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1989 Dodge Viper VM01 Convertible

Conceived as a modern take on the classic American muscle car, the Dodge Viper is a two-seat sports car, possibly the most powerful production car produced by Dodge.

Production for the Viper began in 1992 at the new Mack Assembly in Detroit Michigan. The Mack Avenue Engine Complex was the original production site from 1992 through 1995.

Opening in 1966, the Conner Avenue Assembly was purchased by Chrysler in 1995 for the production of both the Dodge Viper and the Plymouth Prowler. October 1995 the production for the Viper began.

The home of Chysler’s production of large-displacement V8 and V10 engines, Mount Road Engine was a Chrysler Corporation Automobile Engine factory in Detroit Michigan. In 2002 the plant was closed as production shifted to the Mack Avenue Engine Complex.

The dream behind the design of the Dodge Viper was directly inspired by Carroll Shelby, one of the automotive indsustry’s greatest legends. Building one more ultimate performance car was the vision of the initial designer of the Viper. Far too large and heavy to seriously claim any direct lineage with other compact and lightweigh vehicles such as the ionic AC Cobra, the Viper was an altogether separate design.

1989 Dodge Viper VM01 coupe

Driven as the pace car at the Indianapolis 500, Caroll Shelby had a long career as a driver, owner, team manager, manufacturer, consultant, and visionary before being inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 1992. More than a decade later, he has continued to impact the world of racing and automobile design. A master organizer and team leader, his charisma, vision and ability to know the best person for the job developed his ability to produce consistently impressive results.

Initially conceived in late 1987 at Chrysler’s Advanced Design Studios, the Viper first apeared as a concept to test public reaction at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 4, 1989.

Receiving enthusiatstic public aclaim as orders began to flow before the show even ended, the ‘go’ was given and chief engineer Roy Sjoberg was directed to develop it as a production car.

‘Team Viper‘ was organized by Sjoberg with a handpicked group of 85 engineers that began development in March of 1989. Their primary goal was to construct a vehicle that concentrated on performance above all else. Their benchmark: to go from 0 to 100 back to 0 in 15 seconds.

1989 Dodge Viper VM01- American muscle car

Though 1st generation Vipers were considered by some as a crude ‘kit car’, Chrysler translated this into a vehicle and production line that became the most sought after assignment in the corporation up to that point.
Typical of American performance car design, the Viper had a front-mounted engine driving rear wheels with a curb weight of 3,280lb(1,488 kg) while lacking many modern driving aids such as traction control or anti-lock brakes. In a straight line performance, the Viper completed a quarter mile in 12.9 seconds and had a maximum speed of 164 mph (264 km/h).

The engine produced 400 hp (298 kW) at 4600 rpm and 450 ft·lbf (610 N·m) of torque at 3600 rpm. Due to the long-gearing allowed by the torquey engine it provided surprising fuel economy at a claimed 21 mpg US (11.2 L/100 km) if driven sedately. The body of the Viper was a tubular steel frame with resin transfer molding (RTM) fiberglass panels.

By 1998, 9,500 Vipers cruised the world’s boulevards and racetracks, building a very strong and extremely enthusiastic owner core. Currently there are more than 1,700 members of the Viper Club of America and 27 Viper Clubs throughout the United States.

1991 Dodge Stealth RT Turbo

The Dodge Stealth, is an impressive automobile which boasts sleek styling and brandishes an aggressive shape. These cars incorporate some of the latest automotive technology available today which is put to good use when demonstrating its performance potential. Although often compared to sports cars, the Dodge Stealth is a grand touring 2+2 seater sport coupe which has but one drawback; a weight disadvantage. This, of course, is more than compensated for with ample acceleration and braking power.
Built in Nagoya, Japan by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, the Dodge Stealth is the twin to the Mitsubishi GTO or 3000GT as commonly known in the United States. Although most of the Stealth was designed and built by Mitsubishi, the body styling is unique to the Stealth and was designed by Dodge. The Dodge Stealth is available in Canada and the United States, where the Mitsubishi GTO or 3000GT is not available in Canada but is available in the United States and abroad.

In 1991, its first year of production, the Dodge Stealth was available in four trim levels; base, ES, RT and RT Twin Turbo. It was initially released with these various configurations to satisfy the individual tastes and budgets of a wide range of sports car enthusiasts.

1991 Dodge Stealth RT Turbo coupe

In 1991, its first year of production, the Dodge Stealth was available in four trim levels; base, ES, RT and RT Twin Turbo. It was initially released with these various configurations to satisfy the individual tastes and budgets of a wide range of sports car enthusiasts.

The base Stealth powertrain, which was available until 1995, is a 3.0-liter, SOHC, 12-valve V6 that produces 164 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. The Stealth ES, which was available until 1993, and the R/T increases that level of performance with a 3.0-liter, DOHC, 24-valve V6 that delivers 222 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. A 3.0-liter DOHC twin turbocharged V6 with 320 horsepower (300 horsepower for 1991-1993 models) does 0-60 mph in a very impressive 5.3 seconds.

The Stealth R/T Turbo model is equipped with a 6-speed Getrag manual transmission (5-speed Getrag pre-1994). All other models come standard with a 5-speed manual transmission. Available as an option in all models except the Stealth R/T Turbo is a 4-speed automatic transmission which features driver controllable Power/Economy modes.

Safety features include the availability of anti-lock brakes as either standard or optional equipment across the entire Dodge Stealth lineup. The Stealth includes standard driver-side air bags in all models made to date and passenger-side airbags in all models produced after 1993. The Dodge Stealths comfort and convenience features include standard air conditioning (switched to R-134a in 1994), an available tailgate wiper/washer, power windows and door locks, speed control, a security alarm, and a remote key-less entry system which became available in 1993. Front low-back bucket seats with recliners and height adjustment are standard on all Stealth models. Leather seats are optional on R/T and R/T Turbo models.

1991Tunned  Dodge Stealth RT Turbo

The Stealth R/T Turbo is the most often talked about model in the media. With an impressive list of standard equipment and features, its quite easy to see why. Over various production years, this model is or has been a twin turbo charged, twin inter-cooled, all-wheel driven, four-wheel steered assembly of metals, plastics and leather with triple mode electronically controlled suspension and dual mode active exhaust. Depending upon year, it pumps out between 300-320 horsepower with between 307-315 lb-ft of torque and there is still room for the kids!

In late 1995, it was announced that the Dodge Stealth would no longer be produced after 1996 due to the rising value of the yen and slow sales. A 1996 model was not available in Canada and production was very limited in the United States. All told, this car is destined to become a collectors item for automotive enthusiasts

1994 Dodge Venom Concept  car

1994 Dodge Venom sports car

1994 Dodge Venom Racing car

1964 Dodge 330 Lightweight Superstock Muscle car

1964 Dodge 330 Factory Lightweight (aluminum front end), Bob Harrop and Crescent Dodgeoriginal factory Super Stock car, showing 49 miles on the odometer and original interior, restored to original race condition by Rick Demarco, 426 Max Wedge engine by Jerry Stine, paint and lettering just as raced in 1964, this is the real deal factory lightweight sponsored by Dodge driven by ‘Harrop the Arab’ multiple magazine features.

1964 Dodge 330 Lightweight Superstock Retro car

1964 Dodge 330 Lightweight Superstock Sports car

1958 Dodge Coronet Exotic car

This 1958 Dodge Coronet Super D-500 Convertible was offered for sale at the 2007 Sports and Classic Car Auction presented by The Worldwide Group, in Hilton Head Island, SC where it was estimated to sell for $125,000 – $175,000. It was offered without reserve, which was a rather daring move considering the value of the vehicle. This car is outfitted with the Super D-500 V8 engine that displaces 361 cubic-inches and produces 325 horsepower. There is a torque flight automatic transmission and four-wheel power drum brakes.

Virgil Exner’s design influences were prominent in Chrysler Corporation vehicles during the mid-1950s, as evident by the finned cars that took the market by storm. The Chrysler C300 was created to satisfy NASCAR homologation purposes, and variations of this masterpiece would continue for more than ten years.

At the Dodge and DeSoto marques, only slight changes were on the horizon. The Adventurer was given a dual quad setup similar to the C300 and offered superior performance to most other cars on the road. For Dodge, their D-500 was their performance pinnacle that kept its owners smiling a quarter-mile at a time. Above the D-500 was the Super D-500.

The Dodge D-500, Plymouth Fury, and Desoto Adventurer were introduced in 1956 with the D-500 being the most rare. These super performance machines were not ‘add ons’ or dealer options, but a model in all respects. The D-500 was given a heavy duty suspension, larger exhaust system, larger and lighter brakes, limited paint colors and schemes, special high performance engine and more. The result was astonishing, as the 1956 D-500 set or broke a total of 306 race records.

1958 Dodge Coronet retro car

In 1949 Dodge introduced the Coronet which was the top trim level offered by Dodge. It was similar to the Meadowbrook models in many respects, deviating in their interior appointments and minor differences with trim. The base level four-door sedan bodystyle was offered for under $1930. The top of the line version was the two-door station wagon which had seating for six and cost $2865. An L-head six-cylinder engine produced just over 100 horsepower could be found under the hood. A three-speed transmission with Fluid-Drive was standard equipment.

For 1950 the Dodge Coronet continued to be Dodge‘s top-of-the-line vehicle. It still was very similar to the Meadowbrook; it include all of its features plus added addition chrome trim on the wheels, rear fender guards and was adorned with the ‘Coronet‘ name proudly displayed on the exterior of the vehicle. Little changed for the following year. For 1952 the eight-passenger sedan was no longer offered. In 1953 the Dodge Coronetincorporated an air scoop on its hood. Under the Ram hood ornament could be found the word ‘Dodge V-8‘ for the eight-cylinder variants. The Hemi head overhead valve V8 engine was capable of producing 140 horsepower. The six-cylinder unit produced 103 horsepower.

In 1954 the Coronet name was used on the intermediate trim levels. Chrome trim could be found throughout the exterior of the vehicle including a chrome strip that ran along the middle of the body. In script letters, the name ‘Coronet‘ could now be found on the sides of the rear fenders. The base price for the four-door six-passenger sedan was $2110. The top of the line bodystyle was the four-door Sierra with seating for six and would set the buyer back $2695. The Coronet made an appearance at the Indy 500 where the convertible body style was the official pace car.

In 1956 the Dodge Coronet was restyled and grew by six-inches, became wider, and now sat closer to the ground. They were now the base trim level for Dodge. Both the six and eight cylinder engines now produced more horsepower. The eight-cylinder unit was capable of 175 horsepower. Tri-colored paint schemes were not uncommon. In the front was a new grille that was divided intro two separate openings. The parking lights were incorporated into the grille. The windshield was a classy wraparound design. Sales were very positive as the public agreed with the design and the vehicles mechanical abilities. Riding on the wings of success, Dodge made the wise decision to not mess with the design for 1956. The side trim and taillights were slightly modified. Tail fins could now be found protruding from the rear. A push-button transmission was now offered as optional equipment. This technology had been borrowed from Chrysler and proved to be rather popular with many.

1958 American retro car-Dodge Coronet

In 1956 the Dodge Coronet was restyled and grew by six-inches, became wider, and now sat closer to the ground. They were now the base trim level for Dodge. Both the six and eight cylinder engines now produced more horsepower. The eight-cylinder unit was capable of 175 horsepower. Tri-colored paint schemes were not uncommon. In the front was a new grille that was divided intro two separate openings. The parking lights were incorporated into the grille. The windshield was a classy wraparound design. Sales were very positive as the public agreed with the design and the vehicles mechanical abilities. Riding on the wings of success, Dodge made the wise decision to not mess with the design for 1956. The side trim and taillights were slightly modified. Tail fins could now be found protruding from the rear. A push-button transmission was now offered as optional equipment. This technology had been borrowed from Chrysler and proved to be rather popular with many.

In 1956, Dodge created a true ‘sleeper’ car. The Coronet D-500 appeared to be similar to other Coronet‘s but hidden under the hood was a 315 cubic-inch V8 that could pump-out 260 horsepower. It was able to go from zero-to-sixty in under nine seconds. One of the rules to compete in NASCAR was that at least 500 identical models had to be produced. The Coronet D-550 was a purpose-built vehicle intended for the NASCAR circuit. It featured a 315 cubic-inch Hemi V8 that produced 285 horsepower. In addition to a larger engine, the suspension, tires, brakes, and transmission were all modified to create a highly competitive, very effective muscle car / racing machine.

The Coronet was again restyled in 1957. Dodge began incorporating its ‘Forward Look’ design. The wheelbase grew, as did its length. The car was lowered and now sat even closer to the ground. One of the most recognizable features were the large tail fins. The front headlights were placed below headlight ‘brows’. A chrome strip ran the entire length of the vehicle on both sides. Chrome trim could be found throughout the vehicle, encompassing lgihts and grille openings. The base engine was the L-head six-cylinder engine that produced 138 horsepower. Eight-cylinder engines were available.

Picture of 1958 Dodge Coronet classic retro car

In 1957 the D-500 was replaced by the D-501. The ’500′ series was a high-performance option offered on all series. The Coronet D-501 featured a 354 cubic-inch Hemi V8 that produced 340 horsepower. Only 101 examples were produced. The suspension was updated to include torsion bar front suspension and a rear, heavy duty shock absorbers and leaf spring suspension.

The grille and headlights were the most significant changes for the Dodge Coronet for 1958. The headlights were now quad units. Dodge focused on improving the engines, which they did, with all engines of the ‘wedge’ single rocker head design. The top of the line engine was the 361-cubic-inch V8 with fuel-injection which was capable of an astonishing 333 horsepower. The Dodge name could be found in block letters along the front edge of the hood.

In 1959 the Dodge Coronet was given even larger fins. The brows over the headlights became even more exaggerated. They grew in length, width, wheelbase and were lowered, closer to the ground. A 383-cubic-inch V8 engine was available which produced 345 horsepower in its Super D-500 format. The buyers were treated to an extensive list of options, one of them being the Swivel-Seat option. The seat, with the push of a lever, could swing out to meet its occupant. Another option offered by Dodge was the self-leveling rear air suspension called LevelFlite. The name ‘Dodge‘ could be found in block letters on the trunk lid. The ‘Coronet‘ name was in script and appeared on the front fender.

The Coronet name did not appear on a Dodge vehicle in 1960. It re-appeared in 1965 as a mid-sized muscle car featuring a 426 cubic-inch Hemi engine that produced 425 horsepower. It was now an intermediate-sized vehicle. The bodyshell rested on a 117-inch wheelbase. The base trim level for the Coronet was outfitted with a 224-cubic-inch six-cylidner engine. The Dodge name was proudly displayed in block letters across the front of the hood. The Coronet name was in script along the front fender tip.

1957 Dodge Regent Retro car

The Dodge Regent for 1957 was the Canadian version of the Dodge/DeSoto dealers’ version of the Plymouth Savoy. It used the Savoy’s seat upholstery, door panels, instrument panels, and exterior trim. The engine was a 303 cubic-inch V8 unit with a 4-barrel carburetor producing around 240 horsepower. Other engines available include a 318 Cubic-inch V8 with dual four-barrel carburetors.

1957 Dodge Regent Classic American car

1954 Dodge Wayfarer convertible

In February, 1949 Dodge introduced the Wayfarer series. There was a 2-door with a rear seat, a 2 passenger coupe, and a Sports Roadster. These three body-styles sat atop a 115 inch wheelbase. During the initial year of production, 9,342 coupes were produced. Total production of the Sport Roadster was 5,420 examples and 49,054 sedans. The Wayfarer was a low-priced vehicle in the Dodge line-up. The sedan sold for $1,756 and weighed 3,180 pounds, the coupe sold for $1,629 and weighed 3,065 pounds. The roadster could be purchased for $1,745 and weighed 3,145 pounds.

1954 Dodge Wayfarer Roadster

The vehicles featured a 230 cubic-inch Flathead 6 cylinder engine that produced 103 horsepower. It came standard with a 3-speed transmission and was void of a radio or a heater. The lifespan of the clutch was extended by fluid coupling between the engine and the clutch. A ‘semi-automatic’ transmission was available as optional equipment. On the Sports Roadster the windows were side curtains that could be stored behind the passenger seat when not in use. Roll-up windows replace the curtains during the later part of 1949.

1954 Dodge Wayfarer Classic Cabriolet

1954 Dodge Firearrow Classic car

Created by the exquisite American car designer Virgil Exner, the Dodge Firearrow was introduced in 1954 as part of a four part series and built by Ghia of Turin, Italy. The Firearrow II and Firearrow IV; ‘Dreams’ are the only two convertible Firearrows in the world. There were a total of four vehicles built between 1953 and 1954. The bodies of these vehicles were constructed at Ghia using the chassis of stock 1954 Dodge convertibles.

A true roadster, the Firearrow I was painted red and gray with a yellow interior with maroon piping. The first model had dual headlights and the wheels were full wheel covers with body side molding that wrapped all the way around the car. The Firearrow I featured exposed exhaust pipes, two on each side that rode low on the car’s flanks. An additional touch of Italian styling was featured on a wood-rimmed steering wheel.
Today the vehicle is on display at Petersen’s Museum.

1954 Model of classic retro car-Dodge Firearrow Concept

The 1954 Firearrow II was also a true roadster that was painted a subdued yellow color. Very similar in appearance to the Firearrow I, the main difference was that the body side molding didn’t wrap around the car, but ended at the headlamps and taillights. The modified version of the original vehicle, the Firearrow II retained the mockup’s two-place seating and striking frameless windshield. The full hub caps were also replaced by chrome-plated wire wheels and new single headlights replaced the dual. The split bumper was also changed from the Firearrow I and replaced with a more aggressive ‘mouth’ horizontally bisected by an uninterrupted bumper. The toothy look was achieved by five vertical design elements on the bumper.

A 2-seater Sport Coupe was introduced in 1954, the Firearrow III, also called the Firebomb. Much more civilized than the original Firearrow, the III was painted a light metallic blue. With racer/flyer Betty Skelton behind the wheel at the Chrysler proving grounds, the Firebomb clocked at 143.44mph, set a women’s closed-course record. The dual headlights were brought back on this third edition along a concave grille cut with narrow verticals. The Sport Coupe featured a hardcore element with its wraparound backlight. Crash protection both front and rear was supplied by modest bumperettes.

1954 Dodge Firearrow Roadster

Also dubbed the Firebomb, the Firearrow IV was a stunning red convertible 4-seater, that featured black and white diamond interior. Basically a convertible version of the Firebomb, the newest edition is now in the Blackhawk collection as a black vehicle with black and white ‘tuck’n Roll’ interior. Both the yellow Firearrow II and the red Firearrow IV, the last of the collection have received honors at Meadowbrook and Amelia island Concours d’Elegance. These vehicles sold for $1.1 million each.

Chrysler unfortunately made the decision not to proceed into production. These vehicles are but a great moment in automotive history and the only survivors of the early series of Chrysler concept cars.

1954 Ford Crestline Retro car

In 1952 the Crestline convertible earned the name ‘Sunliner‘. The Ford Crestline Sunliner was selected as the Official Pace Car of the Indianapolis 500 race in 1953. In 1954, the major update to the Crestline Skyliner was the two-door hardtop which featured a glass roof. In 1955, a new body arrived on the scene, while the wheelbase grew to 115.5 inches. The 1955 Ford line continued to remain suitably large. The plexiglass roof was still offered for the Skyliner, but only on the Crown Victoria model. In 1957, the Crown Victoria Skyliner was replaced by the retracting-roof hardtop Skyliner.

Characterized as having ‘Thunderbird elegance’, the Fords of 1959 were introduced with a whole new ideal of style. An incredible amount of stainless steel and chrome body trim, these vehicles also had exquisite three tone cloth pattern interior trim.

True customizing began in the 1950′s, and it was an art in which individual touch shone through the design. The aviation influence of the previous decade was utilized by Ford, and the appealing trend moved towards the new obsession, the Space Race. Throughout the years of Galaxie evolution, the 1959 Galaxie was a well-received vehicle from the start. Though it wasn’t chosen as often as the early post-war Fords, the 1952 Ford Crestline Sunliner had a body shape very similar to the new-for-’49 model.
The Sunliner, at over 79 inches wide, topped the 1960′s Galaxie range, which was now larger and all-encompassing. New development ideas were being inspired during NASCAR racing that would transform from the handling and suspension of the vehicle. A concave grille and a single side crease were updated on the Sunliner, which eventually morphed into horizontal fins at the rear of the vehicle. The option of a detachable hardtop roof was also available, though most buyers opted for the electric folding top.

1954 White retro car Ford Crestline

Another available option was the Police Interceptor tune, which had 401 bhp, while the base form model had a 300 bhp V8. The ever-changing world of motor design was moving quickly during the early 1960′s, and the Ford Sunliner only debuted a year before getting a total redesign and update.

Able to achieve a top speed of 122 mph, the Ford Galaxie Sunliner could reach 0-60 mph in 9.5 seconds. Weighing a total of 3,792 lbs, the Sunliner utilized a 3-speed auto transmission with a displacement rate of 390 ci (6,930 cc). The Galaxie range consisted of 6 models during its introductory year, the Galaxie Club Sedan, Galaxie Town Victoria, Sunliner Convertible, Skyliner Retractable, Town Sedan and Club Sedan. All six models showcased their own range of ornamentation, trim and tractable tops that folded into the trunk.

Various available options on the 1950 Galaxie range included power windows, brakes, steering, front seat, Flying Eclipse Hood Ornament, Sunray multi-colored wheel covers, deluxe rear deck antenna, visored spotlight mirror, and air conditioning. Engine sizes were offered in a variety for the Galaxie range that included the 292 V-8 with 200 horsepower, 332 Thunderbird, the 352 Thunderbird Special (at an astounding 300 horsepower), and the 223 Mileage Maker Six Cylinder at 145 horsepower. The available transmission options were also all-encompassing, including a three speed convention drive (with an overdrive option), three speed Cruise-O-Matic Drive automatic, Formomatic Drive two speed automatic and overdrive.

1954 Ford Crestline Convertible retro car

Updated in 1960, the Galaxie now featured completely new body lines, the same body design as the 1960 Fairlane. The exterior ornamentation and interior trim offerings were the main differences between these models. These new design enhancements were marketed by Ford as having increased stability, due to the added five feet apart between the wheels for better cornering. In this year, the Galaxie was available in 5 various engine options that ranged from the 223 cubic inch Mileage Maker Six Cylinder to the 352 Super V-8 with four barrel carburetor (rated at 360 horsepower). Three speed manual transmissions, optional Fordomatic Drive two speed automatic, and the three speed automatic were available as transmission options for 1960 Galaxies. The Galaxie was available in 13 Diamond Lustre Finish paint colors.

The following year showcased a brand new sculptured award-winning design on the 1961 Galaxie lineup. Centro per L’Alta Moda Italiana, for ‘functional _expression of classic beauty’ was awarded by the International Fashion Authority for the 1961′s stunning bulleted grill and rear panel design. Besides having several station wagon models, the range included the Sunliner Convertible, Starliner Hardtop, Club Sedan, Town Sedan, Town Victoria and the Club Victoria. 1961 Galaxie models were available with a plethora of available options and features.

1954 Ford Comete Monte Carlo coupe

The Comete was a personal project of Francois Lehideux, a designer formerly with Renault. In 1950 Ledhidex took over as the president of Ford. He decided that his newest prestige model should be developed independently of the Ford organization, and to do this, he chose Facel-Metallon to undergo this project.

The Comete project was designed in complete secrecy by Daninos in Italy without even the Ford‘s own design studio ever knowing until the Comete was unveiled at Biarritz in August 1951. The Comete didn’t even carry the Ford badge. In an stunning tribute to the advanced pressing and welding techniques of Daninos, the Comete featured beautifully proportioned line that were built on a Ford Vedette floorplan.

1954 Model of Classic car-Ford Comete Monte Carlo

The Comete featured a severe elegance in its silhouette that was offset by huge steel bumpers, and later, a large egg-crate grille. A ribbed stainless steed dashboard and door handles were displayed on the interior, along with an impressive jet-age three-spoked steering wheel. The steering wheel was a tribute to Daninos work on aircraft design..

The Comete came with a single, horizontal bar across the grille with a chromed shield of bullet in the center, very similar to contemporary Studebaker products, along with steel wheels with chromed hubcaps. The engine was originally taken from the Vedette, and its meager 60bhp unimpressed buyers. The Comete was considered to be unreliable and underpowered with its small engine, though the looks and features drew admiration from onlookers. By 1953, the power was increased to 80bhp, and driving was shifted through a 3-speed column change manual gearbox.

1954 Model of red Ford Comete Monte Carlo retro car

The new Comete ‘Monte-Carlo’ model was introduced in 1953, and received a 3.9 L V8 engine that was normally fitted only to Ford trucks. The engine delivered 78 kW (105 hp) and featured plenty of torque. The public wasn’t a big fan of the new engine, as it was not only known as a ‘truck engine’, but its large engine displacement meant its tax horsepower that was rated at 22CV, making for high road taxes. The ‘Monte-Carlo’ model came with a fake hood scoop, wire wheels, and a typical Ford egg-crate grille. This vertical and horizontal equally spaced bar grille was called a ‘coupe-frites’ or a ‘french-fry cutter’ by the French.

Under the hood was a 3.9 liter V8 Ford Mistral engine that produced 105bhp. This model was capable of 95mph, despite an increase in weight.

A total of 2,165 Cometes were produced during its production run, with 699 of them being Monte Carlos.
Ford SAF was taken over by Simca during the Comete’s production, and for 1955, the final year for the Comete was produced under the Simca name.