1934 Desoto Airflow

1 of just 15 known surviving examples
2019 National DeSoto Convention Best of Show and multiple other Best of Show awards between 2019 and 2023
Provenance includes ownership by former Airflow Club President, Chuck Cochran
Documented by a copy of the original build card from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Historical Services
Extensive photo-documented concours body-off-the-frame restoration
Factory options include overdrive and leather interior; highly desirable and rare color combination

Introduced in 1934, the Airflow was sold under both the Chrysler and DeSoto brands until 1937. Its steel, semi-unitized body was years ahead of the competition and a well-kept secret that had been extensively tested in the wind tunnel. The first year, with its curved waterfall grille, was the purest expression of the design; the 1935 through 1937 models had a more vertical grille, designed to give them a more conventional appearance. Today, the 34 is especially prized for its resemblance to the famed streamlined train, the Burlington Zephyr. Both the Airflow and the Zephyr were rolling art modern sensations at the 1934 Chicago Worlds Fair.

All Airflows were closed models and their interiors were also unlike anything else on the road. Inspired by aircraft of the time, the Airflows seats featured exposed chromed tubular frames. For the money, buyers of the first DeSotos received a car with a 100-horsepower inline six-cylinder engine and standard features that were either extra-cost options or not even available on other mid-priced cars. Such DeSoto features included Lockheed hydraulic brakes, ignition lock, full instrumentation, brake lamp, steering-hub controls for the headlamps, automatic windshield wiper, an oil filter, and one of the first automobiles to feature overdrive.

Underappreciated in its day, collectors have begun to recognize the Airflow as a significant high-water mark in American car design and engineering. Considered by many to be the best-looking DeSoto Airflow is the sleek two-door coupe model, of which fewer than 1,600 were produced in 1934. Today just 15 examples are known to exist and very few have been restored to the level of this car.

An unmistakable and highly desirable streamlined, aerodynamic design from the Art Deco Era, is this stunning 1934 DeSoto Airflow Coupe. DeSoto collector Fred Mehr of Minnesota, acquired this rare example in September of 2016, from well-known collector and former Airflow Club President, Chuck Cochran of Shelbyville, Indiana. A solid and complete example, it was in need of a restoration, and knowing the importance and rarity, Mr. Mehr set out on a four-year concours-level body-off-the-frame restoration. Thoroughly documented in a photo album, Barry Dohrmann of Custom Auto carried out the body and paint work, JT Upholstery did the highly desirable optional leather interior, and the chrome plating throughout was completed by JR Custom Plating. Finished in a stunning and correct Cedarbird No. 4 Polychromatic (copper metallic), the streamlined design is truly captivating from all angles.

Once completed, this DeSoto Airflow Coupe set out on an award-winning spree between 2019 and 2023. During which, this Airflow captured a Best of Show and Peoples Choice award at the National DeSoto Convention (NDC), Best of Show at the Des Moines Concours dElegance, Best of Class at the 10,000 Lakes Concours dElegance, 2023 Best of Class at the Eyes on Design at the Ford House, and most recently, in 2023, its AACA Grand National Award.

Accompanying the sale of this seldom seen Art Deco automobile is a copy of its original build card, which was supplied by the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Historical Services, as well as a photocopy showing where it was originally sold by James F. Waters, Inc. in San Francisco, the worlds largest DeSoto and Plymouth dealer at the time.

An automobile that dared to push the styling cues and boundaries of its era, the Airflow Coupe holds a special place in automotive design and engineering. As 1 of just 15 known surviving examples of the original 1,600 or so built, this fastidiously kept, award-winning streamlined 34 DeSoto Airflow Coupe has many more awards to garner and concours show fields to grace in its lifetime.