They were using a 1940s engine, mabye a war engine converted. the line could have had inline 6s and straight eights. Cadillac built war engines and transmissions
Given that Ford had the Flathead V8, and small-block OHV V8s would arrive just a bit later, I wouldn't say so.
A V8 would likely have given the car a marketing boost, so unless you see Gavril as struggling, go with the V8. And an I6 in base trims.
Considering that V8s weren't as popular in the early 50 as they were in the rest of the decade i think that it wouldn't fit very well. i'm not saying that they didn't exist (ford flathead, studebacker 232 v8). Even up market models: Buick straight 8, Packard Patrician 400 (straight 8), Nash airflyte Ambassador (straight 6), --- Post updated --- Sure, but it wouldn't have much power. The Ford flathead had 110 hp in '53
I'm quite interested in the I8 engine - especially that distinctive sound - so I'll give it a shot and post how it goes. --- Post updated --- Update : I8 engine model is sorta done (took the Bluebuck I6 and edited it a little). It... doesn't seem to want to fit in the engine bay, slight clipping in the firewall
i have a proposition: why not paint the engine in a nice bright teal color and call it something like the "thunder marshall" (because Gavril seems to have the "Marshall" name in it's history), like the buick fireball 8
Why not give it a cast log exhaust manifold instead of the individual little pipes and also replace the Bluebucks air cleaner for the Burnside 313 V8 larger air cleaner to make it look a bit more "correct" is the only word I can think of
View attachment 675094 Update : I8 engine model is sorta done (took the Bluebuck I6 and edited it a little I love that name! Also, teal could be a very nice colour for the engine, definitely gonna use it! I'll try replacing the manifold. The other components are from the Burnside V8 so I can't say anything, but it's still clipping. Maybe if I make it slightly smaller...
Honestly, the pure uniqueness of a I8 makes it more desirable - at least to me- than a V8. At the time, though, it could be a money saver 8cyl.
Do i hear Packard there? I you're wondering the story continues with a powerful but delicate G8 attached to a smooth but unreliable push-button tranny
It was pretty standard fare for midrange and luxury carmakers trying to present their products as modern.
I feel like that would be a GREAT part for the Buick 8! --- Post updated --- This has to be the most intriguing tranny I've ever seen