Carspotting: All Hail King Hemi, #1 Since 1951
Chrysler’s first overhead-valve V8 was the gift to drag racing that keeps on giving in the 21st century. Based on the “double-rocker-shaft” V12 and V16 respectively developed by Chrysler for WWII tanks and fighter planes, the 331-cubic-inch FireDome debuted in 1951-model Chryslers and Imperials (pictured) as America’s most-powerful production engine, making 180 hp despite restrictive… The post Carspotting: All Hail King Hemi, #1 Since 1951 appeared first on The Online Automotive Marketplace.
Chrysler’s first overhead-valve V8 was the gift to drag racing that keeps on giving in the 21st century. Based on the “double-rocker-shaft” V12 and V16 respectively developed by Chrysler for WWII tanks and fighter planes, the 331-cubic-inch FireDome debuted in 1951-model Chryslers and Imperials (pictured) as America’s most-powerful production engine, making 180 hp despite restrictive two-barrel carburetion and single exhaust. Seven decades of nitromethanated hot rodding have since increased output more than fiftyfold, to the 12,000-plus ponies currently claimed by Top Fuel and AA/Funny Car tuners.
Date: Fall 1950
Photographer: Unknown
Location: Unknown
Source: Wallace Family Archive
The post Carspotting: All Hail King Hemi, #1 Since 1951 appeared first on The Online Automotive Marketplace.
