeSoto advertising account

4118-477: The weight over the front wheels, which evened to near 50:50 with passengers and resulted in more equal spring rates, better handling, and far superior ride quality. Chrysler would not build another unibody vehicle until 1960 with the Virgil Exner Forward Look . Prior to the Airflow's debut, Chrysler did a publicity stunt in which they reversed the chassis, placing the front axle and steering gear of

4189-424: The wind catching objects and channels found on cars of the era. Headlights were moved from their traditional pods forward of the radiator, and housed in flush mountings on either side of the broad waterfall-styled grille, which lacked the traditional upright radiator throat and decorative cap ornament. In place of the flat windshield that most cars had (and which caught the brunt of on coming winds as cars moved through

4260-461: Was a result of Chrysler Corporation policy of badge engineering , being mechanically substantially similar to the longer wheelbase, longer bodied Chrysler Airflow . This aerodynamic , radically designed car debuted to much fanfare alongside its more luxurious stablemate, the Chrysler Airflow . From the front bumper back, the Airflow's design represented the first major attempt to smooth away

4331-544: Was a subsidiary of the Zimmerman Manufacturing Company of Auburn, which had previously been at 440 North Indiana Avenue from 1908 until 1915. The Zimmerman Manufacturing Company was founded in 1886 as a manufacturer of horse buggies in Auburn. It entered automobile production in 1908 with a line of high wheel automobiles and 1912-1916 with light high wheel trucks, but switched to conventional cars and trucks around

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4402-564: Was added as the entry-level product of the Chrysler hierarchy in 1928. The marque was named after the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto , who led the first European expedition deep into the territory of the modern-day United States (Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi) and was the first documented European to have crossed the Mississippi River . The DeSoto logo featured a stylized image of

4473-493: Was announced on November 18, 1960, just 47 days after the 1961 models were introduced. At the time, Chrysler warehouses contained several million dollars in 1961 DeSoto parts, so the company ramped up production in order to use up the stock. The last DeSoto rolled off the line on November 30. Chrysler and Plymouth dealers, which had been forced to take possession of DeSotos under the terms of their franchise agreements, received no compensation from Chrysler for their unsold DeSotos at

4544-573: Was basically a DeSoto Airflow with a Chrysler grille, bumpers, instrument panel and emblems. A total of 445 were built. The Airflow Six was dropped at the end of 1934. The appearance was also used for commercial trucks as the Dodge Airflow. The Chrysler line of eight-cylinder Airflows included model CU Airflow Eight (123.5 in (3,140 mm) wheelbase), model CV Airflow Imperial Eight (128 in (3,300 mm) wheelbase), model CX Airflow Custom Imperial (137.5 in (3,490 mm) wheelbase). At

4615-440: Was heavily influenced by the streamlining design movement , was sleek and low compared to other cars on American roads. The car's grille work cascaded forward and downward forming a waterfall look where other makes featured fairly upright radiators. Headlights were semi-flush to areas immediate to the grille. The front fenders enclosed the running surface of the tire tread. The rear wheels were encased by fender skirts . Instead of

4686-463: Was managed by J. Sterling Getchell. Rumors persisted that the Airflow's body was unsafe. Tests showed its all-steel uni-body construction safer than those of other cars made at the time (most automotive manufacturers still used body on frame construction, with a stout metal chassis and partial wooden sub-framing over which steel skins were applied for their car bodies). In one widely distributed advertising film shown in movie theatres, an empty Airflow

4757-594: Was manufactured and marketed by the DeSoto division of Chrysler Corporation from 1928 to the 1961 model year. More than two million passenger cars and trucks bore the DeSoto brand in North American markets during its existence. The De Soto Motor Car Company was created in Auburn, Indiana , in November 1912, by L.M. Field, Hayes Fry and Glenn Fry of Iowa City, Iowa , and V.H. Van Sickle and H.J. Clark of Des Moines, Iowa . It

4828-400: Was more expensive and practical considerations were therefore more important than styling, the flattery-by-imitation was even more sincere. Volvo was one of the first to get a smaller copy of the Airflow into production and was later followed by Peugeot with their 202 and larger 402 models, which would become a major sales success. Imitating the Airflow would be a secret of the success of

4899-401: Was pushed off a Pennsylvania cliff, falling over 110 ft (34 m); once righted, the car was driven off, battered, but recognizable. Stung by the lack of consumer interest in the car, Chrysler responded by making modifications to the body that brought the front of the car more in line with public taste. Foremost of 1935 changes was the placement of a slightly peaked grille that replaced

4970-413: Was pushed off a Pennsylvania cliff, falling over 110 feet (34 m); once righted, the car was driven off, battered, but recognizable. Still, the myth persisted that Airflows were unsafe. While Chrysler still built a more familiar-looking car in 1934, DeSoto only offered the Airflow. Despite DeSoto selling more Airflows than Chrysler, Chrysler sold more cars overall with the majority being the redesign of

5041-604: Was wider than in other cars and the rear seat was deeper. Overall, the car possessed a better power-to-weight ratio , and its structural integrity was stronger than other like models of the day. The car was introduced in January 1934, months before it was put in production. Production peaked at only 6,212 units in May 1934 — very late in the year and barely enough to give every dealer a single Chrysler Airflow. The factory had not accounted for significant manufacturing challenges and expense due to

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