A.O. Smith side exhaust car!

[David D.]

I found this Mecum listing regarding a 1966 425hp car interesting!

" A very correct and finely detailed 425 hp L72 engine is the heart of this Bloomington Gold Award winning convertible, but it is also interesting to note that the car possesses another feature that is intriguing all by itself: the body assembly was built by the company responsible for half the Corvettes built between 1964 and 1967, A.O. Smith of Ionia, MI, who also applied its rare Mosport Green finish.
...The matching-numbers L72 engine delivers its signature big-block power through a 4-speed Muncie transmission, while performance is handled by F41 Sport suspension and power steering; factory sidepipeshttp://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_de...8&entryRow=138

It must be the only A.O. Smith car built with side exhaust!

Dave

[Dick W.]

Re: A.O. Smith side exhaust car!

If it is documented, it would be the first

[Stephen L.]

Re: A.O. Smith side exhaust car!

Well, the sidepipes were more than likely built by GM; they just didn't get installed at the factory.
The ad didn't state "factory installed"..... it just implied it......

But what do I know, I didn't even stay in ANY motel last night!!!

[Wayne W.]

Re: A.O. Smith side exhaust car!

The ad didn't state "factory installed"..... it just implied it......

It didnt even go that far.

" factory sidepipes

[Jay G.]

Re: A.O. Smith side exhaust car!

I found this Mecum listing regarding a 1966 425hp car interesting!

" A very correct and finely detailed 425 hp L72 engine is the heart of this Bloomington Gold Award winning convertible, but it is also interesting to note that the car possesses another feature that is intriguing all by itself: the body assembly was built by the company responsible for half the Corvettes built between 1964 and 1967, A.O. Smith of Ionia, MI, who also applied its rare Mosport Green finish.
...The matching-numbers L72 engine delivers its signature big-block power through a 4-speed Muncie transmission, while performance is handled by F41 Sport suspension and power steering; factory sidepipeshttp://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_de...8&entryRow=138

It must be the only A.O. Smith car built with side exhaust!

Dave

Smoke and Mirrors. Popular additions? So was Air shocks, Ansen slot wheels, Keystone Mags, Fuzzy dice for some etc....

[Michael J.]

Re: A.O. Smith side exhaust car!

Well, at least it didn't try and explain a non-original motor as they did at BJ, where they stated the current engine had been "cleverly stamped" with the correct date and VIN numbers to match the car.

[Ronald L.]

Re: A.O. Smith side exhaust car!

The English language is a wonderful tool!

[Paul S.]

Re: A.O. Smith side exhaust car!

I saw that car, too. I watch the auctions just for amusement, to see the cars and think, "if I only had a bigger garage". But I was wondering, is it possible to get Bloomington Gold or Top Flight on a Smith Body side exhaust car? Just curious.

I am assuming on NCRS judging there would be some kind of point deduction (even on a perfect replication of a factory side pipe install) for side exhaust on a Smith Body.

Those auction shows must really be "interesting" for people (not me) who know mid years very well. What I know fits in a thimble and even I laugh at "Top Flight" or "Bloomington Gold" when I can spot things on TV that don't look remotely correct.

[Jack H.]

Re: A.O. Smith side exhaust car!

Remember, there was a time when both NCRS and NCCB were ignorant regarding the St. Louis only restriction on mid-year side exhaust body builds... So, it's quite possible that an older restoration legitimately earned a top honor award that would be hard to repeat with the car's configuration today!

[Michael J.]

Re: A.O. Smith side exhaust car!

I saw that car, too. I watch the auctions just for amusement, to see the cars and think, "if I only had a bigger garage". But I was wondering, is it possible to get Bloomington Gold or Top Flight on a Smith Body side exhaust car? Just curious.

I am assuming on NCRS judging there would be some kind of point deduction (even on a perfect replication of a factory side pipe install) for side exhaust on a Smith Body.

Those auction shows must really be "interesting" for people (not me) who know mid years very well. What I know fits in a thimble and even I laugh at "Top Flight" or "Bloomington Gold" when I can spot things on TV that don't look remotely correct.

Yes, my '66 AOS body car with added side-pipes was Top Flight. I think the total deduct was like 100 pts. or so.

[Larry M.]

Re: A.O. Smith side exhaust car!

Yes, my '66 AOS body car with added side-pipes was Top Flight. I think the total deduct was like 100 pts. or so.

Your exterior and chassis judges were somewhat lenient. Be thankful.

Larry

[Michael J.]

Re: A.O. Smith side exhaust car!

Your exterior and chassis judges were somewhat lenient. Be thankful.

Larry

It was a full 40 pt. deduct for exhaust system and full 30 pt. deduct for rocker moldings and covers, plus a partial for the fiberglas cutting. OUCH! Lucky I had lots of driving miles .