1954 Bolide Deluxe

Bolide Deluxe image

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The Arnolt Bristol Bolide Deluxe 1954 is one of the most intriguing cars produced in the mid-1950s. It was a limited-edition vehicle, with only 130 units ever produced. The Bolide Deluxe model was one of the premium versions, with a list of technical specifications and features that were state-of-the-art for the time.

Starting with the exterior, the Bolide Deluxe was a sleek, low-slung car that channeled the era's fascination with aerodynamics. The body was made of light, durable aluminum, which not only gave the car a distinctive look but also helped to reduce its overall weight. The front of the car was dominated by a large grille with a prominent "ACB" (Arnolt Bristol) emblem. Dual headlamps were positioned on either side of the grille, along with two air vents for improved engine cooling.

Under the hood, the Arnolt Bristol Bolide Deluxe 1954 was powered by a 2.0-liter six-cylinder engine, which was a collaboration between Arnolt and Bristol Cars. Bristol was well known for producing high-performance engines, and the unit used in the Bolide Deluxe was no exception. It was capable of producing 130 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and had a top speed of 120 mph. The engine was mated to a four-speed manual transmission, which gave the driver full control over the car's output.

The Bolide Deluxe's suspension system was also state-of-the-art for the time, with an independent front suspension with coil springs and a live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs. The car's handling was further improved by the use of rack-and-pinion steering, which was a rare feature in the mid-1950s.

One of the most notable features of the Arnolt Bristol Bolide Deluxe 1954 was its braking system. The car was equipped with four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, which were designed to provide superior stopping power even at high speeds. The braking system was further enhanced by the presence of power-assisted brakes, which made it easier for the driver to come to a stop in emergency situations.

Inside the car, the Bolide Deluxe was fitted with leather seats and a wooden dashboard, giving it a luxurious feel. The car was also equipped with a number of technical features, such as a full set of gauges to monitor engine performance, a speedometer, and a tachometer. The car's steering wheel was a spoked design, which added to the vintage feel of the vehicle.

In summation, the Arnolt Bristol Bolide Deluxe 1954 was a beautifully designed sports car that had both style and substance. Its performance specs were impressive for the time, and it featured a number of innovative technical features that helped to set it apart from other cars in its class. Although it was only produced for a short time, the Bolide Deluxe remains a sought-after collector's item for enthusiasts of vintage cars and high-performance automobiles.

Milestones

- 1953: Stanley Arnolt Jr. (owner and president of Arnolt Corporation) visits Bristol Cars in Great Britain and orders 200 chassis and drivetrains to be shipped to the US. - 1954: The Arnolt Bristol Bolide Deluxe is introduced at the Chicago Auto Show. - 1954: Production of the Arnolt Bristol Bolide Deluxe begins, with the first cars assembled in Chicago. - 1955: The Arnolt Bristol Bolide Deluxe earns a class win at the Sebring 12 Hours endurance race in Florida. - 1958: Production of the Arnolt Bristol Bolide Deluxe ends, with a total of 142 cars built.


Technical

• Body style: two-door roadster • Engine: 2.0L 6-cylinder • Horsepower: 130 hp • Torque: 130 lb-ft • Transmission: 4-speed manual • Suspension: Independent front and rear • Brakes: 4-wheel hydraulic drum • Steering: Worm and sector • Top speed: 125 mph • 0-60 mph: approximately 8 seconds • Wheelbase: 92 inches • Length: 167 inches • Width: 68 inches • Height: 48 inches • Curb weight: approximately 2,400 pounds • Production numbers: approximately 142 were built.

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