Test drive people and cars: three American models of large blocks
Test Drive

Test drive people and cars: three American models of large blocks

People and Cars: Three American Large Block Models

Cadillac DeVille Cabrio, Evasion Charger R/T, Chevrolet Corvette C3 - 8 cylinders, 7 liters

Large V8 engines with a displacement of seven liters and an output of at least 345 hp. power (according to SAE) has turned many American classics into legends. These are the Cadillac DeVille Cabrio, Dodge Charger R / T and Corvette C3, which we will present to you along with their owners.

Michael Lai had no choice - he had to accept the fact that his fate determined the big V8 engine with a displacement of 7025 cubic centimeters or 429 cubic inches in the American system of measurements. However, he doesn't seem to be particularly disappointed by this fact. As he drives down the road in his red and infinitely long DeVille Cabrio, the wide beaming smile above his chin shows the satisfaction of being with his imposing Caddy. Two meters wide, five and a half meters long and now completely at my disposal.

Like the first VW 1200, all 1967 Cadillac models - from the "small" DeVille to the huge Fleetwood Brougham 5,8 meters long and weighing 2230 kg - are driven by one engine. In order for the luxury brand to outperform the standard Chevrolet models in these dimensions, Ford and Plymouth installed a 345-hp seven-liter engine. (according to SAE) seems like a perfectly reasonable solution. However, at first Michael Lai did not pay much attention to this. “After a string of juvenile timers, I wanted to finally get a real classic – and if possible, a big, comfortable six-seat convertible, or better yet, painted bright red,” said the 39-year-old mechanical engineer. After all this, you somehow subconsciously turn to the Cadillac brand.

Caddy with the face of a Diplomat

And yet, who to choose? Michael has been targeting the DeVille Convertible since 1967. The strict form of the front end with pairs of vertically positioned headlights was borrowed from the first Pontiac TRP, and later transferred to the Opel Diplomat. The narcissistic, over-inflated, finned monster from the 50s is not one of Michael's favorite cars. "I love the straight lines and clean surfaces of the sixties Cadillac." They, in turn, further emphasize the sheer size of the convertibles of the time.

The large V8 engine, with 345 SAE horsepower at a relatively moderate 4600 rpm and an all-powerful 651 Nm of torque, sent to the wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission, is the best foundation for a comfortable ride and looks confident even today. ... This is especially true for the driver, because in the six-way electrically adjustable front seat and armrest, the passenger or passengers unconditionally obey the needs of the person behind the wheel. How about a built-in light at the front of the wing that illuminates the street you're about to turn when you press the turn signal lever?

Although it was not a priority for Michael, now the V8 engine is the main culprit in the pleasure of the trip. “He drives the car forward elegantly and effortlessly. The tight character of the torque is immediately felt. The weight and size of the car is almost non-existent with this bike.” As long as it's wide enough, intercity passing maneuvers don't make the driver sweat. Despite the dimensions, the body is clearly visible and even allows you to park in city garages. And yet, in the name of the health of this brilliant machine, the latter should be refrained from.

Although it is 40cm shorter than the DeVille, the same goes for the upcoming Dodge Charger R / T at Faith Hall. The 5,28-meter-tall, black 1969 coupe once belonged to the middle class of the United States. On the other hand, the uncompromising 8 liter (7,2 cc) V440 engine is categorized as "full size" and thus gives the model full muscle car status. Along with models such as the Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396, Buick GSX, Oldsmobile Cutlass 442, Plymouth Roadrunner and Pontiac GTO.

With its qualities, the Charger not only provides such qualifications, but also becomes the object of attention of Faith Scholl, who has long dreamed of such a model. The 55-year-old manager of a refrigeration company is a big fan of classic models with a high level of recognition. “Those that can be recognized from a distance of 50 meters.” The large V8 engine enhances the feeling of authenticity. Apparently, this nuance is also one of the favorite philosophical elements of Scholl's automotive faith, who has both a 1986 Jeep Grand Wagon and a 1969 Corvette in his garage. Jeep boasts all the '60s-inspired chrome trim and handcrafted wood paneling inspired by Woody models, while the Corvette has the iconic 5,7-liter V8 engine. "I liked my cars, but I definitely missed something - the American badge with the big block V8."

Please only Triple Black Factory

Acquired in April 2016, the Dodge Charger R/T fills that gap again. After a long search, Scholl found a car in the Netherlands in perfect condition with Triple Black Factory equipment: black paint, black vinyl dashboard and black leather upholstery. The coupe has been in the United States as a family property for 43 years and has been serviced and serviced regularly. “This car grabbed me. Everything on it is in original and near-perfect condition. Only in this way can the Charger express a unique combination of luxury and sportiness,” Feith said of his new toy.

440 cc SAE Magnum engine CM and 380 hp Goes very well with the Charger's aggressive looks and is suitably complemented by the highly acclaimed R/T Sport Package, which includes round wood-veneer dashboard controls and separate front seats. , stiffer dampers and twin tailpipes that soften the look. If the base charger is enough, you'll have to settle for the 5,2-liter 233-horsepower SAE engine. In general, however, a wide range of equipment and powertrains were introduced, including six V8 engines - in addition to the aforementioned base, three more versions: a 6,3-liter, one 7,2-liter and the legendary seven-liter V-valve Hemi.

Quite naturally, the majestic Magnum V8 has no problem with a fairly light, from today's point of view, body weighing 1670 kg. Although the car is equipped with significantly wider than standard tires, at every sharp start of a traffic light, they leave solid black stripes on the pavement. And when it rains, a relatively lightly loaded rear axle has the same traction as ice. “On those occasions, I stay at home,” Feith said. And every time he goes down to his garage for a bottle, he admires his Charger R/T again and again.

Like him, Michael Langen feels pure joy when he sees his Big Block corvette. This is the main happiness the Corvette brings to the deeply intoxicated motorist. “I remember a man driving a yellow Corvette C80 on the highway next to me in the 4s in the United States. His face radiated such incredible happiness. " This picture is deeply engraved in the memory of the 50-year-old businessman, and 30 years later he materializes the dream of memory.

Corvette, Charger or Mustang

For Michael, his love for classic cars is the natural evolution of his love for motorcycles, and he once shared this idea with his wife Anya-Maren. “Things like this should be discussed with the woman next to you,” he said. Although they both share the same passion for America and visit different states almost every year, their interest is focused on only three specific models - the Charger, Corvette and Mustang. The winner was a 3 Chevrolet Corvette C1969 with a seven-liter V8 L68 engine (427 cc), producing 406 hp. SAE and four-speed manual transmission. A close friend finds the family's dream car near Los Angeles, painted in a delicate burgundy red. He then traveled to Stuttgart via the Panama Canal.

With enthusiasm, Michael describes the virtues of his Corvette and argues for the right choice - at that time no European manufacturer could offer a car with 400 hp. And it's an amazing Coca-Cola bottle design with removable top and rear glass. And also something that many people don't know about: "The three Apollo 12 astronauts who landed on the Moon on November 19.11.1969, 11, 8, a few months after their Apollo 68 brethren, received a thank you from General Motors Corvette with a seven-liter VXNUMX. LXNUMX engine.

And if we talk about spacecraft or rockets, then here are a few numbers - 406 hp. according to SAE, weight 1545 kg and four-speed manual transmission. And yes, the passenger next to Michael, deeply integrated into the seat of the Corvette, feels like a jet. And when the senior pilot applies gas, the car rushes forward with the inexorable acceleration of the F-104 fighter. However, the movement becomes stable and direct only when shifting from first to second gear.

A small disadvantage of the car with V8 engine, three two-chamber carburetors and manual transmission according to its owner is the discomfort when driving in urban conditions. To help comes a dark green Chevrolet Chevelle Coupe bought three years ago in 1970 with a 5,7-liter Small Block V8, which Michael drives in such conditions. A small side effect of this is the reduction of fuel consumption by as much as ten liters to an acceptable 15 l / 100 km.

Conclusion

Editor Franc-Peter Hudek: Three so happy with their car owners. Nowadays, this would be a joy for any manufacturer. Although they have the power of big block engines, their owners are anything but "racers" or traffic light posers. In fact, they are well-informed people who love wine, who want to have the best in their cellars and share every drop with friends and connoisseurs.

Text: Frank-Peter Hudek

Photo: Karl-Heinz Augustin

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