The Seville’s solely obtainable transmission was the three-pace Turbo Hydra-Matic 375, a smaller model of the THM 400. Brakes consisted of 11-inch discs up entrance and broad 11-inch drums aft. The reside rear axle came straight from the Nova, but used a comparatively excessive 2.56:1 differential ratio, hydraulic motors types which helped gas economic system. Mileage estimates ranged from 17 to 21 mpg, which for a 1976 Cadillac was phenomenal. Full-sized Cads had been nonetheless turning in single-digit fuel figures.
For the usual 88, the engine had a two-barrel carburetor and an output of 170 gross horsepower at 4,000 rpm. The Tremendous 88 and Ninety-Eight used a 4-barrel carb that boosted horsepower to 185 at 4,000 rpm. Both variations had 20 horsepower more than their 1953 counterparts. Torque for each 1954 Rockets was rated at 300 pound-toes at 2,000 rpm.
An organization press release described it as “an experimental test platform for innovations in the rising recreational field.” However in accordance with AMC historian John A. Conde, Jeep’s new house owners “didn’t know what to do with it, not having the funds to instrument up for such a radical departure from the Jeep CJ.
The revised automobile, known as the King Midget Commuter, used a one-piece fiberglass physique, the thought being to cut back meeting cost. It was powered by the 12-bhp Kohler engine, but now got here with a differential, reportedly from a Crosley. The Commuter was displayed at a couple of exhibits, however the general public reaction to its “dune buggy” styling was negative. Eads tried to license production in Canada. He also arrange a plant in Florida with the thought of exporting the Commuter to different countries. That may need worked, however we’ll by no means know. A fireplace within the plant destroyed the only physique mold, in addition to about a dozen bodies awaiting ultimate meeting. Solely three Commuters were constructed.
The engine stood out because the automotive’s unique function by using the lengthy block typical of the Lampredi engines however with removable cylinder heads like the Colombo engines. The 88 x 68-mm bore and stroke resulted in a displacement of 4,962 cc, so the 500 designation got here from its displacement figured in deciliters. The engine was rated at four hundred horsepower at 6,500 rpm, and the transmission remained a 4-pace with overdrive.