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Old 06-03-2017, 06:13 PM   #1
5851a
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Default 37 Ford

Was there any aerodynamic tests done on the 37 or even 38 or 39? After the Chrysler Airflow was made I wondered if other manufacturers might advertise.
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Old 06-03-2017, 06:51 PM   #2
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Default Re: 37 Ford

I recall reading that the Zephyrs were more aerodynamic than the Airflows, but I am not sure where I read it or if it is even accurate.
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Old 06-04-2017, 08:03 AM   #3
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Default Re: 37 Ford

OK thanks, I tried looking and didn't find anything either.
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Old 06-04-2017, 09:17 AM   #4
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Default Re: 37 Ford

I have not read of any actual aero testing of the '37, but it and the subsequent '38-'40 Fords and '39-'40 Mercs were directly influenced by the '36 Lincoln Zephyr styling, which resulted from the Sterkenberg prototype John Tjaarda sent to Ford a couple of years earlier. John had worked for Fokker aircraft prior to Briggs Manufacturing Company (who designed and built many Ford bodies), so some aero thinking was probably involved.
The Chrysler Airflow flopped because it's design was too far ahead of its time, something Ford/Lincoln wanted to avoid, while also trying to save the Lincoln line. Very successful, along with much help from Bob Gregorie!
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Old 06-04-2017, 09:34 AM   #5
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Default Re: 37 Ford

I remember reading this line a long time ago, and it still rings true : "The Chrysler Airflow proved that, however advanced it may be, an ugly design won't sell". I had never thought about the Fords in relation to this before, but the '38's-'40's appear to be better streamlined than the various Chrysler products, to me.
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Old 06-04-2017, 10:48 AM   #6
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Default Re: 37 Ford

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Here is an interesting survey article about auto aerodynamics and styling in the 1930's era.

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/201...n-three-parts/
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