Wow it’s the end of January already. Here are your Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids) for the last week of January 2015.
Jan 26th 1920 – Lincoln Motor Company formed.
Lincoln Motor Company was actually started in 1917 and produced Liberty engines with Ford parts for World War I. After the war they began producing luxury cars. By 1920 the company had financial issues and Ford bought the company in 1922. Ford allowed the company to operate separately until 1940.
1921 Lincoln Model ‘L’
Jan 27th 1974 – Not being able to drive 55 became against the law as President Nixon signed the national speed limit law in response to gas/oil issues.
Jan 28th 1950 – Preston Tucker was acquitted of mail fraud.
The history of the Tucker car is extremely interesting. The Tucker car was an innovation ahead of its time and offered an alternative (rear engine) to the typical cars being produced in that era. The car industry was a powerful and influential business entity generally were not interest in a start-up threatening their share of the industry. The car of the future (called the Tucker Torpedo – while under development) was produced in 1948 against insurmountable odds. Only 51 Tucker 48’s (Model 48) was produced in 1948, 47 still exist.
While dubbed “Tucker Torpedo” during production no ‘Torpedoes’ were produced.
Some Tucker Specs:
– Engine: H-6 (horizontally opposed), OHV, 335 ci (4.50 x 3.50 in. bore x stroke), 7.0:1 compression ratio, 166 bhp, 372 lbs/ft torque.
– Size: 128″ wheelbase, 219″ overall length, 60″ height, 79″ width, 4200 pounds.
– Performance: 0-60 in 10 seconds, est. top speed 120 mph
Jan 29th 1886 – Benz developed the first gasoline (internal combustion) automobile.
Carl Benz’s Motorwagon.
The Motorwagon engine was actually built in 1885, 1886 was when Mr. Benz applied for the patent
Some specs on the Motorwagon’s power plant:
– Rear mounted horizontal engine with vertical crankshaft
– Belt primary drive and final transmission to the rear wheels by side chains
– Displaced 984cc and mustered up .9 horsepower
– Top speed was achieved at 8 mph
– Loud
– Smelly
It was a tubular chassis suspended in place by three large wheels.
Jan 30th 1958 – Rambler American debuts
This was the first car created by American Motors Company (AMC). The company was formed by the merger of Nash and Hudson. The American for 1958 was only built in a 2 door with one engine option, the 195.6 cu in (3.2 L) flathead, that producing 90 hp. There were a couple trim options the base or Deluxe and the Super.
The American was produced in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, South Africa, Australia and Iran.
Jan 31st was a big day in automotive history with the debut of Pontiac’s 2 door Custom Safari (1955)
Who doesn’t love a two door wagon?!?!?!?!
Rarer than the Chevy Nomad, the Safari was produced as the Star Chief Custom Safari with 3,760 made and as the Chieftan 860 “Colony” 2 door (two or three seats): 8,618 in 1955.
These sported the 287 V8 engine and were topped with 2 or 4 barrel carb.
Jan 31st Studebaker/Packard debuts the Clipper (1957)
Frankly this car was a mess! Actually it was just a Studebaker with Packard tail lights, bumper and instrument panel, fitted with stamped overlays for body panels. Referred to as Packardbaker, these were not well received. They did use the 289 (4.7 liter) engine from the Golden Hawk, which produced 275 hp. Also came in a wagon version.
Thanks for reading.
Tim
#AutoFactoids
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Thanks for sharing these fun car factoids this week! Seems like the Motorwagon was an early example of what cars can do.