Extremely Rare 1935 Chrysler CW Airflow Limousine

Only 15 1935 Chrysler CW Imperial Custom Airflow LeBaron Limousines were built, and a beautifully restored survivor was on display at the LeMay America's Car Museum in Tacoma when I recently visited.

The CW was the top of Chrysler Corporation's line for model years 1934 and 1935, featuring a curved, one-piece windshield -- a technically advanced feature essentially unheard-of at the time.  I wrote about various 1934 Airflow models here.

The model's title includes the name of custom body firm LeBaron.  Given the semi-unit body construction of Airfllows, my guess is that if LeBaron was involved, their work was on the interior.

Click on images to enlarge.

Gallery

Cropped images from advertisements for 1934 Chrysler CW Airflows.  Few of these were built even though the Great Depression has already bottomed out.

The 1935 CW Limousine as seen in the museum.  Unlike the waterfall grille design of 1934, '35 Airflows were given grilles with a prow, the goal being to make the cars seem more conventional than the controversial '34s.  Note the curved windshield and the multi-bar bumper.

Museum curators thoughtfully displayed the car with doors open so that the interior could be appreciated.

View of the rear end showing the spare tire cover and the formidable, yet decorative, bumper design.

Interior view.  The front seat is upholstered in dark leather because that is the domain of the chauffeur.  Built into the back side of the seat is a tray and folding jump-seat.

The main passenger area.  There are two well-padded seats with substantial armrests.  Rear seating is upholstered with fabric, though it's hard to tell from this photo.  Note the thin decorative strips of wood and metal just below the doorsills.  Also what appears to be an entry-assistance light on the nearest passenger armrest. If you look carefully, you can see the retractable glass window atop the front seatback that separates the chauffeur from his passengers.