The 1937 Chrysler Automatic Overdrive
A standard feature in the 1937 Chrysler Custom Imperial, including Chrysler's Chrysler, and the Airflow was the Chrysler Automatic Overdrive. For an extra cost, Automatic Overdrive was also available on the Royal and Imperial models.
This feature changed the gear ratio in the transmission at 35 miles per hour improving the efficiency and economy of the engine. "You may be crusing at 60...but in overdrive your engine is only turning over at the rate of about 40 in conventional gear."
This 1937 brochure described the Chrysler Automatic Overdrive when "at 35 miles per hour a Miracle happens".
Enjoy,
Howard Kroplick
Comments
“Automatic Overdrive was also available on the Royal and Imperial models.” You left out the Airflow (although that was a different body/chassis-style, NOT a model - Airflows came in several models). Technically, your car is an Airstream (horrors!). Sam, III
Oh, my! Old memories are flooding back. I seem to remember manual overdrive on someone else’s ‘31-32 Imperial 8 and automatic overdrive like yours on one or more of Dad’s late 30’s Dodges, both with that choke-like knob (he switched to Chrysler in 1941 for the Vacamatic tranny with Fluid Drive). Sam, III
This brings back memories to me. Dad had a 1937 Chrysler with that overdrive. We didn’t know it had overdrive until one day we tried to push start it. pushing it wouldn’t turn the engine. A friend told us to pull out that choke like knob to push start it. When it was in overdrive the car was (free wheeling). It would coast downkill.
So with the t handle knob pulled out it is disengaged ? . Its my grandfathers car he bought it new in Glendale ca. now i have it runs great looks bad had to replace all the glass and rubber that helped it is in sound running shape have not driven to far just around the block have not gone over 35 mph .When i get tires i will drive it faster is the overdrive a vacuum internal shift should i look for rotten vacuum lines . thanks
I owned a 1937 Chrysler Custom Imperial with overdrive.I purchased it for a chauffer who got it from his employer. I was 19 at the time and my friends spread the rumor that I was a gangster. I had a lot of enjoyment from that car.