Dan, Tom Senter's 1971 Ardun White Paper(Three Parts) says the first
four sets came to Speed-O-Motive in '49(?) and retailed(?) for $500. In
another place he reports that in '55 C.T. Automotive advertised the last
few sets for "$375, down from $500" in Hot Rod Magazine. The ad also
included the availability of "six sets for V8-60".
Tom Senter's Ardun White Paper, despite a few errors, remains a valuable
legacy to Ardun lovers for all time. Ardun Doug has it reprinted in his
collection of period Ardun literature he has for sale. So does Robert
Whitehead.
I would encourage everyone who can to get into the Ardun. It combines
the charm of the flathead with aluminum head hemi technology still
current today after 50 years. Lotta people have run them and still run
them, it's still a practical proposition and I believe it always will
be. Once you get over the financial pain of the original acquisition of
your heads, the rest of the stuff is not too costly, especially if you
stick with FoMoCo parts, which are still abundant. Quality remains,
long after price is forgotten!!
Regards, ArdunBill
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