Lot 7034

Auburn Fall 2012

1935 Chrysler Airstream CZ

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$14,850 USD | Sold

United States | Auburn, Indiana

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Identification No.
6709753

This is a largely original example of the Chrysler Airstream CZ Eight Four-Door Sedan that is in exceptionally well-preserved condition, including an all-original interior, including gauges and dashboard with sharp wood trim. It is powered by a 273.8-cid, 105-hp L-head inline eight-cylinder engine that is backed by a three-speed manual transmission with synchromesh.

This largely original example is wonderfully preserved and is finished in a luxurious dark blue with brown cloth upholstery. While the exterior exhibits some paint work performed during its history, the interior is untouched, including the gauges and dashboard, which are exceptionally well-preserved and the interior wood trim, which is sharp and belies its age. It is equipped with whitewall tires, a crank-out windshield, a robe rail, and footrests in the rear, along with a Phinney Walker clock in the rearview mirror. This Airstream has been used on tours and will continue to serve its new owner well in the same capacity; it is a rarely seen and very special Chrysler.

Chrysler introduced the revolutionary Airflow in 1934. Despite its technical advances, the American public was not ready for such a radically designed automobile. Chrysler had to act quickly and the answer was the more conventionally styled Airstream of 1935. Airflows were introduced on January 2, 1935, while the new Deluxe Airstreams followed much later on May 1, as Chrysler needed more time to prepare the new models for market. The design was the work of industrial designer Raymond Bel Geddes along with Ray Dietrich, who also re-styled Plymouth and Dodge, which, along with the Airstream, shared most body panels. The quick action worked; the more handsome design was what the public wanted: a vee’d grille, subtle chrome trim, raked windshield, teardrop fenders, and skirted rear wheels with winged emblems. The Airstream was a hit with 33,755 assembled, including 9,297 Airstream Eights. Airflows accounted for less than twenty percent of Chrysler’s total production for 1935, and after 1937, the model was discontinued.