West Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely exceptional example of this very rare and collectible frame off restored 1937 Chrysler C17 Airflow 8 Coupe, the last year and top-of-the-line most expensive model of the Airflows!
CCCA Full Classic
When introduced in 1934 the Chysler Airflow as the most advanced American automobile ever produced.
Today widely hailed as a masterpiece of Art Deco design and modern engineering.
Rare last year and most desirable C-17 chassis Coupe model.
These Chrysler Airflows cars were produced between 1934 and 1937. From 1934 to 1936, the wheelbase was 123" on these Chrysler 8-cylinder models, both 4-door sedans and 2-door coupes and for 1936 the 123 wheelbase Chrysler Airflow model was designated the C9 and the final models built in the last year of production in 1937 had a 140" wheelbase and were designated the C17.
These are incredibly rare art deco masterpieces which set both land speed records as well as being remarkable as engineering pioneers.
By 1937, being last year of the Airflows these were to prove to be the most refined and today the most collectible by far. This example, the most desirable C-17 Eight Coupe is a full classic with the Classic Car Of America which would be eligible for all the major concours events.
Of 230 Coupes reportedly built, about 5% of the total C-17 Eights built; very few are known to still exist today.
The 323.5 cubic inch straight 8 is factory-correct and newly reconditioned.
With over 138 HP and factory 3-speed/overdrive transmission, this C-17 coupe is capable of modern traffic speeds, easily cruising at 70+ mph. The coupe has been tested with a little more than 600 miles of driving in both stop-and-go and highway-speed traffic, and stops like a modern car with its power brakes.
The frame was reconditioned when the body was removed, and all the body-to-frame connections are intact.
The coupe is built using only original Chrysler hardware (screws, washers, nuts and bolts stamped with the familiar MoPar logo DCDP which stands for Dodge/Chrysler/DeSoto/Plymouth).
Some major details of the restoration:
Body: Lead removed, painted original build Stone Beige with English Coach Vermillion trim
Frame: Media blasted, painted original satin black
Upholstery: By copying an unrestored car, done to exact factory pattern by a renowned expert
Upholstery material: Correct broadcloth material, supplied by LeBaron Bonney
Carpets: Correct horsehair
Steering Wheel and Shift Knob: Correct knob and rare banjo style wheel meticulously restored
Radiator: Rebuilt, with a new core
Engine: Rebuilt, with restored water and fuel pumps, starter, distributor, etc., with NOS oil filter
Cylinder head: Reconditioned cast iron, extremely rare and factory-correct, C17 raised letters
Carburetor: Rebuilt 1-barrel, rare Stromberg EX-32, with correct barrel-style electric choke
Transmission: Rebuilt
Overdrive unit: Rebuilt
Braking system: Rebuilt, with vacuum-assisted power booster
Differential: Rebuilt
Motor mounts: Rebuilt
Shocks: Rebuilt
Instruments: Rebuilt, calibrated and functioning correctly
Chrome: Restored to new condition and correctly pinstriped
Stainless: Restored to new condition and correctly pinstriped
Glass: New, with new gaskets throughout
Wiper motors: Rebuilt and functioning
Wiring: New
Wheels: Restored, checked for true and pinstriped to factory design
Tires: Correct 7.00x16 black wall Coker Classic Radials, with Coker tubes
