Mystery flathead

[51 MERC-CT]

Spotted this on 'Cars that made America' during segment on '49 Ford.
It appears to be an 59 AB with 8BA style distributor on the drivers side.

 

[scicala]

I noticed that too when watching the show two nights ago. At first I though the photo was reversed, but the carb is in the correct orientation, with the hand throttle lever on the left side (driver's side in America).
Don't know if there were front covers made with the distributor on the left side ?

Sal

 

[scicala]

There were quite a few things in that show that weren't very well done, like when they were covering John DeLorean showing the development of the GTO, he was always in around a '62 Buick LeSabre sedan. So either they did very little research or take us as dumb.

Sal

 

[sidevalve8ba]

I think you are right Sal. They figure most of the viewing audience is pretty dumb about automotive history and they could care less about doing proper research.

 

[Ross F-1]

I think you are right Sal. They figure most of the viewing audience is pretty dumb about automotive history and they could care less about doing proper research.

I think the show was produced/written by people who have no clue about history or cars, and are too lazy to do proper research. Every forum I'm on has threads filled with comments about errors in the show. Makes me wonder about the accuracy of their other programs.

 

[weemark]

maybe the engine/dizzy has an angle drive on it?

 

[petehoovie]

I think you are right Sal. They figure most of the viewing audience is pretty dumb about automotive history and they could care less about doing proper research.

I especially liked the '55 Merc with the flathead V8 in it that they referred to as a Chevy....

 

[scicala]

I especially liked the '55 Merc with the flathead V8 in it that they referred to as a Chevy....

Yes, that one especially killed me too, since my first car was a '55 Mercury.

One movie I was impressed with as far as correct car facts was My Cousin Vinny.

Sorry for getting side tracked on the original post.

Sal

 

[51 MERC-CT]

Surprised no one mentioned the much coveted '57 Caddy wheel covers on the Merc.

 

[40 Deluxe]

Could this be some European version of a 59A or earlier? Or a never produced prototype?

 

[Lawson Cox]

History Channel has never been very accurate with car related productions. My 2¢. I prefer Ancient Aliens myself. Very thought provoking.