Hemi Muscle Cars celebrates the 70th anniversary of one of the most
game-changing engines in American automotive history. Riding in a Hemi
muscle car is like being shot out of a cannon—a feeling captured in this
book! Hemi Muscle Cars is the complete illustrated story of the
legendary engine and the cars it powered. Author Darwin Holmstrom
explores how Chrysler's Hemi engine became the number one choice for
drag racers and stock car racers across the country, campaigned to great
success by drivers like Richard Petty, Don Garlits, David Pearson, Sox
and Martin, and more. In 1950, Chrysler debuted a potent
high-performance overhead-valve V-8 engine. Originally called the
FirePower, it would soon be better known by the name “Hemi.” Intended to
power Chrysler’s luxury cars, the Hemi found a higher calling:
humiliating its competitorson the street and at the race track. On top
of learning how the Hemi engine came to be, you'll also see how the Hemi
remained the engine to beat on the street, stuffed into some of the most
desirable performance cars in automotive history: the ‘Cuda, Road
Runner, Charger, GTX, and Challenger, to name a few. The Hemi made such
a lasting impact that Chrysler revived it as the top engine for the
twenty-first century Challenger and Charger. Today, Hemi is a household
name, known to enthusiasts and consumers alike, often imitated, never
duplicated. Having found its way into both sports cars and luxury cars,
you'll often hear: “Hey, has that thing got a Hemi in it?” This book
answers “yes”…and offers the full exciting story! In 2020 Dodge
celebrates the Hemi's 70th anniversary with "70"-branded engines and
specialty models. The Hemi continues to define American performance
through revived models of the Dodge Charger, Challenger, and
world-beating Hellcat. Anniversaries present excellent promotion
opportunities among enthusiasts, Motorbooks’ primary customers.
