Facts From Hemi's Hotrod Shop: The D-500 Models (Series Introduction)
by "Da Cruiser"
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Facts From Hemi's Hotrod Shop: The D-500 Models (Series Introduction) by "Da Cruiser" |
To all who of you are interested in the development of the 56 - 61 D-500 models:
These facts are from your friends at Hemi's Hotrod Shop on Lookout Mountain from somewhere in mid-America. Sometimes you will hear Johnny Lorenzo, and sometimes you'll hear from Suzzie Bennett, Johnny's girlfriend. However most of the time you'll hear from me, Da Cruizer.
From time ta time there will be a story about da way it was in da 50s and 60s from da archives of Da Cruizer. For some of yous older guys and dolls you'll be able to remember and relate, but for da younger guys and gals it will be some insight from some guy and dolls dat was dere. So dat da facts help us all understand more about our cars , and I hope da stories bring back some REALLY GREAT MEMORIES.
To start with , the people responsible for the D-500 were as follows:
Danny was hired by Bert Carter in 1953, and became very successful from 1953 to 1955 in their racing tradition, and had alsobrought home checkered flags from Bonneville and Daytona for Dodge. Danny was with Dodge division from 1953 to 1956. The Dodge racing efforts were guided by Danny working with Bill Bogan, chief engineer, and Dean Engal, assistant engineer; Danny was also special assistant to William C.Newberg's staff. That meant an open ticket for the development of the high performance program at Dodge.
Dean Engal became chief engineer in early 1956 at Highland Park. Wally Zierer was general automotive engineer and was a great help in the 1953-55 racing program. Danny Eames "and his brains were an asset to my programs." Bolstered by those early victories and the experience, desire, not to mention the necessity of maintaining Dodge's performance image and competitive edge in the marketplace, the D-500 was born.
The new kids on the block have taken their lead from their big brother, the 1955 Chrysler 300 C. The Dodge D-500, Desoto Adventurer, and Plymouth Fury were all new nameplates for 1956, and were not performance options or dealer add ons. They were models not option or packages. In the next installment we will show you why. So until next time keep the shinny side up.
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