Tom Hoover

Tom Hoover, known as the “Father of the Hemi,” was born in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, a town about an hour and a half west of Harrisburg. The son of an auto mechanic, Hoover grew an interest for cars at an early age. His first car was a 1952 DeSoto, which sported a Hemi under its hood.

In 1955, Tom Hoover joined Chrysler Corporation, earning a Master’s degree in automotive engineering at the Chrysler Institute.

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Tom Hoover, known as the “Father of the Hemi,” was born in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, a town about an hour and a half west of Harrisburg. The son of an auto mechanic, Hoover grew an interest for cars at an early age. His first car was a 1952 DeSoto, which sported a Hemi under its hood.

In 1955, Tom Hoover joined Chrysler Corporation, earning a Master’s degree in automotive engineering at the Chrysler Institute.

Hoover was one of the Ramchargers’ founding members, alongside Wayne Erickson, Dick Maxwell, Don Moore, Bill Koger, Herman Mozer, and Jim Thornton.

Hoover also became involved with the Lil’ Red Express truck, one of his last projects at Chrysler. He bumped up the 360’s power by adding a “hot” camshaft out of a 340 V8. He wanted to use a fresh air system that would channel cold air into the engine, but that didn’t make it into production.

During his career at Chrysler, Hoover was also involved with the development of the 440 Six-Pack, AAR small-block Trans Am cars, and Hemi and small-block Pro Stock racers.

Subject ID: 34264

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