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Puzzles, Games and Name That Car => Solved AutoPuzzles => 2013 => Topic started by: Otto Puzzell on June 28, 2013, 04:10:32 AM

Title: Ennui #487 - Arnold Birner's 4-port Riley powered Lakes Racer / 1941
Post by: Otto Puzzell on June 28, 2013, 04:10:32 AM
For one point: What is this car, and who drove it?

Only a correct, complete and specific answer will earn a point; tag-on's to other guesses will not. So, be specific and complete!
 
Title: Re: Ennui #487
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 01, 2013, 11:13:58 AM
Up
Title: Re: Ennui #487
Post by: foxawy on July 02, 2013, 01:47:08 PM
European ??
Title: Re: Ennui #487
Post by: foxawy on July 03, 2013, 04:02:33 AM
british ??
Title: Re: Ennui #487
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 03, 2013, 04:13:57 AM
Not from Europe, including the UK.
Title: Re: Ennui #487
Post by: foxawy on July 04, 2013, 04:44:29 AM
it looks pre-war but not by much, early 40's maybe , is it american ??
Title: Re: Ennui #487
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 04, 2013, 05:12:52 AM
Yes; it's from the  USA
Title: Re: Ennui #487
Post by: ropat53 on July 04, 2013, 10:06:27 AM
Ford based, Model A chassis with a V8 engine? That transverse spring rear axle can only be from a Ford.
Title: Re: Ennui #487
Post by: Bill Murray on July 04, 2013, 10:58:48 AM
I am probably totally off base, but.....

The whole thing is hand made from what I can see.
The front end looks as if it could be front wheel drive.
The engine compartment seems to be very narrow from the photo perspective
which could mean an inline 4 or 6 cylinder motor.

Beyond that I am lost.
Bill
Title: Re: Ennui #487
Post by: ropat53 on July 04, 2013, 11:09:36 AM
I haven't a clue what the car is but I don't think it's front wheel drive, the rear wheels are larger that the front ones and have a different tread for more traction? It does seem to have independent front suspension, no transverse spring visible? I guessed V8 because that's what these cars usually have.
Title: Re: Ennui #487
Post by: Bill Murray on July 04, 2013, 11:18:59 AM
Hola Ropat:

A second, and slower, look shows that the car could not be FWD as I suggest as the "housing" I was thinking might make it FWD is too low in relation to the centre of the axle.

As to the engine type, I agree, of course, most of the hot rods of the day were flathead V-8 powered but again, the engine compartment is pretty narrow and there were quite a few 4 and 6 cylinder rods as well.

So, more guessing.  Good Luck!

Bill
Title: Re: Ennui #487
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 05, 2013, 04:34:56 AM
Quote from: ropat53 on July 04, 2013, 10:06:27 AM
Ford based, Model A chassis with a V8 engine? That transverse spring rear axle can only be from a Ford.

I believe it is A-based. Not a V8
Title: Re: Ennui #487
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 05, 2013, 04:35:40 AM
Not front-wheel-drive.
Title: Re: Ennui #487
Post by: ropat53 on July 05, 2013, 09:43:52 AM
Offenhauser engine?
Title: Re: Ennui #487
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 05, 2013, 01:46:51 PM
Quote from: ropat53 on July 05, 2013, 09:43:52 AM
Offenhauser engine?

Not so fancy
Title: Re: Ennui #487
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 09, 2013, 05:34:13 AM
Up once more
Title: Re: Ennui #487
Post by: ropat53 on July 09, 2013, 06:11:48 PM
It seems like the person that drove it may be the clue to solve this puzzle.
Was he or did he become a famous US driver?
Title: Re: Ennui #487
Post by: targhediferro on July 10, 2013, 03:50:04 AM
I think I found it;  is it the Arnold Birner's car, engined with a Ford-A modified by Birner for Donovan Engineering about in 1941? 
Title: Re: Ennui #487
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 10, 2013, 04:14:29 AM
It's Arnie's car alright.

Arnold Birner ran this 4-port Riley powered rig at the lakes in 1941. At the July 20 meet it ran 118.42 mph. Arnold went on to become a pattern maker and did all the engine blocks for Donovan Engineering including his favorite, the D, an aluminum version of Henry Ford's old 4-banger.

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