Categories
IKA
Motor Cars
1950s
Argentina

History

Kaiser Carabela

Kaiser Carabela
Manufacturer IKA 
Production 1958 to 1962
Assembly Santa Isabel, Córdoba Province
Class Mid-size
Body style 4-door sedan
Layout FR layout
Engine 226.72 cu in, 6 cylinders
Transmission 3 speed
Dimensions
Wheelbase 118.59 in, 3010 mm
Length 215.71 in, 5475 mm 
Width 74.86 in, 1900 mm
Height 60.87 in, 1545 mm
Curb weight 3612 1b, 1638 kg

 

The Kaiser Carabela was a car built by IKA in Argentina from 1958 to 1962

History

The Carabela began production on July 25, 1958, and 2,158 cars were made in the remaining months of that year. IKA was also producing Jeep automobiles in Cordoba, assembling 20,454 Jeeps in 1958 alone. With only the state-run utility vehicle maker IAME as a competitor, combined Carabela-Jeep production of 22,612 units accounted for 81 percent of all vehicles built in Argentina in 1958. Many people have questioned the prudence of locating the IKA vehicle factory in distant Santa Isabel, far from ports and transportation hubs, but the main reason is that Córdoba was General San Martn's home province, and he had a close, influential relationship with President Juan Perón.

The "Gran coche argentino," or "Great Argentine Car," concluded manufacturing in 1962 with 15,000 cars built, offering beautiful mobility for Argentina's doctors, financiers, and other notables. In 1960-62, the Carabela shared a stable with an Alfa Romeo 1900 sedan variant known as the Bergantin (another type of Spanish sailing ship) and an Argentine-built Renault Dauphine (badged IKA Dauphine). The Carabela and the Bergantin were replaced in 1962 by Rambler versions licenced from AMC.

PERFORMANCE:

  • FUEL CONSUMPTION: 17.1 m imp gal, 14.2 m US gal, 16.5 100 km
  • MAX SPEED: 93.2 mph, 150 km, h
  • max speed in 1st gear: 31.1 mph, 50 km/h
  • max speed in 2nd gear: 55.9 mph, 90 km/h
  • max speed in 3rd gear: 93.2 mph, 150 km/h
  • power-weight ratio: 31.1 lb/hp, 14.1 kg/hp
  • useful load: 1058 1b, 480 kg
  • acceleration: standing 1/4 mile 18 sec
  • speed in direct drive at 1000 rpm: 19.3 mph

Kaiser Carabela

Technical

  •  

    Kaiser Carabela technical details and specifications (1958-1962)

    ENGINE:
    location front, 4 stroke
    ENGINE CAPACITY: 226.72 cu in, 3707 cu cm
    cylinders: 6, vertical
    bore and stroke: 3.31 x 4.38 in, 84.1 x 111.1 mm
    engine capacity: 226.72 cu in, 3707 cu cm
    compression ratio: 7.3 : 1
    max power (SAE): 116 hp at 3800 rpm
    max torque (SAE): 188 1b ft, 26 kgm at 2000 rpm
    specific power: 31.3 hp/l
    cylinder block: cast iron
    cylinder head: cast iron
    crankshaft bearings: 4
    valves: 2 per cylinder, side
    camshaft: side
    lubrication: forced feed with filter
    lubricating system capacity: 4.8 imp qt, 5.8 US qt, 5.5 1
    carburation: 1 Carter WCD 2807 down draft carburettor
    fuel feed: mechanical pump
    cooling system: water

    TRANSMISSION: driving wheels: rear
    clutch: single dry plate
    gear box: mechanical
    gears: 3 -F reverse; synchromesh gears: II, III
    gear box ratios: (l) 2.571, (II) 1.550, (III) 1, (Rev) 3.489
    gear leverlocation : steering column
    final drive: hypoid, ratio: 4.09 : 1.

    CHASSIS: box-type, long members and cross members
    front suspension: independent, wishbones, coil springs, telescopic dampers rear suspension: rigid axle, semi-elliptic leafsprings, telescopic dampers.

    STEERING: screw and roller.
    BRAKES: drum, servo.
    ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT: voltage: 12 V.

    DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT:
    wheel base; 118.59 in, 3010 mm
    front track: 58.11 in, 1475 mm
    rear track: 58.90 in, 1495 mm
    overall length: 215.71 in, 5475 mm
    overall width: 74.86 in, 1900 mm
    overall height: 60.87 in, 1545 mm
    ground clearance: 8.0 in, 203 mm
    dry weight: 3612 1b, 1638 kg
    distribution of weight: 52 0/0 front axle, 48 0/0 rear axle
    turning radius (between wails): 18.9 ft, 5.75 m

    © Motor car History

Service

  • Kaiser Carabela Service (1958-1962) 

    Engine sump oil: change every 1800 miles, 3000 km

    Gearbox oil: change every 12500 miles, 20000 km

    Final drive oil: change every 12500 miles, 20000 km

    Cooling system capacity: 10.5 imp qt, 12.7 US qt. 12 1.

    Greasing: every 800 miles, 1500 km, 8 points

    Tappet clearances: inlet 0.013 in, 0.35 mm, exhaust 0013 in, 0.35 mm

    Valve timing: (inlet) opens 100 before tdc and closes 60 ° after bdc, (exhaust) opens 55 ° before bdc and closes 10 ° after tdc

    Tyre pressure (medium load): front 20 psi,

    Tyres: 7.10 – 15

    Fuel tank capacity: 14.30 imp gal, 17.16 US gal, 65 1.

    © Motor car History