Buick V-6 powered A/Altered at the 1966 Autorama
Wow. I got this one wrong…really wrong. Initially I thought this altered used a Buick V-6 because I could only make out three exhaust pipes on each side. Then reader Scott Trainor stepped up to let me know that Oldsmobile V-8s only had six exhaust ports and the engine in this car was an Olds V8. I was happy to stand corrected, until I discovered the June 1966 issue of Car Craft, which asserts the engine is actually a 391 cubic inch Cadillac. The car was known as “Quick Draw” and was campaigned by John Mujzik and Jim Medley. Well, at least I was partially right…it was a GM engine.
I almost left this photo on the cutting room floor. Not that there is anything wrong with the little altered, but the quality of the photo leaves a lot to be desired. Besides, when you’ve seen one small-block Chevy roadster, you’ve seen them all, right?
Then I counted the exhaust pipes on the engine. Three, not four. That indicates this car is relying on V-6 power, rather than a V-8. Today, that might not be all that exceptional, but there weren’t very many light weight, overhead valve American V-6s to choose from back in 1966. I think the mill must be a Buick 3800. Whatever, I had to publish this photo with it’s interesting powerplant.
I thought it might have been a show rod, but examining the photo more closely, there appears to be a NHRA competition sticker on the cowling, indicating this six banger ran in a NHRA National or Divisional meet somewhere.
I would like to be able to look at the induction system more closely. I can’t tell if there are fuel injection tubes, Stromberg carbs or dual four barrels.
Once again, I ask for help from readers. Anyone have any information on this little Buick powered piece?
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2 Comments
I’m sure you’ve gotten many comments on this car but just in cas you haven’t, the engine in it is an Olds V-8. The center two exhaust ports are siamesed for some unknown reason thus making only three exhaust ports for the bank of four cylinders. Not sure what year olds changed to four exhaust ports but I would guess this engine is from the mid fiftys
Thanks, Scott. I wasn’t aware that Olds built their early V-8s that way. I really appreciate the info. Guess I will have to update the post.