1951-1954 PMI Usurper Sabre V8
Introduced in 1951, the Sabre was PMI’s answer on the early 50s restyling of other famous brands such as Ardent and Bogliq. The front grille was inspired by the 1947 V8 Coupe Custom and was typical of aerospace influences in the automobile industry. All Sabres offered comfortable seating for 4 adults and were more than capable to cruise at high speed.
The Sabre was built mainly around a newly developed larger capacity V8 engine, which was basically a bigger bored version of the Universal One-Ten, and which produced with the standard 2-barrel carburator 150 horsepower. This car was called the Sabre V8 Custom, although in reality production was standardized.
A cheaper version, simply called the Sabre V8 was also available, with an updated version of the well-known Universal One-Ten. The newly-installed 2-barrel carburator made sure it produced 126 horsepower.
An exclusive SuperSports version powered by a racing-inspired version of the new larger V8, sporting 2 carburators, was also offered. This was the top of the line trim and the 185 horsepower engine made it one of the fastest American compact coupes on offer.
The SuperSports trim was reviewed in the Motor World Review of August 1951:
PMI Usurper Sabre V8
“…lovely 185 horsepower 318 V8. The Usurper Sabre continues a tradition of performance, making it to 60 in 10 seconds flat, and being able to hit just shy of 119 MPH. While it handles competently, the level of comfort just doesn’t rise to our expectations…”
Pros: Good performance and handling, relatively low purchase price
Cons: Poor comfort, poor safety