At the time of its introduction in 1934, the Chrysler Airflow was the most advanced American automobile ever built. Featuring an early type of unibody construction, with its steel frame and body tub welded together for strength, it had its engine mounted directly above the front axle, creating more interior space, and the incredibly aerodynamic body was one of the first to be developed in a wind tunnel. Today the design is widely hailed as a masterpiece of Art Deco design and modern engineering.

The example offered here is from the final and arguably most attractive Airflow model year, 1937, and was one of 4,370 sedans produced. Its ownership history has been traced back to 1966, when Lowell Stapf of Amarillo acquired it from Jack Edmonds of Fort Worth, Texas. Mr. Stapf was a longtime Airflow enthusiast and held on to this car for the rest of his life, eventually commissioning its restoration to the present condition in the early 2000s, all documented by an album of photographs on file. Following his passing in 2012, it was inherited by a longtime employee, who then sold it to a collector in Central California. Clive and Janet Cussler, great enthusiasts of streamlined design, purchased the Airflow for their collection in early 2017.

The car still presents very nicely, in deep maroon with black fenders, and exhibits excellent fit and finish throughout—in particular to the interior, with its expert grey cloth upholstery, and correctly detailed dashboard. Even the engine compartment and luggage compartment are nicely detailed. In addition to the aforementioned restoration photographs, the car is accompanied by an owner’s manual and a piece of promotional literature.

With overdrive transmission, the Chrysler would be a pleasure for touring, but could also be lovingly shown by its next owner, with the appreciation for advanced design that the Airflow patiently waited decades to rightfully receive. It is still an amazing machine to behold.