13 replies to this topic

[Ray Bell]

Found 'several years ago' in an Argentinian paddock...



Any ideas on what it might be?

I've asked the guy for pics of the chassis, it has a Ford V8 engine (of the pre-ohv era).

[cosworth bdg]

Ray, what year is the flathead ford v8? .cheers Peter N.

[Ray Bell]

I think it might be an old one, Peter...

Actually, from that part of the world, it might well be a Chrysler side valve V8, mightn't it?

I'll ask.

[cosworth bdg]

Ray, did chrysler make a side valve v8 engine??

[Ray Bell]

Indeed they did... but they didn't design it...

It's all coming back to you now? I'm sure it is... started life as Ford GB's own little V8, then Ford France made a few changes and started producing it. The design then went to America for an economy V8 for their market.

When Ford sold out to Simca, the V8 engine plant went along with the deal. Making both small and large engines, the large ones going into Simca-built trucks and military vehicles. Late in the fifties Chrysler bought Simca, so they then owned the plant making side valve V8 engines.

In the sixties they sent the patterns and other machinery to South America, where they continued making the side valve V8s in 2350cc and slightly larger sizes, later buying in the rights to the Ardun heads to update the design in the late sixties.

Look up Chrysler Esplanada...

[cosworth bdg]

Ray, you are correct in what you are saying, the car was sold here as the Simca Vedette. I know someone here who has layed several of those engines to rest on the local dump in the last year.................. ........

[Ray Bell]

I know several people who'd be chasing that person with guns in hand if they knew who they were!

Vedette engines are keenly sought these days...

[cosworth bdg]

Ray, I will keep that in mind for the future, too late for these examples unfortunately...............................................................

[Ray Bell]

I don't know... these guys might have shovels...

Which tip? Which part of the tip?

Do you like that picture?

[cosworth bdg]

Originally posted by Ray Bell
Indeed they did... but they didn't design it...

It's all coming back to you now? I'm sure it is... started life as Ford GB's own little V8, then Ford France made a few changes and started producing it. The design then went to America for an economy V8 for their market.

When Ford sold out to Simca, the V8 engine plant went along with the deal. Making both small and large engines, the large ones going into Simca-built trucks and military vehicles. Late in the fifties Chrysler bought Simca, so they then owned the plant making side valve V8 engines.

In the sixties they sent the patterns and other machinery to South America, where they continued making the side valve V8s in 2350cc and slightly larger sizes, later buying in the rights to the Ardun heads to update the design in the late sixties.

Look up Chrysler Esplanada...

Ray, might give some group N competitors a fright , looks good in the picture you posted......

[Pablo Vignone]

Ray, regarding the wrecked car, did you know the photo'date or something about? I did not saw that car racing as long as I remember

[Ray Bell]

I wouldn't say it's been raced in over forty years, Pablo...

I've had no contact with anyone over it, just found it on the net with the question, 'what is it?'

I have sent an e.mail, I will post here if I get any kind of informative reply. Thanks for taking an interest.

[ian senior]

Bit of an oddity, that Chrysler Esplanada. The front end with its stacked lights is not unlike some USA Ford cars of around the same time.

Did Ford themselves never use the old flathead V8 in their Brazilian (or Argentine) cars? What about that ex-Willys Itamaraty thing - did that stick to former Willys engines?

[Ray Bell]

Chrysler also stacked the headlights like that...

I have no idea about your other questions, though I'm sure the flathead Ford V8 was readily available.