Solved: GTE 485 - Sparks-powered MB W154 special of Joel Thorne (1949)

[Oguerrerob]

European engine?

[gte4289]

European engine?

No

[nicanary]

American motorcycle engine?

[gte4289]

American motorcycle engine?

No

[nicanary]

Crosley engine ?

[Oguerrerob]

Italian body?

[oko94]

Built between 1952 and 1957 ?

[fromwien]

Maserati connection?

[gte4289]

Crosley engine ?

No

Italian body?

No

Built between 1952 and 1957 ?

No

Maserati connection?

No

[oko94]

Built between 1957 and 1965 ?

[gte4289]

Built between 1957 and 1965 ?

No, earlier

[pnegyesi]

So, was it powered by an engine made in America?

[gte4289]

So, was it powered by an engine made in America?

Yes

[pnegyesi]

And built in Europe, right?

[oko94]

Built between 1945 and 1952 ?

[gte4289]

And built in Europe, right?

Based on a car that was built in Europe, but the modification/build into what's seen here did not take place in Europe.

Built between 1945 and 1952 ?

Yes, the modification/build happened during that period.

[oko94]

French chassis  ?

[gte4289]

French chassis  ?

No

[oko94]

Italian chassis ?

[gte4289]

Italian chassis ?

No

[oko94]

German chassis ?

[gte4289]

German chassis ?

Yes

[oko94]

Joel Thorne's Mercedes-Benz W154 with Sparks Big Six engine.

[gte4289]

Joel Thorne's Mercedes-Benz W154 with Sparks Big Six engine.

That's it!

Thorne bought the Don Lee Special (Mercedes-Benz W154 chassis W154/9) and, among other changes, swapped out the V12 for an Art Sparks Big Six.

Transition from 1947 to 1949:

[oko94]

Thanks for the point !