The Siren Board

I was browsing a Detroit area online historical archive, and I found these photos! I am noticing some big differences in the design of these Chryslers (Both installed in March, 1942), compared to the more well known version (in the 1st photo), compared to these “Prototype” Chrysler Sirens!

....Interesting...the middle picture shows the flat head in line 6 cylinder (pre 1961) where as the power was provided by a 331 cubic inch Chrysler Hemi V-8 as referenced in pictures here and else where.

I have some good insights to provide on this, the Chrysler Bell Victory siren we usually see in photographs like the first one are Chrysler air raid sirens from what I understand. The Chrysler Air Raid Sirens are known to be late 40s to the date of their discontinuing. The second and third in the photos are standard production Chrysler Bell Victory sirens. Those were made from 1942 until the later 40s. This sight has more information. http://www.victorysiren.com/

Before I start, there are many people who say random answers to questions they don’t know. Please don’t start a that trend.

The Detroit Michigan Chrysler picture you have there is not a prototype. The V8 went through many design changes before it’s end of production sometime in the late 40s, such as the horns, and the shape of the butt of the siren (I am being literal here, the butt meaning the behind end of the siren, like on a boat) differed quite a bit throughout its history.


There are indeed some images of Victory Bells with extended projectors on the end to maximise sound carrying, not to mention how loud the siren already is compared to some like the Tempest 135 / ACA Penetrator 50, with the booster on, it can be much louder than without it. That photo with the panels of the “Butt” open are just for manual check before install of all the wires and the Hemi Engine, and does not indicate a prototype. However, the middle photo does show the flat head in line where as the power was provided by a 331 cubic inch Chrysler Hemi V-8 as referenced in pictures here and else where. “Unit Of Civil Defence” (user) is correct with his statement.

I hope this does not sound gibberish to you, if it does, sorry!