Auto Corporation of America | 1956-60 ACA Corona

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yay I aint ded yet.

https://i.imgur.com/EP91uuk.png

1965-1975 ACA RoadCruiser, ACA Rio Grande, Montpelier Cavalry

https://i.imgur.com/SKbqQBq.jpg
^An advert for the 1965 ACA RoadCruiser

In 1962, ACA began designing the replacement for the Model 60 Corona.Though a 1963 facelift was on the way, ACA designers knew that the Model 60, based on the Model 51 Corona, needed replacing eventually. Initially, the project was called the Corona II, however once the final draft was made, then ACA CEO Kingston Conway infamously noted that “[its] the size of a battlecruiser” and as such, the name stuck with the car being called the RoadCruiser.

https://i.imgur.com/lkLJpZv.jpg

Knowing the RoadCruiser was going to be a behemoth, ACA engineers realised they needed a new engine to drive the car along at a reasonable speed. As such, designed along side the RoadCruiser was one of ACA’s most famous engines, the 440 “Shooting Star” Large Block V8. The large lumbering 7.2L cast block made a respectable 297hp, which mated with the RoadCruiser’s “Power-Shift” 3 speed automatic transmission would send the car to top speed of 141mph and would let the car reach 0-62 in under 9 seconds

https://i.imgur.com/UTIHugT.jpg

The chassis was an all new ladder frame that was more rigid than the old frame found on the Model 60 Corona. While the new RoadCruiser also used a double wishbone front, leaf sprung live axle rear, the suspension was adjusted to be softer and smoother, allowing the car to feel more comfortable than its predecessor. The interior was nothing special for the day, though the higher end trims featured premium vinyl seats matching the colour of the exterior, a premium dash and two spoke wheel and a premium radio.

A popular choice for many, the RoadCrusier would be made up until 1981 with two major facelifts in 1969 and 1975

https://i.imgur.com/NXzDoYo.jpg

1969 Facelift

Updated in 1969, the new facelift ditched the old headlights and grille for a brand new chrome grille and set of hidden headlights. The 1969 facelift also received an update 440 V8 which made more power, 302hp and was slightly more economical compared to the previous generation. The 1969 facelift was also the first ACA model to feature AC as standard.

https://i.imgur.com/baUCv6I.jpg

1975 Facelift

After the 1973 Fuel Crisis, the RoadCruiser was heavily detuned to improve fuel efficiency. In 1975, ACA updated the RoadCruiser for the last time with the new '75 facelift. Externally, a revised grille was added and the hidden headlights gave way to the new standardised sealed beams. Internally, the 440 was heavily redesigned. Modified to run on 91 RON fuel, and fitted with a catalytic converter, power dropped significantly to 212hp. However with the new 4 Barrel Carbutettor and the a brand new “Power-Track” 4 speed automatic transmission with overdrive , the '75 was by far the most fuel efficient model, reaching a combined 9.1 US MPG.

https://i.imgur.com/itRcLmI.jpg

Police Special

Due to its sheer size and power, the ACA RoadCruiser was a popular fleet vehicle, especially with the police. Introduced early on in 1967, ACA produced a “Police Special” package. This included a specially tuned a 440 V8, police tires, police suspension and police shocks. This made the RoadCruiser Police Special a favourite for tuners and hot rodders, who would purchase old used RoadCruisers in police sales to go down the dragstrip with them.

ACA Rio Grande

https://i.imgur.com/XcLvNTR.jpg

Much like the Model 60 Corona before, the RoadCruiser was also sold as a station wagon called the "Rio Grande. It featured the same engine, same suspension and same interior as the standard RoadCruiser, however the Rio Grande had a large rear door to access the back and could be purchased with an extra rear bench. Highly popular with large families, the Rio Grande would see much profit and would be featured in some high profile comedy films, becoming ubiquitous for cross country roadtrips.

https://i.imgur.com/Enh6Wq5.jpg

As with the RoadCruiser, the Rio Grande received multiple facelifts throughout its run, though it did last for much longer, being manufactured from 1965 until 1983, though this was mainly due to the ACA executives believing that a large station wagon was an important segment. The Rio Grande would not receive a replacement after 1983 due to the rise in popularity of the SUV. The name would later be revived for ACA’s large SUV in the 90s.

1969 Facelift

1975 Facelift

https://i.imgur.com/wPW3tfk.png

Montpelier Cavalry

In 1965, Montpelier split their full-size luxury car line into two branches; the regular full-size cars and limousines. With the Crown Cavalry marque being used in the new limousine, Montpelier needed a new name for their latest full-size sedan. As such, the new car would be called the Cavalry.

https://i.imgur.com/K3D1iG3.jpg

Based entirely on the RoadCruiser, the Cavalry was practically the same car. It featured the same engine, the same chassis and almost the same styling, with minor changes to the rear end and a new more “luxurious” grille and extra chrome trim. The real difference between the RoadCruiser and the Cavalry was inside.

https://i.imgur.com/AGhlZpz.jpg

Inside, the Cavalry was nothing like the RoadCruiser. Unlike the premium vinyl seating in the RoadCruiser, the Cavalry had plush luxury cloth and leather seats, AC and heater and a luxury radio set. Suspension was also significantly softened to allow for a much smoother ride. This made the Cavalry one of the most luxurious cars of the time. And since it was practically the same as the RoadCruiser underneath, it also received the 440 “Shooting Star” and could reach 0-62 in under 9 seconds with a top speed of 140mph.

Much like the RoadCruiser it was based off, the Cavalry was updated multiple times with major facelifts in '69 and '75, though unlike the RoadCruiser, the later models of the Cavalry received a very significant change.

https://i.imgur.com/Xybk6hl.jpg

1969 Facelift

Starting from 1969, Montpelier introduced a brand new engine option for the Cavalry, the behemoth, 550CI “Starfighter”. This new engine pushed out 330hp through a 3 speed automatic to the rear wheels. This power gave the Cavarly more grunt compared to the standard RoadCruiser and would later become sought after by hot rodders to tune up the 550 to make even more power. Naturally, the large engine came at a significant cost to weight and fuel economy, which meant that the Cavalry only managed 7.8 US MPG.

https://i.imgur.com/Nlwe9MT.jpg

1975 Facelift

Much like how the 440 "Shooting Star was heavily detuned, so was the 550. Power dropped from 330hp in '69 to a measly 214hp in '75. However, miraculously, even with the larger engine and heavier weight due to the luxury interior, the Cavalry managed to achieve a better combined fuel economy compared to the RoadCruiser reaching 9.3 US MPG. Much like the RoadCruiser, the Cavalry also received a brand new “Power-Track” 4 speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

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45

Those cars are very realistic and appealing.

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It’s a new year, and well what do you know, a lore refresh. Man this happens every 5 months or so. ACA might as well stand for Always Changing AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA…well either way happy new year or whatever and lets restart the lore all over again…third time’s a charm right…right?
EDIT: I just realised it was actually a year go that I made my second take on this car’s lore…what a coincidence.

The Flashy 50s: ACA Corona 1951-1956


An old 1950s magazine advert for the Corona Streamline Deluxe

In 1948, the Model 48 Corona was released with much success. However, the Model 48 Corona was essentially a face lift of the Model 45 Corona, which had started production in 1946. As such, the '48 Corona was quite outdated even when it was released. While sales were still going strong, ACA began to plan ahead for a complete replacement of the '48. That replacement would be the Model 51.

Compared to its predecessor, the new '51 Corona was a lot larger and more spacious. Critics lauded it for its ride quality and comfort. This would be attributed to the new chassis, which was a lot more rigid and stable. However, with the new reinforced chassis and larger size, came more weight. A lot more weight. The old ACA inline 6s and V8s were deemed too underpowered to move this behemoth of a car, as such, two new engines had to be developed: A 226CI inline 6 and a 303CI V8.

The Corona would come in multiple trims, with the lowest trim level being, the Corona Fleetline and the highest being the Corona Streamline Deluxe, as well as multiple body styles, including a two-door sedan, a coupe and a cabriolet. A wagon based on the '51 Corona would also be made and renamed the ACA Rio Grande. Throughout 1951-1956, the Corona would receive minor revisions and facelifts.


from left to right: Corona Streamline Deluxe, Corona Fleetline 2-Door Sedan, Rio Grande and Corona Streamline Deluxe Cabriolet

Meanwhile in ACA’s sister company…

1951-1956 Montpelier Crown Cavalry

As with its predecessor, the '51 Corona would be badge engineered by Montpelier to become the more luxurious Crown Cavalry. Introduced as the ultimate American luxury sedan, the '51 Crown Cavalry wowed the public with an unparalleled level of luxury. The already smooth and comfortable ride of the Corona was further enhanced by Montpelier engineers who tweaked and modified almost every component from the Corona to make the Crown Cavalry as luxurious as it could be.

The Crown Cavalry came in many body styles including a sedan, a coupe, a limo and a cabriolet. Unlike its ACA counterpart, the Crown Cavalry would receive a major face lift in 1953 which updated the styling as well as the interior.

from left to right: 1953 Crown Cavalry, 1951 Crown Cavalry

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The Flashy 50s Part 2: ACA Corona 1956-1960

An old 1956 magazine advert for the Montpelier Crown Cavalry

Restyled as part of an overall 1950s refresh in 1955, the “new '56” ACA Corona was little more than a facelift of the older '51 model. While the chassis remained mostly the same, some changes were made to improve it. The rigidity was improved with the help of reinforcing beams places along the frame and the front and rear suspension mounts were modified for to use the newer improved suspension units developed for the ACA Starfire.

Under the hood, the 303 V8 received an overhaul with an updated version of ACA’s patent “Twin-Power” carburettor which drastically improved reliability with some increases in performance and fuel economy. The 226 straight 6 was also updated, though the Twin-Power option for it was removed and replaced with a much cheaper and economical design. The '56 would also be the first ACA to be fitted with an automatic gearbox

The biggest change from the '51 model was the styling. John Emery, ACA’s lead designer had passed away in 1950 due to health complications. Emery’s replacement was the young designer, Aleichem Ackermann. Many were skeptical of Ackermann’s skills, however the critics quickly warmed up to the young designer when the concept design for the '56 Corona was unveiled in the New York Auto Show in 1955.

The changes made to the ACA Corona would also be implemented on the ACA Rio Grande as well as the Montpelier Crown Cavalry, the design of which would also be drafted up by Ackermann.

Overall, the '56 Model Corona and Crown Cavalry would be best sellers for ACA and Montpelier. While competition from other US manufacturers did impact sales, especially for Montpelier, the '56 Corona would be lauded as one of ACA’s best cars for many years to pass.


From left to right: Montpelier Crown Cavalry, ACA Rio Grande, ACA Corona Fleetline, Corona Streamline Deluxe

*side note, ACA's 50s trim levels go like this: Fleetline->Deluxe->Streamline->Streamline Deluxe->buy a Montpelier. With the Fleetline being a shitspec (for ACA that is, ACA at this point is still kinda premium) and the Streamline Deluxe being equivalent to a Montpelier without the badge or the hefty premium price tag
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