The First Super Sport
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My guess was the Crosley, but seems I am off by 20+ years.
I think DeSoto or Plymouth had a prototype around '61 with that name.
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 51
From: Syracuse NY
It's the 1919 or 1920 Morgan Super Sport, or maybe the 1919 Farman A6B Super Sport isn't it.
http://www.ls400data.com/carpics/ima...port&Year=1920
http://www.ls400data.com/carpics/ima...port&Year=1920
Last edited by dzrick; Mar 7, 2010 at 07:11 PM.
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,817
From: Rowlett, TX
I knew this was a trick question when I replied. Man, that Crosley must have been a really mean Super Sport. Probably had a quarter mile time of about a minute 15 seconds with a top speed of 45. Chris Craft used the Super Sport name in the 60's after it became popular with Chevy.
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 9,482
From: Muskegon, Mi.
1961 Impala SS
1961 Chevrolet Impala SS
(Not 1961!)
Comments: 1961 would be the year that the first true muscle car was introduced, the Chevrolet Impala SS. This would also be the year that Chevrolet introduced its 409 cubic inch V8, the engine that would launch the Big Three auto manufacturers into the horsepower race that would last well into the 1970s. The 409 was actually a response to Ford's new 390 cid engine, which was outperforming Chevy's on the dragstrip. Although it put out "only" 360 bhp compared to Ford's top 375 bhp, those extra 19 cid gave it respect on the street and immortalized in song ("She's really fine, my 409"). Chevrolet introduced the Super Sport (SS) option package, which was optional on the 348 and standard with the 409, which would define Chevrolet performance for many years to come. The Super Sport package, a bargin at just $53.80, consisted of special body and interior trim, power steering, power brakes with sintered metallic linings, full wheel covers with a three blade spinner, a passenger grab bar, a console for the floor shift, and a tachometer on the steering column. The 409 engine came only with the four-speed manual transmission and only one factory axle ratio. Lower axle ratios were available from the dealer and owners could see 1/4 mile times in the high 15s, which was pretty impressive in 1961. Unfortunately, the 409 already came with 11.25 compression and a four barrel carburetor, and due to its wedge shaped combustion chambers was not very easy to improve performance further. But no matter. Although only 142 Impala SS 409s were built in 1961 (and most went to good customers that would run them at the local dragstrips), the legend was born and the horsepower race was on.
(Not 1961!)
Comments: 1961 would be the year that the first true muscle car was introduced, the Chevrolet Impala SS. This would also be the year that Chevrolet introduced its 409 cubic inch V8, the engine that would launch the Big Three auto manufacturers into the horsepower race that would last well into the 1970s. The 409 was actually a response to Ford's new 390 cid engine, which was outperforming Chevy's on the dragstrip. Although it put out "only" 360 bhp compared to Ford's top 375 bhp, those extra 19 cid gave it respect on the street and immortalized in song ("She's really fine, my 409"). Chevrolet introduced the Super Sport (SS) option package, which was optional on the 348 and standard with the 409, which would define Chevrolet performance for many years to come. The Super Sport package, a bargin at just $53.80, consisted of special body and interior trim, power steering, power brakes with sintered metallic linings, full wheel covers with a three blade spinner, a passenger grab bar, a console for the floor shift, and a tachometer on the steering column. The 409 engine came only with the four-speed manual transmission and only one factory axle ratio. Lower axle ratios were available from the dealer and owners could see 1/4 mile times in the high 15s, which was pretty impressive in 1961. Unfortunately, the 409 already came with 11.25 compression and a four barrel carburetor, and due to its wedge shaped combustion chambers was not very easy to improve performance further. But no matter. Although only 142 Impala SS 409s were built in 1961 (and most went to good customers that would run them at the local dragstrips), the legend was born and the horsepower race was on.
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,430
From: Northeast Ohio
The 409 was a boat anchor.
I don't ever hear anybody saying "That thing got a 409?" on Chebby commercials.
I think the first SS was the Superiorus Sportus chariot, raced at the Circus Maximus in 680 BC.
I don't ever hear anybody saying "That thing got a 409?" on Chebby commercials.
I think the first SS was the Superiorus Sportus chariot, raced at the Circus Maximus in 680 BC.
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From: Rural Waxahachie Texas
Ok, since we are playing this guessing game (and I have no idea of the answer) I have a related historical question. Anyone know about the Oldsmobile 1910 Limited? Have any pictures?
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From: Ohio
I think the Limited was one of, if not *the* finest Oldsmobile ever made. Pic on my webpage: http://wmachines.shubes.net/100wm.html
Dan, I'd start a new thread with this.
Dan, I'd start a new thread with this.
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From: Muskegon, Mi.
http://www.antiqueolds.org/ Oldsguy: this might intrest you. I plan on going, as it's not too far from me.
Thread Starter
442=A perfect 10
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 152
From: Cary, NC
Man Dzrick you really dug up an interesting one.....but it must be domestic manufacturer.
If no one else has a clue I will post the answer at 5pm EST.!
Thanks for your responses so far!
GOG
If no one else has a clue I will post the answer at 5pm EST.!
Thanks for your responses so far!GOG
Last edited by GoodOldsGuy; Mar 8, 2010 at 10:57 AM.
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442=A perfect 10
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 152
From: Cary, NC
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,179
From: West Palm Beach, FL
Thread Starter
442=A perfect 10
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 152
From: Cary, NC
Here is your answer!
Some really good guesses.....but the answer is a 1922 OLDSMOBILE SUPER SPORT! See the article and picture below and thanks to all of you who were brave enough to take a shot.
OldsSS.jpg
There is always something new to learn about OLDSMOBILE!
GOG
OldsSS.jpg
There is always something new to learn about OLDSMOBILE!
GOG
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