Chrysler Airflow Economy Run

Chrysler engineers thought they had a winner with their aerodynamic coupe the Chrysler Airflow. Created during the art deco, streamlined era of the 1930s the company was convinced that the public was ready for something really new and different. The engineers touted that fact that it was not only stylish but roomy and because its sleek design caused less wind resistance - it was fuel efficient. Unfortunately, the public stayed away from the futuristic vehicle and Chrysler stopped producing the Airflow after two years.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Chrysler airflow
• chrysler
• art deco
• streamlined design

[fordroad]

Part 4

After having much success, he retired in 1940. Later, Harry Hartz had a serious automobile accident from which he never fully recovered. He died in Indianapolis, Indiana at age 78.

The end of a great racing career in 1940, however remained around the American auto racing industry for the next two decades. A great pioneer to US auto racing. 5/5 FORDROAD Australia

[mrpitv]

@fordroad Thanks for sharing this.

[mrpitv]

FYI for all Airflow fans, RM Auctions is offering two rare examples of these remarkable Airflows at the Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook event August 1 in Rochester, Michigan - the official kickoff to a month long series of celebrations honoring the great American automobile.

[mrpitv]

They're selling in Europe but with the price of diesel in the States it's hard to justify the retooling here. They'll be more prevalent as will advanced gasoline engines that get 20% better fuel economy and cost $1000 more than today's engines vs $3000 for a clean diesel or $4000 for a hybrid. The future will be a mix of powerplants including all electric. The real challenge will be in weaning people from driving which is the best way to cut emissions and oil dependence.

[mrpitv]

thank you.

[fordroad]

Part3

and set an economy record of 18.1 miles per US gallon (13.0 L/100 km; 21.7 mpg-imp), and without having to add water at any time during all of these performance runs. Another source credits him with driving the newly introduced DeSoto Airflow 3,114 miles (5,011 km) from New York to San Francisco, and averaging 21.4 mpg-US (11.0 L/100 km; 25.7 mpg-imp), with total fuel bill of US$33.06 for the run. A great effort and the price Coast to coast less that $35.00

5/5

[Beowulfsonur]

A sweet ride.

[fordroad]

Part2

Chrysler began using auto racing as a promotional tool to sell its cars. In 1933, DeSoto recruited Hartz for a publicity stunt by driving a car backwards across the country. During mid-August 1934, he set 72 new AAA stock car records at the Bonneville Salt Flats course in Utah in a Chrysler Imperial Airflow coupe. At the end of the month, Hartz drove the same car from Los Angeles to New York City. Part 3 next 5/5

[fordroad]

Harry Hartz was born in Pomona, California, and grew up in the Los Angeles area. At age eighteen, he began to drive in support events for the car races of the time. He was a mechanic, but sought to be a race car driver and signed on with the Duesenberg brothers after World War I. Hartz made his debut at the 1921 Indianapolis 500 race as Eddie Hearne's riding mechanic.

The following year, Hartz was behind the wheel of the Duesenberg and finished in second place.

Part 2 to continue.

[iamzbacku]

That car was to far ahead of it's time, just like the Tucker.

[gabbogabbo]

18 mpg was huge then, considering the weight and size of these beasts. I love how they always talk about economy back then with power second. It seems like maybe car companies are going back to that idea with some models.

[Domman56]

@middsteve yeah exactly why this is so impressive

[middsteve]

@Domman56 Yes and 1/3 the size and weight.