Tag Archives: Edsel

Auto Factoids for Week of Sept 2nd

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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.

1958 Edsel Corsair – Really..I don’t think they’re ugly.

 

Just few days later in 1954 Ford began producing the Thunderbird.

 

1954 T-bird

 

And finally for this week Sept 8 (or the 21st???)1903 was the day Preston Tucker was born in Michigan.  Best known for his car:

Way Kool!!!

But little known for his:

 

Armored Car and………….

 

…this fighter plan – The Tucker XP-57

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

 

Engine Line-Up: 1960 Edsel

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The Edsel.  Name sake for Henry’s son.  Touted as “ugly” and a failure.  I disagree.

I think they were great and I plan on own one at some point. ( I was pretty close earlier this  year – just missed one at an auction.)  There is just something about tooling around in one of those  large and long 4 door land yacht.  Anyway..one day I will, if I just borrow one for a week.

So in the last year of the Edsel what engines were available?

The car came in 4 configuration, body-wise.  A 2 door sedan, a 2 door convertible; a 4 door sedan and 5 door wagon, but only two engine options.

Your two choices were of the V8 and straight six variety.

Ford‘s 292 was the V8 power plant .  It sported overhead valves, an iron block and hydraulic lifters.  The compression was ratio 8.8:1 and with a bore and stroke of 3.75 x 3.60.  It came with a 2 barrel carb – model B9A9510-A.  Interesting the block and heads were painted black and the value covers and air cleaner were red.

There was the option inline (straight) 6 cylinder.  That too had overhead valves and an iron block.  Bore and stroke was 3.62 x 3.60 and compression ratio 8.4:1. It displayed 223 cubic inches with 145 horse power.  It was topped with a 1 barrel carb, model B9A9510F.   It had the same paint scheme as the V8 but was considered a “delete” option in the Rangers series.

223 Straight (Inline) 6 cylinder with the proper paint scheme

Add 2 more cylinder and buy an extra can of paint for additional valve cover and you'll have this 292 with the proper paint.

Thanks for reading.

Tim