Think there was much of a choice of engines back in 1956? Well there were a few for the 1956 Hudson.
As was custom back in the 40’s and 50’s, the engines were often named similar to the model of the car they powered. For the 1956 Hudson, the company had the Hudson Rambler, Wasps and Hornet. The engines followed suit for the most part. There were 5 six cylinder versions and 2 V8s.
The first up is the Hudson Rambler Six. This was an in line 6 L head with a displacement of 195.6 cid. It was a cast iron block with bore of 3 1/8″ and stroke of 4.25″
and a compression ratio of 7.5: 1. The four main bearings, solid valve lifters and 1 barrel Carter Carb (YF model 2009s) combined to produce 120 horse power.
’56 Hudson Rambler In Line Six
The Wasp Six was a In Line L-head 6 cylinder. It to was a cast iron block same compression ratio 7.5:1. Its bore and store was larger than the Hudson Rambler – 3.00 x 4.75 (vs. 4.25) and it manged to displace 202 cid without a change in hp still at 120. The engine came from the factory with a Carter one barrel WA-1 carb (2009s).
The Wasp Twin-H Six was similar to the other Wasp except it managed 8.0:1 compression ratio with the help of the H carb configuration. This consisted of 2 Carter single barrel carbs (WA-1 model 2013s) that helped the 202 cid engine produce 130 hp.
This 1953 Chevy Wagon was bought new by my Grandfather as a delivery wagon for his grocery store. My Uncle and Cousin had restored and maintained it until it was passed on to me. This is the actual first car I remember riding in as a toddler. I was fascinated by the chrome on the dash, and have been a car nut ever since.
After a lot of thought and conversations, I have decided what direction to go with the restoration of the Wagon. At first, I wanted to preserve the original state of the car, but if I did that, it would be dangerous to drive in today’s traffic. In 1953, there were no seat-belts and few other safety devices. I really would like to enjoy the car as it was meant to be…. driving it as much as possible. I would love to build it with a Big Block, but I am realistic so I plan to install the original Corvette engine and transmission from the ’78 Vette. I also want to install disc brakes all around with radial tires. Of course there is creature comforts like air conditioning I want to install. I will keep the original look of the car with a few exceptions like wheels and over-sized tires.
The SEMA Show is the automotive performance industry’s most important yearly shindig—a trade-show gathering of parts manufacturers and car builders representing every kink in the gearhead world. It’s where business gets done, it’s the launching point for thousands of new products, and it has become one of the nation’s most interesting and diverse car shows. The project cars on display are advocates of the newest components and styles in the niches of hot rods, muscle cars, imports, street trucks, and 4x4s.
At HOT ROD, we look at the SEMA Show as an indicator of trends coming and going, and we walk the aisles looking for consistent themes in the creations of car builders nationwide. Here we present the fruit of this year’s hunt.—David Freiburger
A not so small feat was the formation of the LittleMotor Car Co on 10/30/1911 – The Little was an automobile built in Flint, Michigan by the Little Motor Car Company from 1912-15. The Little first was available as a two-seater with a four-cylinder 20 hp engine, and had a wheelbase of 7 ft 7 in (2,310 mm) . In 1914 a 3.6 L six-cylinder L-head engine was available in a later model that had a larger chassis. This was phased out in 1915 as it was too close in size and price to the Chevrolet Six. Durant merged the Little Company and Chevrolet in 1913, gave the Chevrolet name to the Little car and moved manufacturing from the Detroit plant to Flint.
The Little was merged into Chevy in 1913.
On Nov 1, 1955 Studebaker debuted the “Hawk”. – Hawk came in the Power, Sky, Golden, Flight in it’s first production year 1956. Want to talk rare cars? How about the Flight Hawk in the K7 body type – only 560 produced. The Power Hawk numbered 7,095; Sky Hawks 3,050 and the Golding Hawk came in at 4,071.
On 10/14 back in 1965 Oldsmobile (RIP) debuted one of the most advanced cars it every produced. That car was the Toronado. Front wheel drive and stylish looks made this car in the middle of the muscle car, it held it’s own. The first year of production was 1966. The engine was the 425 topped with a 4 barrel Rochester 4GC carb. Its bore and stroke was 4.125 x 3.97 with 10.5:1 compression and lay out 365 hps. It was a muscle car!!!!
1966 Toronado – Kool factor of 8.5 out of 10.
10/14/24 was a huge day the automotive development time line, but no one actually new it yet. That was the day in Allentown, PALee Iacocca was born. Savior of Mopar and instrumental in the success of one of the most important cars in the American auto industry – the Mustang!!!!
What went on in history this week in the world automobiles?
Frank Duryea drove the first car he built back in 1893 and just two years later almost to the day Duyrea Motor Co. Incorporated in 1895.
What was Frank driving?
a one-cylinder “Phaeton”
One year later in March 1896, Charles and Frank Duryea offered for sale the first commercial automobile, the Duryea motor wagon. Two months later, New York City motorist Henry Wells hit a bicyclist with his new Duryea. The rider suffered a broken leg, Wells spent a night in jail and the nation’s first traffic accident was recorded.
Frank went on to win the first car race. A 54 mile event with the winner earning $2000.00.
The racing version!!!
The Duryea brother’s car evolved much like the rest of the cars of the era.
1905 Duryea Tourer
and
The 1913 Model C
Sept 4 was a big day for Ford.
First the founder Henry Ford was born in 1917 and 40 years later (1957) the Edsel when on sale.
