Packard Forum Index » Shows and Events

In the general parking area several local car clubs were exhibiting as well, and there was this lovely 1934(?) DeSoto Airflow coupe. What a shame more Americans didn't benefit from ownership of these magnificent cars; lowest coefficient of drag of the era, ditto for the center of gravity. Factory overdrive, extremely strong and spacious bodies, and art deco touches everywhere. In my opinion, the more Chrysler tried to dull the Airflow features in following years, the less attractive the car.

Attach file:

---

  (107.01 KB)

I agree completely Dave. To me, the only car that comes close to the Airflow on having beautiful Art Deco styling is the Graham "Spirit of Motion". I'd LOVE to have one of those!

Yes, that Graham is intriquing and just laden with interesting design details. The hood treatment is a bit reminiscent of Sonny Abagnale's 1935 Delage D-8 by Chapron, the bottom car in the attached photo.

Attach file:

---

  (140.14 KB)

Here's one more from the Burn Foundation, a 1933 Auburn with retractable roof. I don't recall if it's a 12 or an 8. The person showing the car knew nothing about the car, whether it was coachbuilt, or some sort of roof conversion on a factory body, but I've sent out some queries about it and if I get more info, I'll append it to this post.

Attach file:

---

  (143.97 KB)

Owen: The 34 DeSoto was the first Airflow that I had seen in many years. Your statement that Airflow had the lowest coefficient of drag of the era maybe true for American cars. However I think that Hans Ledwinka and Eric Ubelacker might might disagree with you. When the Tatra 77 was introduced in March 1934 in had a Dd of less than 0.25. The Tatra 77A introduced in 1935 had a coefficient of drag of 0.212.

I wonder what the numbers are for the Airflow's of the era.

John F. Shireman

Owen: The 34 DeSoto was the first Airflow that I had seen in many years. Your statement that Airflow had the lowest coefficient of drag of the era maybe true for American cars.

Yes John, I was referring to American cars; I am familiar with the Tatra 77A, I believe I did post a picture or two on this site last year of the 77A limousine shown at the Fairfield Hunt Club Concours.

Incidently, re your other comment about the 6 Marano concept cars and the Predictor at the Fairfield show, yes, PAC I understand is planning a similar display at next year's PAC national in Gettysburg. Whether they get all or the same concept cars of course remains to be seen, but you can be sure I'll be there if at all possible.

Off to the Greenwich CT concours tomorrow, and no doubt I'll have some pictures to post.

Just back from the Greenwich (CT) Concours d'Elegance. Lovely setting, facing Long Island Sound. Fine array of cars, heavy on Packards of which I took note of the following (some photos to follow tomorrow). 1915 Twin Six touring, 1928 443 limousine; 1930 733 club sedan, 1930 745 roadster; 1933 1006 cabriolet; 1934 1106 LeBaron coupe #783; 1934 Twelve LeBaron sports phaeton; 1935 Super Eight club sedan, 1936 120B convertible coupe; 1936 120B sport coupe, 1937 115 convertible; 1939 Super Eight touring sedan; 1941 160 convertible coupe, 1941 180 7-pass limo with factory A/C and all-original; 1954 Caribbean.

Others worth noting: 1914 Renault EF; 1926 Bugatti Type 37; 1929 Cadillac sport phaeton; 1930 Cadillac V16 Madam X coupe; 1930 Cord L-29 dual cowl phaeton; 1931 Chysler CG Imperial roadster; 1931 Studebaker President roadster; 1933 Marmom V16 4-dr convertible; 1933 Pierce Arrow convertible coupe Twelve; 1939 Graham sedan (one of your favorites, Turbopacman), and perhaps another 100. One circle of Indy-type cars as well. Should I have mentioned a pair of Duesenbergs. All outstanding cars in top show condition.

Also the Bonhams auction tent had quite a selection, quite a few Packards, Caddys, a Tatra, etc. The auction is held on Sunday (tomorrow) along with that day's showing, primarily European racing cars.

Attach file:

---

  (185.91 KB)


  (171.60 KB)

Turbo - these are for you. Note how minimal and forward-placed the tail lights are on the Graham.

Attach file:

---

  (123.97 KB)

Here's a trio of true Classics, though non-Packards. A 1933 Pierce Arrow 12 convertible coupe (M. Krieger); a 1931 Auburn 12 boat tail speedster (Joe Cassini) and a 1933 Cadillac V8 roadster (Frank Capretti) stated to be the only survivor of 3 built.

Attach file:

---

  (139.06 KB)

Thanks Dave! I have a love/hate relationship with the Spirit of Motion Grahams, I love them the death, and hate the fact I don't have one!