I'm planning to build a hot rod based on a 1928 Model A and had my mind set on a 4-banger, but then out of the blue this 1947 59AB pulled from a one owner Ford Coupe came up for sale and I just couldn't resist. Price was more than fair considering it came with a transmission and the seller even delivered it to my workshop for free. Engine turns over and supposedly only has 36 000 miles on it. Very happy right now, just need to get me some books on rebuilding flathead V8's
Looks good. Hopefully no cracks. I've always had better luck with engines like this, complete and out of a running car, rather than "field finds". Let's hope the story behind it is true. "Pulled out of a one-owner coupe", eh. Gotta love them "Street Rodders".
The '47 Coupe looked like a real survivor car so I hope it's a good engine. According to the seller the car was in use from 1947 to 1975, then parked. Lived it's whole life in Texas and now it ended up in Sweden, 72 years after it was manufactured.
I have very limited experience with flatheads but as far as estethics go I think the 59AB is the best looking.
You're right about that, of course, but even up here in the sticks of North-Central Minnesota, they're muuuch harder to find than 8BA's, so I'm stuck with them (and they ARE better engines in several ways).
What ways are they better? I ask because I have a 59L flathead and have not had anyone be able to tell me for certain what the original year or application was? Thanks
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