The brand was founded by Walter Chrysler in 1928, named after the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto. Although not a great commercial success, it was one of the models that incorporated aerodynamics into its design after wind tunnel testing.
The 1934 DeSoto Airflow was often shown with aerodynamic powertrains to capture that futuristic look. The first model was called a two-door, five-passenger coupe, but was later advertised as a three-passenger coupe.
DeSoto Airflow models were priced at $995. The Airflow coupe design was a true fastback model with a different rear end.
Automotive historians have said that it was the late Ray Dietrich who was responsible for the Airflow design. The Airflow III S-2 model was the last model to be available to DeSoto dealers in 1936, as Chrysler decided not to continue production of the Airflow due to low sales.
