This one really has me stumped - what is it?

[Robert Zambelli]

Found this in my junk box - Black Panther.

Can anyone tell me anything about it? I haven't a clue.

Bob Z.

[De Hill]

Hi Bob,

It's a  race car engine made in california in the late 1940's. The big round lump in front of the venturi houses the flywheel.

Very rare and valuable.

[Bill Gruby]

Hi Bob,

It's a  race car engine made in california in the late 1940's. The big round lump in front of the venturi houses the flywheel.

Very rare and valuable.

  Yup -- thats it -- AMEE page 28 -- Black Panther -- Black Panther Engine Co., LA California -- 1941 -- .607 cu in Has Hassad influence. This one has been modified, that is the wrong venturi. Both the Flywheel and the timer are in that big front end. Repros do exist.

  :Billy G"

[Robert Zambelli]

Thanks, guys.

Looks like an eBay candidate.

Bob Z.

[Garf]

Cad

[dynasoar1948]

Gentlemen,

Good work on the Black Panther.  Can anyone help me with a question involving the Dooling 61 racing engine.

I'm trying to learn the date and serial number of the transition from the early "10-fin" to the later, higher production quantity "7-fin" engine.  There has been discussion of a Vintage Ignition control line speed class, which might use Dec 31, 1947 as a cutoff date for eligible engines.

I don't have access to any references at this time.

Thanks,   Will Stewart

[Bill Gruby]

 Will

 10 Fin  1947 approximately 1000 made. Transition to 7 fins was 1948. Can't tell you anythig much except the 7 Fin had a larger By-Pass and a lighter rod. AMEE page 68 #1 & #2

  "Billy G"   

[Elwyn Aud]

Here's a shot of a Black Panther running out of a tether car.