Automotiva Obscura: The Ford 9 3/8″ Differential

Automotiva Obscura is your (incredibly nerdy) dose of rare, odd, obscure, or otherwise unknown automobilia.

In 1957, Ford introduced what may be the single greatest rear axle ever conceived: The Ford 9 inch. This thing had it all–large diameter ring gear, fully removable pinion and center section, large carrier bearings, and a strong case. Even so, for the 1966 model year, Ford-Lincoln-Mercury engineers tried to up the ante.

Continue reading “Automotiva Obscura: The Ford 9 3/8″ Differential”

Early EFI Chronicles: How the Fastest Car of 1957 was (Almost) a Rambler

Yes, you read that right. The same Rambler run by the miserly George Romney (father of Mitt) was building cars that were somehow simultaneously outdated and on the leading edge of development in the mid-to-late 1950s. Up until 1956, Rambler was known for very inexpensive, low-tech automobiles, equipped with lazy (but reliable) flathead inline six motors. To put things in perspective, by 1955, Ford and Chevrolet each had a line of overhead valve V-8 engines making between 110-180 horsepower that could be had in a car with similar appointments to a Rambler Rebel for just under $2000. Meanwhile the Rambler 196ci flathead inline-six struggled to break the triple-digit horsepower mark.

Continue reading “Early EFI Chronicles: How the Fastest Car of 1957 was (Almost) a Rambler”

Who Am I?

Why should you listen to me? To be honest, maybe you shouldn’t.

The ugly Suzuki and uglier mug of yours truly

So you’ve gotten past the poorly designed WordPress site and managed to accidentally click this link on your way to the back button. While I’ve got you here, I might as well introduce myself.

My name is Dillon, and I am many things: Mechanical engineer, amateur automotive historian, shade-tree mechanic, alcoholic alcohol enthusiast, curler (yes, with the ice and the sweeping and the yelling) and aspiring writer. Cars, motorcycles, and anything else with an engine (and some things that don’t) make me tick.

What you should expect to see from me: automotive history vignettes, articles on the engineering behind your favorite modes of transportation, and maybe some guides or primers on subjects that I find interesting, but might bore you.

Imagine this as a mix between Popular Mechanics, Car Craft, and Road and Track, just without any of the budget, access to press cars, or writing talent. What I do have is enthusiasm, an engineering degree, and lofty ideas about what this blog could become. If nothing else, let this mark the start of bettering myself as a writer.

I hope you’ll follow along too.