Auto Factoids for the Week of Feb 9, 2014

Here are your Auto Factoids for the week!!!

 

2/10/1942 Pontiac stops producing cars for World War II

Eventually all the U.S. car manufacturers halted production, but many turned to creating something else for the war.  What did Pontiac  make for the war effort?

Pontiac began making an anti-aircraft gun for the U.S. Navy  in its sheet metal plant and produced Bofors automatic field guns for the U.S. Army.

Swedish Designed Bofors

Swedish Designed Bofors

Pontiac also supplied front axles for the M-5 tanks built by Cadillac and air-launched torpedoes for the U.S. Navy.

Air Launched

Air Launched

M5 Tank by Cadillac and parts by Pontiac

M5 Tank by Cadillac and parts by Pontiac

 

2/11/1932 – Ford develops it’s new V8

It as developed from 1926 to 1932 and was known as the ‘fatty’.  Compared to the straight 6’s and the straight 8’s it was. It was a flat head V8, the first of its kind.  Economically produced and was first installed and sold in the Ford Model 18  but the car was referred to as the “Ford V8”

Beautiful!!!

Beautiful!!!

I love the look of these sedans.  (Quit hacking them up!!!)

I love the look of these sedans. (Quit hacking them up!!!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You pony car guys should really appreciate this innovation or else your Mustangs and Camaros would be a lot longer up front!!

2/12/1908 – New York to Paris Auto Race

The race was won by George Schuster driving the Thomas Flyer.

Car that won the first New  York to Paris race

Car that won the first New York to Paris race

2/15/1929 – Graham Hill, British race car driver was born in London.  He raced with Lotus, BRM, Brabham, and Hill

racing teams. Graham didn’t pass his drivers test until he was 24  years old.  He died when he a plain he as flying crashed in England.

 

2/15/1944 – SCCA  (Sports Car Club of America) was formed – I am card holding member.  It’s a great experience

 

Thanks for reading

Tim