Practically Classics Forum

90bhp isn't what you'd call an impressive specific output, I wonder whether it has enough torque to make up for its absence of power?

I read about that car in a NECPWA newsletter some time ago but that piece didn't mention anything about the engine spec. Is it a Rover V8 with a severe lack of compression and a very, very worn camshaft? I'm struggling to imagine how you'd get so few horses from something that big. Unless of course it's a Californian engine from the depth of the "anti-smog" era.

So how about another one? I'll post something if nobody else has come up with a suitably obscure motor by sunset today!

How about this then?



It was built in 1916 and, as the number plate suggests, is American, although the name of the manufacturer would suggest otherwise.

Has the looks of a 'Mercer 35 Raceabout' to me

Maybe, but it's not.

Its grille puts me in mind of a McFarlan, but I'm not sure. Is it one of those?

Is it a steam car or is that just radiator steam / exhaust getting blown forwards?

Dunno , but Wayne would send it to auction

1904 Packard ?

JPB wrote: 90bhp isn't what you'd call an impressive specific output, I wonder whether it has enough torque to make up for its absence of power?

I read about that car in a NECPWA newsletter some time ago but that piece didn't mention anything about the engine spec. Is it a Rover V8 with a severe lack of compression and a very, very worn camshaft? I'm struggling to imagine how you'd get so few horses from something that big. Unless of course it's a Californian engine from the depth of the "anti-smog" era.

Err it was a Russian kit car powered by an engine from one of those copied american cars

IF not a Packard then Mercedes Simplex 28/32 HP 1904 to 09?