Chrysler Cu Airflow 8 Sedan

The streamlined Chrysler Airflow, which resembles an American diesel locomotive, causes quite a stir among consumers in 1934.

The streamlined shape of this Chrysler Airflow, reminiscent of an American diesel locomotive, caused quite a stir among consumers in 1934. The Chrysler CU Airflow 8 more or less drives backwards, an idea from Chrysler engineer Carl Breer, who became convinced through wind tunnel tests that the aerodynamics of the average American car are better when it is driven in reverse. As expected, the Airflow concept did indeed result in a higher speed and lower fuel consumption. The car was also equipped with many technical innovations, such as an automatic transmission with overdrive. The wide body was carried by a steel tubular frame welded to the chassis. In a Chrysler promotional film intended to demonstrate the car's sturdiness, an Airflow is pushed sideways down a hill, after which it lands on its wheels after a few rollovers and drives away under its own power. Nevertheless, the public did not warm to the Chrysler CU Airflow 8 because of its controversial appearance. Attempts to make the front end a bit more traditional did not increase sales either, and production of the model was halted in 1937. The Chrysler CU Airflow 8 in the museum is one of the very few examples delivered in the Netherlands and still carries the original provincial license plate for Noord-Holland. It has never been restored and still has its original paint.