Re: alfa-digest V9 #94

[Nicky Avery <nicky@domain.elided>]

> Date: Wed, 04 Dec 2002 14:08:24 -0800
> From: Will Owen <nashwill912@domain.elided>
> Subject: BOP V8
>
> Nick Koleszar asked -
>
> "Will, is that the Buick marine V8 that was later sold to Rover in the
> UK?"
>
> Mais oui, you betcha, except it wasn't a marine engine. It was a 3.5
> liter alloy-block-and-head job designed for the Buick Special, the Olds
> F-85 and the Pontiac Tempest.
Sorry, Will, don't think that's quite right. The engine was an iron 215
V8 used in the Skylark/Tempest/Cutlass from 1960 for a very few years
and was already on the shelf when Rover bought it in 1964. It did not
have a reputation for outstanding performance and, at the time, on
learning of GM's tender mercies, many people in Britain thought the
Rover guys had lost their minds. Rover didn't have the money to develop
its own motor but urgently needed to replace the anemic straight six in
the Rover 3 litre saloon (sedan) and the Buick was of the right
dimensions. So, the lads from Solihull, gulped and emptied their
pockets. This would now appear to have been a very wise purchase. In its
way this engine has shown the same qualities of performance, longevity
and evolvability as our dear Alfa V6 (there, Alfa content after all!).

Nicky
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