Javi Martin
Much is said today about aerodynamics, Cx coefficients, mobile ailerons and sculpted shapes in the wind tunnel. It is a section that has been in vogue for many years, due to the benefits obtained in terms of dynamic behaviour, consumption and comfort, especially acoustics.
It seems that everything is something relatively recent and that models like our protagonist, the Chrysler Airflowthey would never have existed. What is true is every time greater amounts of money are invested in aerodynamic developments Furthermore, with the advent of "ecological", hybrid and electric cars, it takes on greater importance due to the aforementioned.
The latest models that stand out in this section are all electric, such as the Aion Hyper GT, a car that is advertised as one of the most aerodynamic in the world in series production vehicles, with a Cx of 0,19. A car that does not resort to huge spoilers, or complicated and elaborate forms, is a sedan without fanfare, which takes advantage of the progress achieved in these matters.
THE PRECURSORS
In any case, aerodynamics, like everything, had its beginnings and they were quite rudimentary. Already in 1914 there were gadgets that delved into the search for ways that favored a better air flow, such as the Rumpler Tropfenwagen, which was continued with others such as the Alpha Ricotti from 1919 or 1921 Benz Tropfen intended for competition. Of some of these models, such as the Rumpler, up to 100 units were manufactured, although we are talking about a time when the car was a product for the rich and extravagances were the order of the day.
The first mass-produced car using an aerodynamic body was the Tatras 77, released in 1934. Like all Tatras, its design was peculiar, with the engine hung behind the rear axle and air-cooled, but announced a Cx of 0,212. However, these cars were designed "by eye", the famous wind tunnel was not used, which today is almost essential.
By then, it was sought to resemble a drop of water, although several studies were already done before all this, which showed that the shape of the fish and birds was the ideal one for these tasks.
CHRYSLER AIRFLOW TIME
To find out about the first car manufactured using the wind tunnel, we must stay in that distant 1934 when the Tatra 77 appeared. Of course, it is essential to cross the Atlantic to Yankee lands. There, a brand as well-known as Chrysler wanted to change the concept of car manufacturing and launched the Chrysler Airflow. This one is considered as the first car designed with a wind tunnel with the aim of aerodynamically improving its bodywork.
The idea came from designer Carl Breer and unfortunately, as in many other occasions, daring ended in disaster. Many innovations, many advances have required failures for someone to end up noticing them. Although, on this occasion, it was the result of mistrust, misinformation and, it must be said, the bad practices of rivals who released various hoaxes about this striking aerodynamic car.
Chrysler Airflow he was ahead of his time and paid for it. In addition to its strange, at that time, external appearance, a structure very similar to the monocoque that Citroën presented with the famous Traction Avant was developed, which received the name of Interlocking. Compared to its contemporaries, a 40% higher rigidity and a weight distribution very close to 50% on each axis were achieved, exactly 45/55% front and rear was announced.
It was a project that it was intended to launch for the tenth anniversary of the brandAlthough there are also rumors about an insistence on the part of Walter Chrysler after some comments from General Motors and a possible new model whose chassis was very special. A car that ultimately ended up being a test mule for a new frame (chassis and running gear) that made Chrysler rush to take the lead.
CHRONICLE OF A FAILURE
It was presented in the New York Auto Show, January 6, 1934. That same year, 11.000 units were manufactured, which dropped to 7.751 copies the following year despite a small redesign. in 1936, only 4.600 Chrysler Airflows were sold. Finally, in 1937, the model left the assembly line and made way for the Chrysler Airstream. For different reasons, its failure is reminiscent of that of the Edsel.
History was unfair to this car at the time, although now they are quoted at high prices, like the unit in the photos, for sale for almost $100.000 in Classic Promenade. In fact, in recent years, there are Chrysler Airflow examples that have doubled that amount.
Classic Promenade and Chrysler photographs.
