Henry Ford once had a 450hp, V12-engined boat.
Henry Ford apparently had “several” boats during his life, built between 1920 and 1924. This particular one – the last of eight built – is the only one that exists today. It’s also the only one to have been ordered by Henry himself.
It was named Evangeline, after Ford racing driver Raymond Dahlinger’s wife. More so, the story goes that Evangeline was a long-time Ford employee and close friend of Henry’s: she quickly became his personal secretary and was apparently one of the ten most influential people close to the Ford family.
So, that’s the name, let’s talk about the boat. It’s 33ft, and was built over the winter of 1923-1924 by the Hacker Boat Company (again, another lifelong Ford friend), and Ford itself. It featured a wraparound windscreen, louvered deck ventilators and four bucket-seat cockpit arrangement. Said features were wrapped into a bodyshape that today still looks really, really lovely.
Lovely power, too. The engine was lifted from a marine-converted World War I Liberty aircraft engine: a monster 27-litre V12 producing 450hp, and 1,250lb ft of torque. Suffice to say, power wasn’t really an issue.
What became an issue was an incident during the 1924 Gold Cup boat race: one of the eight boats Ford had – the one dubbed ‘Nine Nighty Nine’ – caught fire, and Henry Ford was said to have halted his involvement in boat racing for the time being. The whereabouts of the other seven boats remains a mystery, but Evangeline continued to be used.
Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Most Recent Facebook Posts
Today's cars are more high-performance than ever. Manufacturers are regularly churning out street-legal rockets—packing more than 500 horsepower—intended to pull double duty and dominate at a track day, too. When it comes to testing these vehicles, you need someone who can push them to their absurdly high limits. Welcome to Racer Reviews, where we put real race car drivers behind the wheel. Today's hot shoe is Ryan Lewis, an American Le #horsepower #RacerReviews #RyanLewis #racecar #Today
The 2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE is a 650HP Ferrari Killer - Muscle Car Fan
Today's cars are more high-performance than ever. Manufacturers are regularly churning out street-legal rockets—packing more than 500 horsepower—intended to pull double duty and dominate at a track day, too. When it comes to testing these vehicles, you need someone who can push them to their abs...Dream car! #DodgeCoronet #SuperBee
The #Impala broke the all-time industry yearly sales record in 1965 with more than one million units going out the showroom doors. The ‘65 sales record remains unbeaten to this day. The fourth generation is revised bottom to top featuring a full coil spring suspension to support the new full width perimeter chassis. The green house glass windshield has a sharper angle, no-draft windows reshaped, and the side windows are now frame-less #NorthAmerica #ChevroletCaprice #ChevroletImpala #chassis
Chevrolet Impala 1965-1970 Fourth Generation - Muscle Car Fan
The Impala broke the all-time industry yearly sales record in 1965 with more than one million units going out the showroom doors. The ‘65 sales record remains unbeaten to this day. The fourth generation is revised bottom to top featuring a full coil spring suspension to support the new full width ...We’re looking at a 1973 Buick Century Gran Sport GS Stage 1 in Harvest Gold Paint. The car features a 455 CI engine.
The car's Owner is Phil Roitman. Phil’s had this car since 2005. Phil shares details of his rare Buick. Phil’s car was being judged at this show the Judges scored this car 1000 out of 1000 points for being correct.
I’d also like to personally thank Phil, because 4 years ago he was the very first person to say “yes” to have his car videoed for #HarvestGoldPaint
1973 Buick Century Gran Sport GS Stage 1 in Gold & 455 Engine Sound - Muscle Car Fan
We’re looking at a 1973 Buick Century Gran Sport GS Stage 1 in Harvest Gold Paint. The car features a 455 CI engine. The car's Owner is Phil Roitman. Phil’s had this car since 2005. Phil shares details of his rare Buick. Phil’s car was being judged at this show the Judges scored this carNot many Top Fuel Drag Racers have been friends with and partied with Willie Nelson, but three-time world champion in both the NHRA and IHRA Top Fuel Richard Tharp can say that he did.
He was considered a rock star of the drag racing era of the 70's and was one of the most #colorful drag racers of that time.
He was also regarded as on of the finest pure drag racing drivers around and would race anything on the track and try anything off the #RichardTharp #WillieNelson #Dragster #TopFuel
The Most Colorful Drag Racer,NHRA #49 Top Driver Richard Tharp - Muscle Car Fan
Not many Top Fuel Drag Racers have been friends with and partied with Willie Nelson, but three-time world champion in both the NHRA and IHRA Top Fuel Richard Tharp can say that he did. He was considered a rock star of the drag racing era of the 70's and was one of the most colorful