The engine in Chico's Modified '27 T Roadster was finally fired up.

How many years has it been

This engine is a 183 cubic-inch, 3 liter Chevy V-8. Naturally, it's not something Chevrolet put out. It's a legendary engine built by Fred Larsen.

Fred Larsen originally built this engine with racing partner/friend Don Cummins. The engine size could not be any larger than 183 ci to compete in D class which was one of the two classes they set their sights on for the Streamliner back in the day. The engine originally ran at Bonneville in 1966, with a two-way average of 255 mph.

The Fred Larsen 183 ci is a 307 mph F.I.A. record holding engine*
* In 1992, Fred Larsen joined the 300MPH Club with a record run of 307 mph in the Larsen-Cummins Streamliner using this 3L engine.
F.I.A. (Federation Internationale de I'Automobile)

You knew Mary Lou wanted to hear the first crack and cackle of that engine because it was after 9PM when we called her and she replied with an instant,

Although older now, Mary Lou was in very high spirits, even this late at night.

When the engine was fired up, it looked like this. In the quite of night, the open header, super-charger and alcohol-fed engine really made some noise! Fred used to fire this engine up every year at his own house, that's amazing! His neighbors must have been amazed! The engine sound was recorded too but we'll have to make a video of it and put it up at a later time.

NEXT DAY: The hood for the roadster was made.

This is the bender. Using the same jig used for the frame, tubes were welded in position so that the hood could be hammered into shape.

You can see Chico here, steadily making the section where the grille shell meets the hood.


In over 30 years that I've known this man, Chico still impresses me on his skill and craftsmanship.