I've been trying to find a bit more info on the Coleman front-drive specials. Not a whole lot at this point. Coleman was a Littleton CO.company that built 4x4 trucks and front drive systems to convert trucks to 4wd. No doubt these hill climb specials were adapted from their existing truck front drive units. The engine was likely the Buda 6cylinder commonly used by Coleman in its trucks.
I'll never tell. The Unser's didn't do too bad in 1929, the #4 driven by Joe Unser came in second at 19:07.2. The #5 car driven by Louis Unser came in 5th at 13:34. And #6 came in 6th at 20:42.4. In 1930 Coleman fielded a front drive Indy car, the only part that was Coleman was the front drive, the majority of the rest of the car was a Miller. Mr. Coleman was interested in producing passenger cars, there's a good article over at Old Motor on this.
Front-wheel drive? That's an interesting way to do it.
ReplyDeleteI've been trying to find a bit more info on the Coleman front-drive specials. Not a whole lot at this point. Coleman was a Littleton CO.company that built 4x4 trucks and front drive systems to convert trucks to 4wd. No doubt these hill climb specials were adapted from their existing truck front drive units. The engine was likely the Buda 6cylinder commonly used by Coleman in its trucks.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking these were either garage made innovations, or L29 Cords.. darned if I know. You think they are Coleman's, how come?
DeleteAh geez, the painted words on the hood. Dang, I shoulda noticed that earlier!
DeleteI'll never tell. The Unser's didn't do too bad in 1929, the #4 driven by Joe Unser came in second at 19:07.2. The #5 car driven by Louis Unser came in 5th at 13:34. And #6 came in 6th at 20:42.4. In 1930 Coleman fielded a front drive Indy car, the only part that was Coleman was the front drive, the majority of the rest of the car was a Miller. Mr. Coleman was interested in producing passenger cars, there's a good article over at Old Motor on this.
Deletejust learned, and added photo with info. Graham Paige engines
DeleteThis pic harbours a little info on the engine...
ReplyDeletehttp://schipperhaven.org/journey/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/unser-4.jpg
Thanks! Wow!
Delete