Fellow Forwardlookers:
I read with much interest the discussion of the horsepower designated for
the various cars. Mr. Ross Roy and his company was responsible for corporate
publicuty and the printing and text of brochures. Being a personal friend of
Ross, a man who started a comparison publication for Dodge vs the competition in
1928 with his brother in Detroit, I am personally aware of how the horsepower
rating was determined.
As an example, in 1954, prior to the introduction of the Forward look 55
Plymouth V8, Mr. Roy was aware that Chevy was going to introduce their
V8. So here is how they bested the Chevy and Ford horsepower ratings. Since they
knew where the Chevy and Ford publications were being printed, they (Ross Ry
including some cohorts) went into the trash bins and pulled out the printing
culls. They made sure that the horsepower ratings were included.
After this mid-night escapade, Ross and his staff met and determined what
horsepower would be placed in their publication (brochure) Bear in mind, the
number was going to be higher than either competitor. Somehow, I remember 177
was he number.
So, the number was semi-realistic with a bit of smudge for posterity.
Sherwood Kahlenberg
P.S. Kudos to Neil and Tim for their discussions and facts.
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