This 1937 Chrysler Airflow Series C-17 Eight Coupe is a wonderful original example that has been restored only as-needed.  In absolutely excellent mechanical condition throughout, this survivor can be driven to any concours event or CCCA CARavan with confidence.  These incredibly rare art deco masterpieces are gorgeous to behold and are an important part of American automotive history.  When the Airflow debuted, it had set 72 land speed records as well as numerous engineering firsts.

Chrysler had always been an engineering led automotive company.  Chrysler engineers Owen Skelton, Carl Breer and Fred Zeder, known as the Three Musketeers, relied on science to develop one of the most advanced cars of its time, the Airflow.  They even contracted with Orville Wright to develop aerodynamic theories on automotive design.  But the breakthroughs didn’t stop with its unique looks, the unibody construction, nearly 50-50 weight distribution, advanced suspension design and mechanical overdrive were far ahead of its time.  The 1937 Chrysler Airflow is the last year of the Airflows and the most refined.  This example, being the C-17 Eight Coupe, is a full classic with the Classic Car Club of America and as such is accepted at leading concours and touring events across America.  There were only 230 C-17 Eight Coupes produced, a mere 5% of the C-17 Eight production.  Of the 230 examples, it is likely that no more than 10% survive today.   The coupes truly represent one of the ultimate streamlined art deco masterpieces and are typically acquired by major collections.

HISTORY OF THIS AIRFLOW COUPE- The history of this Airflow Coupe is well documented for the past 60 years.  From 1962, she was owned by John O. McLean of Richmond, VA and then Jack W Ritter of Youngstown, OH from 1978 through the 1994.  The next owner was Peter Matuszek of St. Charles, IL through 2014.  She was then owned by Deb Powless until 2018.  The last owner of this C-17 Coupe was Tom Griffith from Verona, WI who acquired her for $118,000 in 2018.  He was amassing a collection of important and interesting motorcars.

The livery of this sexy and curvaceous Coupe is Black with beautiful chrome and stainless-steel art deco trim.  The paint is assumed to be an older excellent repaint with fantastic shine and luster.  It has been very well polished and is mirror smooth.  There are the normal small imperfections near the leaded seam areas, which are only visible upon close inspection.  There are also several very small touched up chips in the normal high use areas, such as near the door jams, etc.  Overall, the paint quality is excellent.  The wide white wall tires look right on this Coupe, giving it a very elegant look.  The chrome and stainless steel are in very good to excellent condition overall.  The running boards are original and display in good condition.  We have included many close-up photos in the photo gallery of the paint imperfections and running boards, so rest assured this is a wonderful example.

The interior of all the Airflows are simply stunning.  Being art deco inspired, there are gorgeous design cues throughout that make these cars special.  And being a senior C-17 Eight, the quality of the interior is superb.  The tan wool Bedford cord upholstery is in very good to excellent condition.  The seating is very comfortable with excellent support for the passengers.  The brown carpeting is in good condition and shows some wear, as is depicted in the photo gallery.  The faux wood dashboard is all original and marvelous in its art deco inspiration.  The instruments all work well, including the tachometer which is discreetly integrated into the speedometer.  Even the radio and heater work well.  Overall, the interior is very similar to the exterior- showing some patina but absolutely stunning and approachable.

The engine compartment is well detailed.  We decided to not repaint the engine and exhaust manifold to retain and showcase what a gorgeous original car this is.  The engine compartment is just beautiful, including the wiring, inner fender panels and accessories.  The 323.5 cid straight eight engine produces about 138 hp.  The engine is whisper quiet and has very good performance with no smoking or other issues.  Watch the drone and driving videos to see how well she performs.  The three-speed transmission with mechanical overdrive also operate perfectly at 35 mph, dropping the engine speed and making for an even smoother, quieter ride.  Airflows handle very well with their 50-50 weight distribution and advanced suspension, absorbing even the largest bumps with ease and confidence.

This Airflow Coupe comes complete with an original factory tool roll and tools which are presented in its beautiful original trunk.

It is rare to find a C-17 Eight Coupe and nearly impossible to find one in this remarkable condition.  For more information and details, please call or text or Harry Clark at +1.602.245.7200 or email us at sales@classicpromenade.com.  This Coupe is available for viewing and inspection at our Phoenix showroom.  We are pleased to offer FaceTime or WhatsApp live video inspections and we help coordinate shipping worldwide.  We also have financing partners if you are interested in financing.