Chrysler/DeSoto Airflow and Peugeot "Fuseau Sochaux" Compared

The Chrysler Airflow, along with the DeSoto version, was launched for the 1934 model year.  It featured advanced features that included a revised layout with the motor mounted farther forward than normal (in those days) that allowed the passenger compartment to also be moved forward enough that back-seat passengers were seated forward of the rear axle, not above it.  This made for a smoother ride.

The most obvious feature was the body shape that was wind tunnel tested for improved aerodynamic efficiency.  The result was a design that seemed strange to potential buyer's eyes.  The most difficult appearance feature was the rounded grille-hood profile that simply curved upward from the bumper to eventually flatten over the motor.  Folks in 1934 were used to flat hoodlines ending with a vertical (or nearly-so) grille.

For these and some other factors, Chrysler and DeSoto Airflow sales were disappointingly low.  Even so, production continued for a few more model years with facelifts featuring grilles and hoods more in the the traditional spirit -- though still having a streamlined character.

In recent decades, Airflows have been recognized as significant automobiles.  Even in the mid-1930s, some other carmakers marketed Airflow-like designs.  In 2014 I posted "Airflow and its Variations in 1936."   Cited were the 1935 Volvo PV36 Carioca, the 1936 Toyota AA, and the Peugeot 402 that entered production in 1935 for the '36 model year.

Today's post compares some 1934 Airflows with equivalent body-type Peugeot 402s and 302s.  The "Fuseau Sochaux" in the headline above was a nickname the French gave to that design.  Sochaux being Peugeot's headquarters town and fuseau meaning "spindle" as a reference to streamlining.

Gallery

1934 Chrysler CU Airflow 4-door sedan - Bonhams Auctions photo
This was the highest production Chrysler Airflow model.  DeSoto Airflows outsold Chrysler's, but there too, four-door sedans were the production volume leaders.

1938 Peugeot 402 Conduite intérieure - Toyota Automobile Museum photo
Abaft of the firewall, Peugeot's design is quite similar to the Airflow's.  There are even similar decorations on the rear fender's spats.  The Peugeto's hood profile slopes downwards, merging with a more conventional grille than Chrysler's.  The Airflow's doors are hinged on the A- and C-pillars whereas the Peugeot's hinges are only on the B-pillar, a simpler arrangement that makes the forward doors the "suicide" type.  Like Citroën and some other 1930s French cars, the beltline falls away towards the  rear from the B-pillar.

1934 Chrysler CU Airflow Coupe - Worldwide Auctioneers photo
The Airflow coupe's profile forms a smooth ogive or "S" curve towards the rear.  That might have somewhat compromised back-seat headroom.

1936 Peugeot 402 Coach - Artcurial photo
Peugeot's coupe (marketed as "Coach") has about the same backseat headroom as the driver's.  The resulting profile is a modest bustle back style.

1934 DeSoto SE 4-door sedan - car-for-sale photo
DeSoto Airflows had shorter wheelbases than Chryslers.  This is reflected in the shorter zone forward of the firewall.

1937 Peugeot 302 Berline - unknown photo source
The short-lived (1937-38 model years) Peugeot 302 has a wheelbase closer to the DeSoto.  Peugeot's solution was to shorten the aft part of the body.  Hence, four side windows instead of six.  Plus, a narrower backseat door than on the 402.

1934 Chrysler CU Airflow Town Sedan - car-for-sale photo
Speaking of wide C-pillar zones, here we compare the short-lived (1934-only for basic Chrysler and DeSoto Airflows) Town Sedan to the Peugeot 302.

1937 Peugeot 302 Berline - Bonhams Auctions photo
Unlike the coupe situation, the Peugeot has the more pleasing profile.  Note the window-shape similarity to the Town Sedan's.