Ford Flathead V8 Specifications History

The flathead V8 was a major development in Ford history.

Ford introduced the V8 flathead engine in 1932 and greatly changed the automotive landscape in the United States. Cars with the engine were faster than most other cars through the mid-1950s.

Significance

Ford's flathead V8 provided power and speed at a relatively low cost. The engine was being made already, but Ford found a way to mass produce it as a major development in automotive history.

Development

The first V8 in 1932 was a 221 cubic inch engine and the engine block was a single piece. The engine put out 65 horsepower. By 1935, the horsepower was raised to 85. By 1953, the engine was 239 cubic inches and put out 125 horsepower.

Time Frame

There were three eras to the flathead V8. The early years were 1932 through 1938, marked by overheating and heads that cracked. Middle years were 1938 to 1948, which was the best era of the engine. A redesign to the Ford itself marked the third era, 1949 to 1953.

Fun Fact

The Ford flathead V8 continued to be made and used in trucks in France and the former Soviet Union, into the 1990s.

References

• Macs Auto Parts: Early V8 Ford History
• Hot Rod Magazine: V-8 Flathead
• Ford Racing: Racing History

Resources

• Van Pelt Sales: Flathead V8 Specs