Chrysler Airflow Eight , model CU , six passenger 4 door sedan , 1934 - Van Havere

Though a commercial failure - production would last only from 1934 to 1937- the Chrysler Airflow was a milestone vehicle.Far and maybe too far ahead of its time , it was the most radical American production car in 1934.
Developed by Chrysler engineers Carl Breer , Owen Skelton and Fred Zeder it used an extremely strong semi-unit construction with a cage-like structure attached to the frame.Body panels were welded to this structure and to the frame , extending below the frame.
Seats were located within the wheelbase and the engine was moved forward , extending ahead of the front axle,and contributing to the roominess of the cabin and exceptional passenger comfort for the period.
Designed by Oliver Clark , the body had a full aerodynamic shape with concealed luggage accomodation , headlamps mounted into the wings ,and a sloping " Waterfall" grille .Unfortunately ,this design lacked the sleek lines of later aerodynamic cars and many people found it heavy and ugly.With time passing it was better accepted and it is a tribute to Chrysler that Peugeot in France with its 202,302 and 402 's,Volvo in Sweden with its Carrioca and Singer in England with its Airstream were largely influenced by the Chrysler Airflow.
Worse , rumours partly fed by competition ,spread that the car was hastily developed because production delays retarded launch to january 1934 and that its roadholding was hazardous.Some insurance companies even went to apply higher fares for this model ,though roadholding was not worse or better than contemporary American cars.
The 4 door model CU rode on a wheelbase of 123 inches ( 3,12 m ) and weighed 3760 pounds.The engine was Chrysler's 298,7 cubic inch ( 4,89 liters) displacement side valve eight with Delco Remy ignition developing 122 horsepower at 3400 rounds per minute.Brakes were Lockheed hydraulics and the car had an automatic vacuum clutch.As in the other Chryslers of the period workmanship and quality of materials were outstanding.
In the United States the price of the model CU was 1345 dollar .7226 units were produced.This is a Belgian example assembled in the Antwerp Chrysler factory.