The automotive industry is full of history lessons that teach how the best product isn’t necessarily the one people will buy and therefore make successful. Names like Chrysler and Tucker have multiple examples proving that point, and even today many more people on the roads are driving cars and trucks that are far from the best thing offered. This 1934 Chrysler Airflow CY is not only an example of one of the coolest cars that came out of the 1930’s, but also one that was so far ahead of it’s time as to put off buyers and therefore cause its ultimate failure as a commercial success. That makes them super rare now, although we do see them on occasion. This example is an older restoration, but the guys at Stoker’s Hot Rod Factory say it runs and drives nice. It is all original, and looks as sexy as hell in our book. With only 445 of these CY models built, it is a true rarity most people have never seen.
In 1934, almost nothing was as aerodynamic and swoopy as an airflow. With it’s flowing hood and grill, much more flush mounted front fenders, two piece windshield, and more, it was a really sexy machine. And it went more than skin deep as engineers actually looked at the dynamics going on inside and underneath cars. With engines located just behind the front axle, and at least half the weight of the car located just in front of, on top of, or behind the rear axle, weight distribution was great for drag racing but not so good for anything else. Stock 1930’s cars tended to get sketchy when loaded with the family, the dog, and luggage if any sudden changes in direction were needed. Not so with the Airflow.
Chrysler slid the engine forward, and followed it with the passenger compartment, so that most of the weight was within the center of the car. This put weight distribution much closer to 50/50 and made it handle much nicer. It was aerodynamic and it handled really well. Sorta sounds like an early American sports car to me.
So what is a CY?
In the United States in 1934 the Airflow was powered by an inline 8 cylinder flathead engine. However, in Canada the CY Airflow Six has built using an inline 6 cylinder flathead instead. As previously stated, only 445 of these cars were made and it was a one year only offering, which makes it a little harder to swallow what we would do if this was a car we bought. But here goes.
If it was ours, it would get just a couple modifications, but they are big ones. Literally.
We’d put an early little Hemi in it, say a 331, with just the right hot rod parts to make it look, sound, and go good.
We’d back it with a T5 or other small late model overdrive from our friends at American Powertrain and probably update the rear-end as well. Maybe a quick-change would be cool.
We’d lower it up front a bit and throw a slightly smaller tire on the front and a little more tire out back for a good rake.
Since we’d probably be doing an entirely new drop axle up front, we’d throw front disk brakes on it so we could drive it without worrying about stopping.
I’d pull the front bumper in by building some custom brackets, and pretty much call it a day then.
Meanwhile, all the original parts would go on a shelf so that it could be put back if it ever needed it.
The bad news? I am broke and can’t afford this car, although it would make a great ride.
So you should buy it instead.
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The car may not have been a hit but the engine certainty was. From 1926 to it’s replacement by the slant six in 1960 it was the base power for all Chysler products. It even powered the M4 Sherman tank in one of its forms in a 5 engine “radial like” set up. My dad’s ’56 Dodge Coronet had one…you couldn’t kill it!!!
This car deserves a home far, far away from the hordes of chop-cutting, Bondo-slatherers who decimate automotive history, four tires at a time.
Amen.
Once Again, the stupid, ignorant American peasant couldn’t understand what this car was all about.
Just like today.
Yes! I’m a hot rodder but I agree this one needs to be preserved as stock. Chad goofed …
Where are the windshield wipers?
You look at this 1930’s master piece .And all you can say is were are the wippers. YOU WOULD NOT DRIVE THIS IN THE RAIN ,my friend. This is one of the coolest vehicles from the art deco designs. It only lasted 4 years . People were in the depression at that time . It was not cheap. And it looked way different than anything else at that time. But ,these were versa y cool cars ,with a lot of innovating ideas .If I had it . I’m sorry I would put a late model drive train in it . And leave the body just the way it is. And I would drive the shit out of it. Letting great cars like this just set is a travesty Great car. One of my all time favs. Come on man ,look at the front of this thing . Very cool
Not designed for 65mph freeways.
Remember, kiddies, they’re only original once. Yank the engine and you start down the road to perdition — tranny, rear end, suspension. Did I mention 12-volt conversion so you can have your modern stereo with iTunes?
If all you like is the body, fabricate one and put it on a kit frame. Molesting this car would be unforgivable.
Contact Kelleys Auto Salvage in Arlee MT, he has a Desoto version sitting in his yard. Its rough, but the main components are there.
If I had the means to acquire this beauty I wouldn’t change a thing, preservation of this beautifully advanced automobile would be an honour to me.
Now, this is the right way to do a 1935 Airflow.
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© Gary Brown
Photog Web Richard Wilson (M) from Azuza, California USA (Comp Nr/Finish: 777W ) 2014 – Category: GASSER, Type: SN, Class: A/G, Div: 7
“Voodoo Hemi” Owned by Richard Wilson from Azuza, California USA Crew Chief: Richard Wilson
Ford by an Unknown chassis builder | Powered by Supercharged Alcohol with automatic transmission
1/4 Mile ET: Unknown at Unknown 1/4 Mile MPH: Unknown at Unknown
1000 FT ET: Unknown at Unknown 1000 FT MPH: Unknown at Unknown
1/8 Mile ET: Unknown at Unknown 1/8 Mile MPH: Unknown at Unknown
Entry’s 2014 Performance Ratings (0 to 100) based on comparison to average ET/MPH:
1/4 Mile Rating: ET 00.00, MPH 00.00 Entry is 0.00000 times average ET and 0.00000 times average MPH
1000 FT Rating: ET 00.00, MPH 00.00 Entry is 0.00000 times average ET and 0.00000 times average MPH
1/8 Mile Rating: ET 00.00, MPH 00.00 Entry is 0.00000 times average ET and 0.00000 times average MPH
2014 Records: 1/4 Mile: 6.390 ET, 216.50 MPH 1000 Ft. 0.000 ET, 0.00 MPH 1/8 Mile: 4.750 ET, 152.00 MPH
2014 Average: 1/4 Mile: 6.894 ET, 200.40 MPH 1000 Ft. 0.000 ET, 0.00 MPH 1/8 Mile: 4.810 ET, 134.65 MPH
2014 Minimum: 1/4 Mile: 7.398 ET, 186.75 MPH 1000 Ft. 0.000 ET, 0.00 MPH 1/8 Mile: 5.140 ET, 126.01 MPH
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Submitted by Danny White, Last updated on Wednesday, June 11, 2014, 03:33:51 PM by Danny White
http://www.draglist.com/draglist/admin/thumbnail.php?i=__GEB8754.jpg.
What the hell is a “DeSoto version” of a Chrysler Airflow???
Chrysler Corporation included several divisions. Airflow designs were offered as Chryslers, DeSotos and a few Dodge trucks.
Mopar trivia — the pentastar logo stands for the company’s five divisions at the time it was adopted: Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto and Imperial.