BF Auction: 1934 DeSoto Airflow
- Seller: Leland K
- Location: Anderson, California
- Mileage: 47,125 Shown
- Chassis #: 5072429
- Title Status: Clean
The Airflow, sold by both Chrysler and DeSoto divisions, was designed with aerodynamics taken into consideration in the build. While the automobiles were arguably more slippery, they were awkward looking for the times (1934 to 1937) and many buyers weren’t impressed. This first year was branded as a DeSoto and has spent the last 40 years tucked away in a barn. Rolled out for photos, this interesting artifact is in Anderson, California and is being offered here as a Barn Finds Auction.
Wind tunnel testing was going on within Chrysler as early as 1930. The goal was to determine the best shape that automobiles should come in. Thanks to these efforts (or because of them), both Chrysler and DeSoto rolled out the new Airflow in 1934. Initial interest was strong, but production delays and negative safety rumors led the public to shy away from these interesting vehicles. With overall sales at 55,000 units, the company found that the more conventionally styled Airstreams would overshadow production.
The 1934 editions of the Airflow had minimal public input, so they didn’t include (for example) trunk lids to enter the trunk. Chrysler thought those would deter the aerodynamics of the cars, but relented and added them the following year. Though the concept failed to catch on in the U.S. at the time, we understand that Toyota began to go down that path in the 1930s, as well. The DeSoto and Chrysler versions of the Airflow varied minimally, and the seller’s DeSoto is said to have 47,000 miles on the odometer.
We’re told this Airflow is 99% complete, eliminating the need to locate those difficult-to-find parts. The hood ornament, ashtrays, some interior handles, interior sun visors, correct radio head, main cowl-mounted radio control box, and both tail lights and bumperettes are not shown in the pictures but are present. Some extra pieces are going with the vehicle, such as spare front fenders, a factory locking gas cap, a steering column, a gearbox, a steering wheel, and headlight lenses (they differ from one side to the other!). The engine is there, but no attempts have been made to turn it over. The transmission is of the factory “freewheeling” variety which had the controls on the dash. Rust is minimal and the upholstery under the aftermarket seat covers is said to be good. For more info on these novel automobiles, check out the Airflow Club of America.
Bid On This Auction
Bunnyshines bid $2,200.00 2024-02-07 23:38:12
Sebastian bid $1,700.00 2024-02-05 18:29:23
Robert bid $1,200.00 2024-02-05 13:07:44- Sebastian bid $700.00 2024-02-04 09:42:31
Comments
I own three 1934 Airflows, a DeSoto similar to this one and two Chryslers.
First, I can’t say enough good things about the Airflow club. Over 50 years of technical tips, members eager to help with any question and a few hard to find parts that have been reproduced by the club.
This particular car is really rough and will need a frame up restoration. They are great cars and I’d like to see this one restored, but know that nice solid drivers are available for a lot less than the cost to restore one.
Depending on what state the car was delivered in, it might have only come with a single taillight. The running board moldings are available reproduced. It should have dual matched horns, only one is visible; loose in the engine compartment. The chicken wire in the roof is the AM radio antenna, every Airflow has the antenna, only a few got the factory Philco radio. The radio head is hard to see in the photo, appears to be a period correct aftermarket radio. The missing hood ornament comes up on eBay fairly regularly.
On the upside, that appears to be the original engine with an aluminum head and a side port for the coolant; unique to the flathead 6 in the DeSoto. The Sisson choke is missing. 47,000 seems way to low for the amount of distress on the car, the red paint on the air cleaner, etc.
Thank you for your feedback!
Both horns are present and mounted correctly. (apparently the second horn mounted next to the visible one cannot be seen in my photo).
I have the hood ornament. It was unbolted but quite intact.
The car has two tail lights. The left tail light mounting bracked, which was cast metal, was broken near the base but complete and repairable.
The engine is fitted with a manual choke.
The odometer reads 47, 125
The car appears to have been repainted many years ago in the light blue. It appears to originally come from the factory with a darker blue paint. So granted, the paint does not show well, but at least it protected the metal. I could not find any presence of bondo or filler.
The radio head mounted in the car is not the correct one. I do have the correct one and it appears to be in good shape.
Certainly this car would require a full restoration, but the overall condition, and being as complete as it is makes it a wonderful candidate. First year production before Chrysler Corporation started making significant changes is also typically considered desireable to the “purist.”
I originally intended to restore this vehicle, but life changes dictate a different direction now. I had started collecting nos steering components, new rear vent window rubber, and a few other items for the project which are being included in the sale. I
I certainly invite any questions so that I can provide clarification.
I am also open to discussing transporting the vehicle to its new owner (hey, it will get me out of the house! I like road trips!)
That’s a rare find ! I can’t believe there’s an Airflow club in existence . That’s going to require a lot of work and parts to restore that one . I can’t even imagine trying to find parts for a 1934 Chrysler Airflow ! It’s possible some company may have ” reproduction” parts ? Good Luck ! Happy Motoring .
47,000 miles? I wouldn’t worry about that. I worked in the used car business back in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Virtually no used car was immune to odometer rollback. Does it really matter anyway?
Oy, well, the way I see it, this car could go 2 ways. A) It would be a perfect candidate for a modern drivetrain. I know, purists will scream bloody murder, and I hate to rain on their parade, but in the future, nobody will care what powers it. They will want it for its unusual design and to be seen in it. For that, it needs to be more user friendly.
B), it’s such an unusual car for the time, to leave it original has its merits too. Regardless, an ambitious undertaking. Considering the car was kind of a flop, many were simply junked and amazing any of these are still being found.
The 34 Desoto coupes are some of the rarest. A fully restored one brings big money. Putting a modern drivetrain in it is the height of foolishness. Why do you believe no one will care? Do you believe everyone is an idiot that can’t manage to work a gear shift or operate a choke? A restored car is worth many times more than another “resto-mod”.
Totally agree. The cars that will be valuable in the future are the unmolested examples. Resto-mods will be worthless.
I’m gratified to see preservation / restoration comments getting the most thumbs-up here and on other Barn Finds discoveries.
The only reason I would want a modern-day drive train is because I’d want to drive it on modern-day roads. In other words, I’d own it to use it. What good is a car to stay in a garage?
Big money Bob ? …. Show me !
@Eric Here are some prices for 34 Desoto airflows. https://www.classic.com/search?filters%5Bmake%5D=35&filters%5Bmodel%5D=13442&q=1934+DeSoto+Airflow
Sedans not commanding quite as much as coupes because coupes are rarer but 34s in general are tough to find.
HoA- I was expecting someone to say “Put an LS1in it” Just not you :)
As I am wont to say, they’re not making any more of these.So restoring it, while perhaps not economically sensible, as it is commonly understood, might make sense just because of the uniqueness of the model.
Just as interesting is how did it get this way .Almost seems like it was in a junkyard. Good on Leland Kimball for saving it.
It was never in a junk yard, and was stored inside 45+ years. Sometime in its life it was painted light blue over the original darker blue. Not a very good repaint but it did help protect the metal. Also at some earlier time in its life seat covers and door panel covets were installed over the original material, so there are great patterns underneath for the purist who would want to take it back as it was built.
If you want to put a modern drivetrain into an old car, why not save yourself the trouble and just buy a Hyundai?
I see cars all the time with after-market steering columns, digital gauges, big stereos setups LS swaps, hideous custom interiors, slammed with goofy-looking wheels etc. All these modifications simply erase the originality and appeal of an old car. It ain’t my thing.
Hyundais don’t look like this and you would definitely be noticed in the Airflow.
Hi John .. this would make a heckeva STREET ROD with something like a 3.6 Mopar engine maybe as a FWD ..,
omg.
@John Heller Thank you for all of those insights! I really appreciate when a knowledgeable person shares on here.
I got a good laugh from the Mopar engine replacement comments made by jwaltb.
Not knowing anything about these cars I would be in over my head except for getting it running possibly driving looks like a interesting project for someone who knows them well. I have only seen similar looking vehicles rusting away in fields.
Hmmm Thinking I got a spare hemi to keep it mopar
Keep thinking.
Ahh yes Anderson I remember it well. Just a few short miles south of Redding on old highway 99. In my youth (50’s=70’s) I spent many days and nights with friends and family at he Anderson stock yard auction house. An airflow Desoto is definitely a different type of car. Even back then they weren’t seen very often. This old car could use a lot of love for sure, but to the right buyer it could be a great acquisition. Found at the head of the Great Central Valley in Northern California a very dry climate this car has potential for no rust.
God Bless America
Interesting that the story only mentions the first Toyota as a copy of the Chrysler design. Indeed, there is some inspiration there:
https://techhistorian.com/first-car-of-toyota/
BUT, the best “copy” was made by Peugeot with their “402” model, of which designer, Paulin, was able to transform the Chrysler ugly duckling into a rather nice and far more svelte model, as can be seen here:
https://img.fotocommunity.com/peugeot-402-b-5be48277-f28e-4c18-bb08-8c42e15474b7.jpg?height=1080
Whoa!
That sure is a copy. Right down to the wings on the fender skirts.
But it is svelte. Svelter?
Funny, Chrysler thought hardware or a handle for a trunk would harm the aerodynamics but was ok with the spare tire mounting?
Talk about an upside-down bathtub. Wow!
These bring BIG MONEY fully restored? SHOW ME !
Here are some prices for 34 Desoto airflows. https://www.classic.com/search?filters%5Bmake%5D=35&filters%5Bmodel%5D=13442&q=1934+DeSoto+Airflow
Sedans not commanding quite as much as coupes because coupes are rarer but 34s in general are tough to find.
Over 100K is still big money to me.
I love these Airflows. One of the most interesting looking cars of any era. I wish I had the skill to tackle a restoration like this. Hopefully someone buys it and does it justice.
Just for reference, a very similar condition 34 DeSoto Airflow sedan sold at an estate sale on 2/6 in NC for $5600 plus commission. Very clean body, weathered interior and no roof insert. Not running. Had a good title.
Looks like there’s plenty of room for the subject car to get some bids.
Please restore it to stock. Rare cars are worth it, even if they weren’t that popular when first introduced. And is it just me, or does this car resemble a Citroen 2CV?
This car is a piece of history. I hope that the buyer restores and preserves it, unmodified.
Well Richard .. don’t DICK AROUND and bid on it ! .. Eric
Chip Foose was working on a styling project for a friend with a ’36 Chrysler Airflow, maybe his work could inspire somebody to take on this ’34
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=–OSEBqReE8
Oops, ’35 not ’36