One of the AVCO board members "happened" to be on the board of "American LaFrance" which "happened" to be in New York (elmira) and told of the 1MM dollar V12 engine design and tooling that could be acquired from Lycoming CHEAP.Īmerican LaFrance bought the Auburn design, and although updated and modified, is essentially an "Auburn" 12ĪLF built these engines until 1956. The future was "Airplanes", and if you didn't like that, you know where the door is. In 1937 the Cord Corporation went 'tits up'.Ī group of New York investors bought a few "things"from the bankruptcy auction- Lycoming,Stinson Aircraft, and Century airlines (you DID your homework right?) This was called "AVCO" (aviation company of america) The board at AVCO did'nt give two shits about the auto business, in fact they directed Lycoming to cease production of auto,marine, and industrial engines. Engine Harmonic Balancer For 1998-2003 American LaFrance ALF Eagle Dorman 1999 (Fits: American LaFrance ALF Eagle) 255.34. The 12 cylinders were built in 32,33, (and some) 1934 Auburns. For 1998-2003 American LaFrance ALF Eagle Engine Harmonic Balancer Dorman 1999 (Fits: American LaFrance ALF Eagle) 256.36. The Auburn 12 was ready for the 1932 model year! Unfortunately, what had seemed a "bump" in 1930 had become "The beginning of the end" by 1932 Duesenbergs could lug down to 5 mph in high gear! Also keep in mind that Gasoline was 'poor' octane wise, and cars were around 4.5:1 compression ratio. A smooth running 12 or 16 cylinder could "lug" the car around without having to downshift (often). The Aristocrats in the rear very much disliked the city traffic, and especially the start and stop 'jerkiness' that came with a non synchro transmission. Also many of these high end classics were chauffeur driven "Town car" type automobiles. The V12's built by Auburn, Packard,Marmon, Cadillac, and Pierce Arrow were not built so much for power (stay with me now) but for being SMOOTH in operation. had his boys proceed on a multi-cylinder 'luxury' v 12. In 1930 Auburn spent 1 million dollars designing their V12 engine.(400K on engineering, 600K on tooling) 1931 was Auburn's BEST YEAR ever! There were many people that thought that the 1929 Crash would just be a "Bump" or "correction" so E.L.
Cord.( I could go on for days about him, but if you are interested, you will research it yourself.) "Cord' owned over 100 different companies notably "Lycoming" (engines) "Central Mfg" (bodies) and "Columbia Axle" He also owned "Duesenberg motors" (Fred and August ran it) Instead of derailing the 'pic of the day' thread I have decided to post more info here in a new thread.Ī bit of history 1st- The Auburn Automobile company was part of "Cord Corporation" Headed up by E.L. The company also converted from outdated chain-drive to more efficien bevel gear shaft drive propulsion for its motor fire apparatus.Hi all-I have received many positive comments on the V12 pics that I have posted. The 240-horsepower 312-A engine also permitted American LaFrance to market its first high-capacity 1500 gallon-per-minute pumpers, the first two of which were constructed for New York City.ĭuring the early to mid-1930s, American LaFrance abadoned its long-favored rotary gear pump in favor of a single-stage centrifugal pump purchased from the Buffalo Steam Pump Co.
AMERICAN LAFRANCE V12 ENGINE SERIES
With the new V-12, American LaFrance replaced the 1929-1931 Master Series with a new 300 Series.
The first production American LaFrance V-12 pumper was delivered to Winfield, Kansas, in August, 1931. This engine is known for blowing head gaskets and we’ve redesigned this head gasket to strengthen. Pictured are our high temperature composition head gaskets with copper fire rings, and grommetted water holes. We make a complete engine gasket set for the American LaFrance V12 engines. Actually two six-cylinder engines shring a common crankshaft, the 312-A engine had an extremely narrow bank angle of 30 degrees. American LaFrance model F, and model J V12 engine gaskets.
With four-inch bore and five-inch stroke, the big V-12 displaced 754 cubic inches and delivered an impressive 240 horsepower. Designed for the unique requirements of the fire service, the 312-A engine had been under development at Elmira for more than three years. In 1931, American LaFrance astounded the fire service - and the rest of the fire apparatus industry - with its surprise announcement of a V-12 engine.