1937 Chrysler & DeSoto Airflow

This 1937 Chrysler Airflow sedan benefits from a restoration that was commissioned in 2005 and professionally finished in 2013. Work included body repairs, a full repaint in blue, and a re-trim of the cream and tan interior. It also covered refurbishment of the mechanicals, brakes, fuel system, and electrics. Power comes from a 323.5ci flathead straight-eight, which is backed by a 3-speed floor-shift manual transmission with standard factory overdrive. This C-17 sedan is one of just 4,370 built for 1937 and is an Approved Classic as defined by the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA). The seller is representing the car for a friend who acquired it about a year ago from an Austin, Texas collector. Services within the last six months included installation of a new master cylinder and a full brake service. This Airflow is offered with receipts totaling over $26k for the refurbishment, recent service receipts, some original spares, and a clean Texas title in the current owner’s name. Exterior refurbishment included some bodywork, as well as a full repaint in Meadow Brook Blue. New running boards have been added, and replacement sill plates were hand-etched in Canada. All brightwork was also reportedly refinished and still shows well, with two spots of corrosion on the front bumper shown in a gallery photo. There are dual cowl vents at the base of the windscreen, as well as dual electric wipers which pivot from above are present but not currently working. Rear fender skirts and three-bar bumpers were standard for all Airflows. Recently detailed wheels have wide whitewall tires, chrome beauty rings, and script Chrysler Airflow-logo hubcaps. The seller reports all rubber seals have been replaced and glass is in good shape throughout. Each side of the flat-glass windshield opens independently for ventilation using hand cranks at the top of the dash. The above video includes a full walk-around, an interior tour, and an underhood view of the engine idling. Interior upholstery, trim, and panels for the doors were replaced by Nikito’s Upholstery in Austin, Texas. Sound and heat insulation are said to have been added throughout. The rear seat has a fold-down center armrest, and a chrome robe rail is mounted to rear of the front bench. An original-spec radio has been rebuilt, but is not connected to an antenna. A pair of clock face-style displays feature a combination speedo/tachometer, a clock, and an ammeter, all well as fuel, temp, and oil pressure gauges. All instruments are said to have been restored, including a 5-digit odometer which now registers 6,344 miles, though actual mileage unknown. The Art Deco woodgrain metal dash has dual glove boxes, and the driver-side cubby holds a modern Equus water temp gauge. The video captures a dash view and an extended drive, both seen from the front passenger seat. The trunk holds a full-sized spare wheel and a vintage suitcase used to store a jack and lug wrench. Serial number 7021510 falls in the correct range to be one of 4,599 Chrysler C-17s for 1937, with 95% built as sedans and the balance as 2-door coupes. The 323.5ci L-head straight eight has a cast-iron block and produced 130 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque from the factory. The mechanical refurbishment was completed by Pro Automotive and Body in Austin, Texas. An engine cold start is shown in this video clip. The seller notes underhood updates include an electronic ignition and fuel pump, along with an alternator. A group of gallery images show underside condition. The car reportedly runs cool in normal driving, and an auxiliary radiator fan can be manually activated when the car is stopped or moving at slow speed.