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Automotive American

Global Stories of Transport, Culture & Engineering

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From the Bin to the Road!

Automotive American ·

2025/01/02

History of Parts Bin Engineering in the U.S. Motor Industry “Parts bin engineering” refer to vehicles assembled using components sourced from existing models or a common pool of parts. This approach has been a significant part of the U.S. auto industry, evolving from cost-saving measures to strategic product development. Here’s an overview: Early Years: Standardization […] The post From the Bin to the Road! appeared first on Automotive American.

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All the V-8 Engines You Missed! Hot Rod Powerplants...

Automotive American ·

2024/12/14

By the time HOT ROD tech editor Don Francisco wrote his story “V-8s—From Ford to Firepower” in the July 1951 issue, O.E. developments in the world of V-8 engines were coming fast and furious. With the advent of the Ford flathead V-8 in 1932, the rest of the auto industry seemed largely indifferent to the proliferation of […]The post All the V-8 Engines You Missed! Hot Rod Powerplants From 1932 to 1951 – Johnny Hunkins @HotRod appeared first on Automotive American.

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2000 Ford Mustang Cobra R Walk-Around & History –...

Automotive American ·

2024/12/13

Not only are we at AutoHunter Cinema glad to bring you this look at a 2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R, but we’re also lucky. That’s because Ford’s Special Vehicle Team only made 300 of these instantly recognizable, track-capable beasts – all in Performance Red. Under the Cobra R’s bulging hood is a 5.4-liter V8 […] The post 2000 Ford Mustang Cobra R Walk-Around & History – AutoHunter @YouTube appeared first on Automotive American.

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Barn Found Too Late? 1937 Chrysler Royal Convertible...

Automotive American ·

2024/12/12

This one hurts a bit. At one point not too long ago, a ’30s convertible sedan was guaranteed to be worth restoring, because you could almost certainly break even on your investment. Today, I’m having a hard time seeing it, which is such a shame. While this Chrysler Royal is a 116-inch wheelbase six-cylinder car […] The post Barn Found Too Late? 1937 Chrysler Royal Convertible Sedan – Aaron Toth @BarnFinds.com appeared first on Automotive American.

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Ford Motor Company and the “World Car” Strategy Does...

Automotive American ·

2024/12/11

Ford’s “world cars” program has evolved over the years, shifting to meet global needs and markets. As of 2024, Ford is focusing heavily on electrification and globally shared platforms for its vehicles. Here are key models considered part of Ford’s international strategy: Ford Explorer (EV) – A European-specific all-electric SUV based on Volkswagen’s MEB platform. […] The post Ford Motor Company and the “World Car” Strategy Does it Still Work

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The Ford Variable Venturi (VV) Carburetor

Automotive American ·

2024/12/10

The Ford Variable Venturi (VV) carburetor was an innovative but ultimately problematic attempt by Ford Motor Company to meet the increasing demands for fuel efficiency and emissions control in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Here’s an overview of its rise and fall: The Rise 1. Origins and Goals: Introduced in 1977, the VV […] The post The Ford Variable Venturi (VV) Carburetor appeared first on Automotive American.

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The History of CB Radio in the U.S. Automotive Industry

Automotive American ·

2024/12/09

Citizens Band (CB) radio, a short-range communication system, has played a unique role in the U.S. automotive landscape, evolving from a niche technology to a cultural phenomenon. Origins and Early Development (1940s–1950s) Expansion and Adoption in the Automotive Sector (1960s–1970s) Peak Popularity and Mainstream Use (1970s–1980s) Decline in Popularity (1990s–2000s) Modern Role (2010s–Present) Conclusion CB […] The post The History of CB Radio in the U.S. Automotive Industry appeared first

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The Evolution of Automotive Materials

Automotive American ·

2024/12/08

The evolution of vehicle construction materials in American automobiles reflects advancements in technology, changes in consumer preferences, and regulatory pressures. Early 20th Century: Steel and Wood Mid-20th Century: All-Steel Bodies Post-War Period: Aluminum and Plastics Introduced 1970s-1980s: Lightweighting for Fuel Efficiency 1990s-2000s: Advanced Composites and High-Strength Materials 2010s-Present: Sustainability and Lightweighting The post The Evolution of Automotive Materials appeared

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” DEARBORN HOLIDAY ” 1954 FORD MOTOR CO. GREENFIELD...

Automotive American ·

2024/12/07

Presented by Ford Motor Company, “Dearborn Holiday” (c.1954) is a travelog and promo film that simultaneously highlights the accomplishments of Henry Ford and Ford Motor Company as well as the various tourist sites and attractions around Dearborn, Michigan. The attractions include, most notably, the Ford Rotunda, the Ford Rouge Factory, and Greenfield Village, an outdoor […]The post ” DEARBORN HOLIDAY ” 1954 FORD MOTOR CO. GREENFIELD VILLAGE MICHIGAN appeared first on Automotive

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Henry Ford’s Material Innovation

Automotive American ·

2024/12/06

Henry Ford was instrumental in pioneering innovative materials in automotive construction, driven by his quest for durability, cost reduction, and sustainability. Here are some key contributions: Introduction of Vanadium Steel • What: Ford used vanadium steel in the construction of the Model T. • Impact: Vanadium steel is lightweight yet extremely strong. This […] The post Henry Ford’s Material

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Henry Ford II, A Different Kind of Innovator

Automotive American ·

2024/12/05

Henry Ford II, often called “HF2,” was a pivotal figure in the history of the Ford Motor Company, introducing significant innovations and changes during his tenure as president, CEO, and chairman from the 1940s to the 1970s. Whilst Henry Ford was the great innovator, Henry Ford II in his own way had a massive impact […] The post Henry Ford II, A Different Kind of Innovator appeared first on Automotive American.

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Happy Birthday Model A!

Automotive American ·

2024/12/04

An appreciation from Paul Shinn on the birthday of the Model A Ford, which is also Paul’s anniversary! The post Happy Birthday Model A! appeared first on Automotive American.

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Brand New Zenith Carburetors Available for Model A Ford

Automotive American ·

2024/12/03

The post Brand New Zenith Carburetors Available for Model A Ford appeared first on Automotive American.

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Strangest Automotive Inventions: GM’s Rochester...

Automotive American ·

2024/12/02

Learn more about this crazy carburetor–effectively half of a Quadrajet: the Rochester Dualjet. The post Strangest Automotive Inventions: GM’s Rochester Dualjet Carburetor Or The “Demi-Quadrajet” – @Rare Classic Cars & Automotive History appeared first on Automotive American.

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Carey Loftin Daredevil Car Crash In Los Angeles...

Automotive American ·

2024/12/01

Daredevil Carey Loftin in 1938, don’t try this at home! Carey Loftin (1914–1997) was an acclaimed American stuntman and actor, celebrated for his extensive work in Hollywood over a career spanning several decades. Known for his daring and innovative stunts, particularly in vehicular action sequences, Loftin’s contributions were instrumental in shaping the stunt profession into […] The post Carey Loftin Daredevil Car Crash In Los Angeles (1938) and his Later Career appeared first on

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A Look at the Changes in Automotive Seating Material...

Automotive American ·

2024/11/30

The history of seat materials in the U.S. automotive industry reflects changing technologies, consumer preferences, and economic trends. Here’s an overview of the evolution: Early 20th Century: Leather and Simple Fabrics 1920s–1940s: Shift Toward Fabric and Comfort 1950s–1960s: Vinyl and Modern Synthetic Materials 1970s–1980s: Focus on Practicality and Safety 1990s: Leather’s Resurgence and Technical Fabrics […]The post A Look at the Changes in Automotive Seating Material Over the Years

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Steve Magnante Update

Automotive American ·

2024/11/29

Really encouraging update from Steve, hope to see him back in the junkyard soon! The post Steve Magnante Update appeared first on Automotive American.

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From TAR PITS to SYNTHETICS: The Fascinating History...

Automotive American ·

2024/11/28

Did you know the first motor oil was created BEFORE the internal combustion engine was invented? Heck, oil from tar pits were being used BEFORE the first oil well was drilled. These along with several other fascinating facts about the history of motor oil are revealed in this first chapter on our history of motor […] The post From TAR PITS to SYNTHETICS: The Fascinating History of Motor Oil – The Motor Oil Geek appeared first on Automotive American.

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The AMC Straight Six, a Long Running Story

Automotive American ·

2024/11/27

The AMC straight-six engine, often considered one of the most durable and iconic inline-six engines in American automotive history, has a fascinating legacy. Introduced in the 1960s by the American Motors Corporation (AMC), it remained in production for over four decades and powered a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to rugged SUVs. Origins […] The post The AMC Straight Six, a Long Running Story appeared first on Automotive American.

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Tech 101: How To Cure The HEI Mystery Misfire – Jeff...

Automotive American ·

2024/11/26

The GM High Energy Ignition (HEI) self-contained distributor and coil package is a slick upgrade for any small- or big-block Chevrolet engine over a breaker point ignition. But the HEI does suffer from several little quirks. If you’ve ever removed the cap and rotor from a high mileage HEI distributor, underneath the rotor you are likely to […] The post Tech 101: How To Cure The HEI Mystery Misfire – Jeff Smith @Hemmings appeared first on Automotive American.

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