Luckily, The Machine was a reasonably good performer. Like the SC/Scrambler, it used the AMX’s ram-air 390-cid V-8, newly souped to 340 bhp. In its journey from concept to reality, The Machine gained a giant hood scoop that served the engine via a vacuum-managed butterfly valve. A Hurst-shifted 4 inch butterfly valve-speed was mandatory and got here with a 3.54:1 axle. AMC’s restricted-slip diff was a $43 option, with a real Detroit Locker and ratios up to 5.00:1 out there.
Ford (and Plymouth) counterpunched with all-new styling for ’57. Chevy had to make do with one other substantial facelift, however it was deftly completed and fairly popular. In fact, this Chevy continues to be regarded by many because the definitive ’50s car. There have been now eight engine decisions, up three from ’56, including no fewer than six 283 V-8s with 185 up to 283 bhp.
New Options, New FunctionTelnack’s European experience additionally confirmed up in commonplace full instrumentation including trip odometer, tachometer, ammeter, and oil-stress gauge. One other «overseas» touch was using steering-column stalks to manage wipers/washers and turn indicators/headlight dimmer/horn; these came from the Fairmont/Zephyr, as did the fundamental dashboard and cowl construction. A third lever (on the appropriate) adjusted a tilt steering wheel, one in every of several new extras.