What a Stunt,, Chrysler gambled and lost

[GOPAPA]

I found this very interesting about this Chrysler Airflow Vrs the Chrysler Airstream ,,Air Strream sold 9-1 over the Air flow model ,,,

And this Publicity Stunt

Prior to the Airflow's debut, Chrysler did a publicity stunt in which they reversed the axles and steering gear of a conventional 1933 model, 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.

Chrysler made a significant effort at a fundamental change in automotive design with the Chrysler Airflow, but it was ultimately a commercial failure.

The AirFlow

The AirStream

[A1971Blazer]

I recently watched "The cars that made America" on the history channel....
dramatized of course but it had some factual and interesting insights on how the automobile was developed, manufactured, and innovated throughout the 20th century....
and the roles that various men played in it...

[special-K]

I think the Airflow design made for a good looking milk truck

[GOPAPA]

Originally Posted by A1971Blazer

I recently watched "The cars that made America" on the history channel....
dramatized of course but it had some factual and interesting insights on how the automobile was developed, manufactured, and innovated throughout the 20th century....
and the roles that various men played in it...

I bet that was interesting,, bet it showed the good the bad and the ugly too,,liked to have seen this.

Originally Posted by special-K

I think the Airflow design made for a good looking milk truck

Does have some resimblace ,, think I like the truck better

[special-K]

Those came out in '37 with that style. Just a few years after the Airflow

[In The Ten Ring]

If you want to win big, you gotta gamble big.

The car was ugly but hey, if it ran better.....look how ugly modern cars are!

[Bigdav160]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFl5pEe-7uo

[GOPAPA]

Originally Posted by Bigdav160

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFl5pEe-7uo

Thanks for the movie .. had no idea that they built a frame work of strength inside that sheet metal on any car back then,,,,must of been the looks that scared people off from only buying 1 out of 10 between the flow and the stream.

[special-K]

I never knew it was a flop. At my age I have always known them as sought after classics. One of the exceptional cars like a '37 Cord.

[GOPAPA]

Originally Posted by special-K

I never knew it was a flop. At my age I have always known them as sought after classics. One of the exceptional cars like a '37 Cord.

I was surprised also Tim ..just thought they were rare for another reason.

[special-K]

I did a search for pictures. I have only been familiar with the '34 front end and only sedans. They altered the front a bit to blend a more familiar grille style in. The coupes look 10x better. They complete the whole aerodynamic deal. And, there were Desoto Airflows. Now that has to be a rare car in a couple.

Here is the coupe, then '35, '36, and '37 grille changes
Dodge:

Desoto:

'35:

'36:

'37: