Major Bowes' Chrysler Airflow Imperial: A Groundbreaking Design Ahead of Its Time

As I grew up, I had heard about Airflows, but it wasn't until a family trip that I finally saw one in person. My grandfather, who was an avid car enthusiast, purchased his 1936 Imperial four-door sedan from a fellow club member and took great pride in its history. Little did I know that this would be just the beginning of my fascination with these iconic vehicles.

One of the Airflow Club's National Directors, Chandler Smith, a two-time Airflow owner himself, was part of the club before he even owned his first Airflow. This speaks volumes about the dedication and passion of its members. Today, aluminum heads used on these engines are being reproduced to meet the demand for spare parts.

What sets Airflows apart is their ease of maintenance. The straight-eight engines used in Chrysler and Imperial Airflows are relatively simple to work with, making it easy to find replacement parts. In some cases, club members have even come together to pool their resources and create custom parts when needed.

For those interested in getting involved with the Airflow community, I highly recommend starting by exploring the Airflow Club's website. The club has a vast wealth of knowledge and resources available for its members, including a comprehensive guide on how to identify an Airflow. Whether you're looking for an obscure part or simply wanting to learn more about these iconic vehicles, the club is an invaluable resource.

One thing that sets Airflows apart from other classic cars is their unique design. Each marque - De Soto, Chrysler, and Imperial - had its own version of the Airflow, with De Soto and Chrysler offering coupes and sedans while Imperial offered sedans and limousines. This diversity only adds to their charm.

In an era where style and aesthetics often take precedence over functionality, the Airflow was a bold move by Chrysler to prioritize aerodynamics. Although it was initially met with skepticism and even criticism, the Airflow has since become a cult classic, with enthusiasts defending its unique design to this day.

Today, the Airflow Club of America is the leading source for all things related to these iconic vehicles, consisting of over 600 members who have been evangelizing on behalf of the Airflow since 1962. Whether you're an seasoned collector or simply a car enthusiast, the Airflow is a design that is sure to inspire and captivate.

Major bowes chrysler airflow imperial