Hemi: The Ultimate American V-8 - Softcover

Hemi. One little abbreviated word that can set the pulses racing of many American car enthusiasts - especially those of us with a leaning towards Chrysler products of the mid-to-late Sixties. Although the word is understandably associated with massive power outputs, all it actually refers to is the basic shape of the engine's combustion chamber (hemispherical). The first hemi produced by Chrysler in 1951 produced just 180bph! Not bad for the time, but of course in 1966 when the legendary "street hemi" was introduced, horsepwwer went throguh the roof. Chrysler couldn't be touched on the racetrackes, either... Here, author Robert Genat attempts to tell us the whole story behind all of Chryslers Hemi motors form 1951 when the frist 331 cu.in came out, throguh the Sixties which saw the awsome 426 "Street Hemi" and right up to the pesent day "Base Hemi" and the "SRT8 Hemi". Despite some initial reservations about this book I actually rated it. The photogrpahy is good and well balanced between sharp, modern shots of well-preserved cars and motors, and some atmospheric black-and-white shots from back in the day...it will make a good addittion to the bookshelf of the general American car buff. --Classic American magazine, January 2008