There’s some fine Friday finds on AutoHunter this week. In the automotive world, nothing makes me happier than finding an opportunity to learn about a vehicle, and all the cars selected here offer trivia on something that was new to me.
Do you enjoy automotive trivia too? Then here’s four possible learning moments. And if you think you can offer trivia nugget that few know about, post it below in the comments section.
1967 Chevrolet El Camino
An odd thing about 1966-67 El Caminos is that one could order a 396, but there was no Super Sport model, unlike the Chevelle. Nonetheless, big-block El Caminos received the louvered hood from the Chevelle SS 396. So, if you take a look at the data plate of this car … er, truck, you’ll notice the 2Z accessory code, which means it originally was equipped with the TH400 automatic. That transmission was only available on big-block cars.
That means this El Camino may have been a 396 car originally, either with 325 or 350 horsepower. For now, it features a 350 crate engine of unspecified vintage. Other items worth mentioning include new fenders and paint from a mild 2018 restoration, four-wheel disc brakes, Positraction, and air conditioning. This Chevy would make for a nice driver while you sort out its pedigree.
1938 Ford Deluxe Phaeton
At first, I thought, “This is a convertible sedan, which (unusually for a Ford) tends to be on the rare side,” but this is a Phaeton, a similar but different breed. Phaetons didn’t have roll-up windows, instead utilizing snap-on curtains. Only 1,169 of these were built in 1938, the final year it was available, though the convertible sedan would continue for another year before being discontinued.
At one point, this particular 1938 Ford Deluxe Phaeton was in the collection of famed restoration specialist Dennis Carpenter. These came standard with a leather interior, but neat stuff like a two-speed differential, Isky Racing cam, Fenton tube headers, and hydraulic drum brake upgrade give this stock-looking car a bit of hot rod flavor.
1975 Ford B100 Panel Truck
I immediately noticed the panel truck configuration of this B-100 and thought it may be unusual. Seems my hunch was correct, as it’s a Mexican variant not available in the U.S. Based on the F-150, this Ford de Mexico product was also produced in a Suburban-style version, both with two or three doors. Mexicans call these Fords “Mariachis” because you can seat an entire band.
This two-door panel truck features a 351 V8 packed by a four-speed manual, which sounds like there’s a high fun quotient to be had. Though there are no rear seats for the band, there’s plenty of room for their equipment. Other features include power steering and brakes, and 16-inch Ultra wheels. Throw on a choice 1970s paint job and a primo sound system and “El Son de la Negra” will be blasting in no time.
2022 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Jailbreak
I never really thought about this before, but the Dodge Charger has not followed the path of the Challenger 100%. Sure, there was a Charger Hellcat, but no Demon, SRT Super Stock or, of course, the Demon 170. That means this Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye is the most powerful Charger out there, plus it has been pumped with Widebody steroids. Jailbreak simply means you could order any option like the old days.
Though the Challenger garners most of the attention, cars like this 35-mile 2022 Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye have more practical appeal yet doesn’t suffer from dowdiness like a sedan would suggest. Of course, power comes from a supercharged, 807-horsepower 6.2-liter Hemi, but the complementary options (SRT Power Chiller, Line Lock, and Brembo brakes, among others) certify this as a thoroughbred performance car par excellence.
