Classic Car Overview
USED IN THE 1972 BLOCKBUSTER FILM, THE GODFATHER 2012 AACA GRAND NATIONAL & 1994 AACA SENIOR AWARD WINNERFORMERLY OWNED BY DESOTO CLUB PRESIDENT, CHUCK COCHRANPROVENANCE DOCUMENTED BY CHRYSLER AIRFLOW CLUBFORMAL BLACK PAINT OVER BEIGE CLOTH INTERIORSPACIOUS & LUXURIOUS PASSENGER COMPARTMENT130 BHP 323 CI L-HEAD INLINE 8-CYLINDER ENGINE3-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION W/ AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE4-WHEEL LOCKHEED HYDRAULIC BRAKESLEGENDARY AERODYNAMIC STYLING & ADVANCED ENGINEERING For 1934, Chrysler Corporation shocked the automotive world with its all-new, radically streamlined Airflow model lines, featuring extremely strong, all-steel unit-body construction. A design far ahead of its time, the Airflow featured wonderful Art Deco styling with its built-in headlamps and attractively flowing waterfall grille up front, an extended-length hood, modified V-shaped windshield, and fully skirted rear fenders. Passenger comfort was second to none with the Airflows wide, comfortable seats placed fully inside the cars wheelbase. Extra-long leaf springs placed front and rear enhanced the Airflows low ground clearance, delivering remarkable ease of entry and exit for occupants. Lockheed 4-wheel hydraulic brakes delivered industry-leading stopping power, while many competitors still relied on old-fashioned mechanical brakes. Other choice Airflow features included an ignition lock, full instrumentation, a brake lamp, steering-hub headlamp controls, an automatic windshield wiper, oil filter and overdrive.However, despite the many virtues offered by the new Airflow models in terms of comfort, efficiency, and passenger safety, wary Depression-era buyers failed to respond in the numbers Chrysler anticipated. Consequently, sales were underwhelming and the original Airflow design was no longer after 1936. However, todays collectors deeply appreciate the many contributions made by the Airflows designers and engineers to the automobile and the cars are now highly sought-after.One of just 2,398 examples produced, this top-of-the-line Chrysler Imperial Airflow Series C-2 Sedan carries outstanding provenance, documented as having been rented out for one day to Alfran Productions/Paramount Pictures for use on Francis Ford Coppola?s iconic 1972 movie, The Godfather. Ownership history as documented by The Chrysler Airflow Club also confirms this historic vehicle was most recently acquired from the Estate of former DeSoto Club president Chuck Cochran, who acquired the Airflow in 1975. Under Mr. Cochrans care, this Imperial Airflow Sedan earned the AACA Senior National First Prize award in 1994 and then in 2012, it received the AACA Grand National First prize award. Badges confirming both awards are duly affixed to the unique waterfall-style grilles lower extremities.Featuring a dignified Black paint finish and Beige cloth upholstery, this Imperial Airflows aerodynamic body styling and luxurious passenger compartment continue to present well with the older restoration work it has received. The 323 cubic-inch inline 8-cylinder engine, factory-rated at 130 BHP, and its surrounding engine compartment are both tidy and continue to feature correct finishes and components. A 3-speed manual transmission delivers the power. Cruising ease is enhanced by the Airflows standard overdrive, which factory literature states is engaged at 45 mph. Other choice features include a rear-mounted spare wheel/tire, crank-out windshield ventilation, and a heater, plus steel artillery-type wheels mounting White sidewall tires. Accompanying documents include known history supplied by the Chrysler Airflow Club and a one-page rental agreement for this vehicle?s use on The Godfather, executed by past owner William F. Corkill and a representative of Alfran Productions/Paramount Pictures.While the airflow may have been a bit too modern for buyer tastes when new, its design and engineering excellence continues to profoundly influence automobile production today. Accordingly, this high-end Chrysler Imperial Series C-2 Sedan is offered ready to grace any collection celebrating the many innovations made by Chrysler since company inception 100 years ago. See it for yourself, obtain full details, and contact us to make it yours today!