327 Small Block Chevy Latham

The birth of axial flow compressor-type superchargers for automotive applications was made possible by Norman Latham of West Palm Beach Florida in 1956. Known as the infamous Latham Supercharger, it was sold until 1965. These were designed with a sheet-metal blade installed into a hub locked by another outer ring. Initially, these superchargers were supplied with Carter one barrel side draft carburetors in 2 or 4-carb setups. 

This rare small block 327 on display at the Museum of American Speed has a Latham supercharger with a dual carb setup. This blower worked very efficiently, however it was difficult to manufacture at scale. 

In just shy of a decade there were more than 600 superchargers produced, most can still be found in operational condition and have become highly collectable in the vintage car markets. 

Specifications

• Block - 327 Chevrolet
• Heads - Factory Chevrolet 
• Cam Design - Factory 
• Valve Design - Factory 
• Production Date - 1956 - 1965