Sadly, this model line undeservedly joined that list. Automotive history is full of examples of manufacturers following a bold and radical plan, only for their cars to be rejected in the market. The Airflow experiment wasn’t the success that Chrysler had envisaged. Potential buyers should consider this a turnkey classic. The engine roars into life easily, the transmission shifts smoothly, and the clutch works perfectly. The transmission was serviced then, and everything functions as it should. The process included fabricating a new aluminum head, balancing everything, and adding a six-blade fan and electric fuel pump to enhance reliability. The owner recently treated that flathead to a rebuild. They were impressed by the additional interior space provided by the unique styling, the car’s performance, and its exceptional fuel economy. The drivetrain wasn’t radical, but the DeSoto received almost universal praise from motoring journalists. That power feeds to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission with a floor-mounted shifter. That swooping hood hides a 241.5ci flathead six-cylinder powerplant producing 100hp and 185 t/lbs of torque. The Airflow’s styling might have been radical, but its mechanical configuration was typical of the era. That allowed for comfortable three-abreast seating, allowing the Airflow to accommodate six people comfortably. One interesting side-effect of the styling was that it made the passenger compartment significantly wider than most expected from a vehicle of this type. Air conditioning was unheard of in passenger cars from this era, but this DeSoto’s modified crank-out windshield provides flow-through ventilation, making that luxury unnecessary. The bright trim appears perfect, the gauges are crystal clear, and there are no aftermarket additions. The painted surfaces shine as impressively as the exterior, and the wheel is in as-new condition. There is no evidence of wear or other issues, while a set of practical floor mats protects the Tan carpet. The upholstered surfaces were retrimmed in Tan cloth and Brown vinyl, with the restorer faithfully following the original seams and patterns. The theme of spotless presentation continues inside this DeSoto, with the car looking like it would have the day the original owner took delivery. The glass is crystal clear, and this classic will undoubtedly turn heads wherever it goes. The rear fender skirts make the car sleeker, and the chrome is immaculate. The panels are laser-straight, and there isn’t a spot of rust or corrosion anywhere. Its two-tone Medium Brown and Light Tan Metallic paint looks flawless, shining magnificently under the Californian sun. It was produced in 1934 and has undergone a meticulous restoration to return it to its former glory. Our feature car is a rare two-door Brougham. It carried the same design cues but with subtle trim and badging variations. In the spirit of badge engineering, DeSoto added an Airflow variant to its model lineup in 1934. Unfortunately, it proved too radical for potential customers, and despite ongoing styling updates, the last Chrysler Airflow rolled off the line in 1937. The curved nose housed integrated headlamps, the fenders swept in majestic curves, and the rear skirts accentuated the aerodynamic focus. The Airflow appeared in 1934, and its styling was unlike anything that came before it. Chrysler conceived an alternative to improve the situation by introducing a model focusing on a more streamlined and efficient appearance. The situation evolved and improved during the 1920s, but most new cars retained many of their upright design features. If you assess the styling of early passenger cars, it is easy to see how they earned the label “horseless carriages.” The upright styling and exposed headlamps were reminiscent of their horse-drawn counterparts, and most possessed the aerodynamic efficiency of a barn…traveling sideways. The DeSoto is listed here at Barn Finds Classifieds in Palos Verdes, California. It is one of only four known to still exist and should appeal to an enthusiast seeking something distinctive that will turn heads. It is beautifully restored and is one of the rarest vehicles to emerge from that company. Our feature car is a 1934 DeSoto Airflow Brougham. The styling didn’t gel with potential buyers, and the Corporation ended the program after only four years. Chrysler discovered that with its Airflow models from the 1930s. However, the pathway to creating a sales lemon is far more complex. A company must take sound engineering and construction techniques, wrap them in a body that people find attractive, and market those vehicles at an appropriate price. The automotive design and manufacturing world is complex, but the recipe for sales success is relatively simple.
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