To show off their new hemispherical combustion chamber V8 engines, we’re told Chrysler built three cutaway models in 1953 for display to the public and media. And, we’re further informed that only one was constructed to have moving parts and this is it. Previously in a museum, this cool bit of automobilia is in Odessa, Florida, and is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $22,000. This is a great tip from T.J., but if you bought it, what would you do with it?
Chrysler’s new “FirePower” Hemi V8 engines were introduced in 1951. The first one displaced 331 cubic inches and by 1953 it was Dodge’s turn, and the motors were dubbed “Red Ram” with an output of 140 hp from 241 CI. The compression ratio was 7.1:1, a far cry from the 426 Hemis of the 1960s and 1970s. This type of engine had been successful in racing up to that point, and it wasn’t until Chrysler developed their program that they were found in regular production automobiles.
The seller stresses “to my knowledge” in his/her description of this interesting “man cave” find. It operates off of a household 110V current and was previously part of a collection. The speculated history of the device was developed through conversations with racer “Big Daddy” Don Garlits who is a self-proclaimed authority on the subject. It’s mounted on a rolling stand and is named and numbered.
While this oddity is said to be 1 of 1, there were two others built, but neither of them are working models. One is supposed to be at a college and the other in another museum. If you’re a true gearhead and have been looking for the consummate item for your rec room, would this fit the bill, and would you pay the lofty asking price to own it?
Don Garlits could probably build you one for the same amount of money!
If you can get it to run on the left bank, they make good air compressors
When I spent a summer baling hay we had a towable compressor that had a
Chrysler flathead six that ran on three cylinders and compressed air on the other three. They had thick leather gloves to handle the nozzle because the air was very hot coming out. We used it to blow out the accumulated hay from the nooks and crannies of the machinery. Good memories,
Intriguing as it is, and I love things from the past, especially things automotive, that’s a chunk’a change for a conversation piece. If it was in a museum, it needs to go back. Not sure what there is in the way of Chrysler museums anymore, but there’s the Walter P. Chrysler Museum, I think in Hayes City Kansas, seems like anyway, been a while since I’ve been there. Actually, maybe Ellis Kansas, hell I can’t remember lol, somebody refresh me.
There’s the Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood Home and Museum in Ellis KS.
Remember the invisible V8 engine model when you were a kid? In retrospect I think I’ve seen enough. Even if it cost less money, it would be kind of pointless. Good luck on finding the rest of that engine.
Ha! Good one, and yes, I do. I built 2 as a kid. For the record, it was “visible” V8. They were generic OHV motors, and the 1st one was poor, and never worked right, the 2nd one years later, had improved starter, for rotating, but the spark plugs that were supposed to flash never worked either. Kind of funny, my daughter got me another couple years back, it sits on my shelf awaiting assembly. The “new” version is a belt driven OHC motor, that eliminated the pushrods and rocker arms that were a problem too and no flashing plugs. The visible V8 led to other projects, like the visible woman, if you could sneak it in the house, that is.
I built one of those when I was a kid and I thought the “firing” being off was because I did something wrong.. apparently I didn’t. It was fun to build though, and it got me hooked on cars and engines.
These are always interesting to watch turn over. When John Deere introduced Generation II in 1973 they circulated quite a few 404 diesel engines that were designated, “Show Only.”
I had a 1/4 scale Chrysler Slant Six that was a cut-away (I believe it was a Revell model). Took me the better part of a year to build it, back when I was ten. Learned a lot about how an engine worked back then.
My boss, being an International enthusiast, has a cutaway 549 V8 which was the center of many displays when the big V8s were introduced in 1955. I don’t know where he picked it up but he turns it on every time he holds an open house. It always attracts attention…
Nice 65 sitting there
Once again, we can thank Hollywood for such a price. Cutaway motors were nothing unusual, Every vehicle maker contracted outfits to make these as promotional items, and probably made quite a few. I’d happen to think a vintage hemi motor would be worth more not cut, the modern hemi, while nothing special, has little, if anything in common with this motor, and I highly doubt modern hemi owners could care less about its roots or what goes on when they push the button. I really can’t understand the value here, but I suppose, another in the proof positive, people with a lot of money don’t know what to spend it on anymore.
I still have my Visible V-8 from the early 1960’s.
A leaky nitrous solenoid can get you the same thing for a whole lot less.
a lot of money for a trinket in the mancave. For that investment I’d buy a real engine and put it in my car!
I retired from Ford Lima Engine Plant. Quite a few of our models had cut away engines, some wound up at the Allen Co Museum. The last of an engine model that ran down the assembly line were signed by all employees and kept also. Don’t know if I would give 22 grand for a cutaway.
This likely was in the Don Garlitz museum in Ocala Florida. I used to go to the museum but haven’t been over in Ocala in 30 years.
I was thinking the same thing. Though I doubt they would’ve let it go if they had it.
Cut-aways are cool…..for about 15 minutes.
$22k?
Keep dreamin’, buddy!