01-10-2009, 08:42 AM
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#1 (permalink)
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(:
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Vintage Aero
"GM's Airflow
Did you know GM built and tested an aerodynamic car in the 1930s before Chrysler's Airflow hit production? In fact, its existence, which was well known by Chrysler's spies, is credited with spurring Walter P. Chrysler to rush the Airflow to production in 1934. Somehow I'd never heard of this car, which was called the Albanita. It evidently hit the GM Proving Ground roads in late 1933, testing some of the same aero-slick bodywork details Chrysler introduced, as well as an experimental backbone tube chassis with independent front and rear suspension--heady stuff for that period. Intended to showcase an Olds OHV V-8, it ended up running a flathead Ford V-8 when the Olds version was delayed. The project was dead-ended--perhaps in part due to the Airflow's lackluster market reception--though many elements of its design eventually found their way to market."
I never knew about this!!!
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01-10-2009, 08:43 AM
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#2 (permalink)
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(:
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This too...
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01-10-2009, 11:08 AM
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#3 (permalink)
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EV test pilot
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That second car is pretty cool!
No outside rearview mirrors and front and rear wheel covers!
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01-10-2009, 01:03 PM
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#4 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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Yeah, what he said^^^
Just think of the electric possibilities Ben.
Or even a 1litre diesel with really tall highway gearing.
Ooh my heads swimming.
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When you are courting a nice girl an hour seems like a second. When you sit on a red-hot cinder a second seems like an hour. That's relativity.
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01-10-2009, 02:16 PM
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#5 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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Albanita
Frank,I only know about it tangentially as the "rumor." I have a Hemming's article about the Airflow,and it reports that the Airflow was rushed into production on rumor that GM was going to beat them to it with "their car."The Airflow launch was premature,the car had a lot of production problems and soured Chrysler's reputation as a quality builder as owner after owner brought their Airflows in for repairs.-------------------- I've never seen the second car.It's very much in keeping with Jaray and Lay's(and others) forms.I like it! Thanks for the archeology!
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01-10-2009, 02:42 PM
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#6 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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Radically sloping?  |
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01-10-2009, 06:44 PM
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#7 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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One reason 1930s aero cars didn't make it was that the roads of the day did not allow sustained high spedd running. People didn't see any advantage to the aero cars then.
An aero car makes little difference when you can't drive over 50 for more than a mile.
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01-10-2009, 11:22 PM
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#8 (permalink)
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EcoModding Apprentice
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bennelson
That second car is pretty cool!
No outside rearview mirrors and front and rear wheel covers!
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X2
I think I could easily see me driving the wife and 3 kiddos around in that!
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01-09-2010, 12:37 AM
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#9 (permalink)
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(:
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01-09-2010, 02:15 AM
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#10 (permalink)
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Moderate your Moderation.
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Put this front on it, and you've got a deal!
Does anyone else think this looks like a Fiero?
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