 | Jack Perry
is the owner of the Benton Antique Mall & Restaurant in Benton, KS. His interest in cars began in 1960 when he started working in his father's service station at the age of twelve. Since then, his passion for cars has continued to grow, owning over 1000 collector cars ranging from street rods to classics and everything in between. As part of his business, he continues to buy and sell collector cars around the world and at numerous major auction venues around the country. You can reach Jack at (316)778-1700 or e-mail at: twomoonrodshop@powwwer.net |
Antiques & Collectibles
2003-08-01 11:22:00
What is a flathead engine?
: What is a 'flathead' engine as compared to a traditional engine? Are 'flathead' engines still being made today? When were they most popular?
ANSWER: In the 1920's Cadillac was the first automobile manufacturer to build the legendary flathead V8 motor. Cadillac continued to use this motor for their line of cars until 1948 but it was Henry Ford that gave this motor its notoriety. The flathead motor was made famous when it was introduced by Henry Ford and Ford Motor Company in 1932. The Ford flathead V8 motor initially delivered 65 hp as compared to the 40 to 50 hp of the 4 cylinder motor it replaced. This motor continued to be the popular workhorse for nearly 22 years until Ford introduced its overhead valve V8 engines in 1954. These are the motors that are more commonly known today. The demise of the flathead actually began in 1949 when GM introduced their overhead valve V8 in the Cadillac and Oldsmobile line of cars. The distinct difference between the two motors is the flathead motor has its valve train in the block where an overhead valve engine has its valve train in the head itself. The overhead valve engine proved to be much more reliable and efficient and certainly more powerful. The 1932 flathead that Ford introduced put out a mere 65 horsepower where as the 1970 Chevrolet with the 454 cubic inch overhead valve V8 put out a whopping 450 horse power. To my knowledge there are no manufacturers producing any new flathead motors today. Several companies are rebuilding the old flathead motors for the street rodders who want to build a nostalgic looking street rod.
