Description
1935 Chrysler Airflow C-1 Eight – 2 Door Coupe
A truly ground-breaking piece of automotive history, this 1935 Chrysler Airflow Eight Coupe represents one of the most advanced and forward-thinking designs of the pre-war era.
Finished in a wonderfully honest and original-looking tone with a superb period stance, this example carries all the presence, rarity and engineering significance that make the Airflow one of the most collectible American classics of its time.
The Story – Decades Ahead of Its Time
The Chrysler Airflow wasn't just another 1930s car — it was a revolution.
Developed using early aerodynamic wind tunnel testing, the Airflow was one of the first production cars in the world to be shaped by airflow science rather than tradition. Chrysler engineers worked alongside specialists connected to aviation pioneer Orville Wright, bringing aircraft thinking into automotive design for the very first time.
The result?
A streamlined body decades ahead of its rivals
Improved stability, ride quality and balance
A design that would influence car manufacturing for generations
At a time when most cars were upright and boxy, the Airflow was simply in another league.
Rare & Highly Collectible
This particular example is the C-1 Eight 2 Door Coupe, one of the rarest and most desirable Airflow variants.
Approximately 307 examples of the 2-door coupe were produced
It is believed that only a very small number survive today (often cited as potentially fewer than 20 original cars)
This places your car firmly into serious collector territory.
Correct Configuration & Features
5-Passenger Coupe (not the business coupe)
Full rear seating configuration
Elegant flowing coupe roofline
Distinctive single rear window design (less common and highly desirable look)
The proportions, stance and flowing lines clearly show the influence of aerodynamic thinking — particularly the forward cabin position and balanced chassis layout.
Mechanical & Driving
Straight-eight engine (CU series)
Runs exceptionally smoothly
So refined it is genuinely hard to tell when it's idling
3-speed manual gearbox
Factory overdrive system
Overdrive – Period Innovation
The inclusion of overdrive was a major technical advantage in the 1930s:
Reduces engine RPM at cruising speeds
Improves fuel efficiency
Provides smoother, more relaxed long-distance driving
Considered a premium and advanced feature for the era
Gear changes are described as seamless, making the car surprisingly usable even by modern standards.
Condition & Presence
This car presents exactly how a collector wants to see it:
Honest, usable and full of character
Strong original feel throughout
Patina in all the right places
A car you can preserve, improve, or sympathetically recommission
It has the kind of presence that simply stops people in their tracks — whether at a show, in a collection, or on display.
Investment & Appeal
The Airflow sits in a unique position in the classic car world:
Historically significant
Technically revolutionary
Extremely low production numbers
Increasing recognition among serious collectors
As the market continues to favour rarity + innovation + story, cars like this are becoming harder and harder to find — especially in complete, original form.
Summary – Why This Car Matters
One of the most advanced cars of the 1930s
Developed using aviation-influenced aerodynamic research
Ultra-rare 2 door coupe (approx. 307 built)
Believed very low surviving numbers
Smooth straight-eight performance
Factory overdrive
Strong originality and presence
Huge historical importance
Final Word
This isn't just a classic car — it's a turning point in automotive history.
A rare opportunity to own a car that genuinely changed the way cars were designed.
