March 31, 1932: Ford's Flathead V-8 Cheap, Durable ... and Fun

(Wired) - Ford Motor Co. introduces the flathead V-8 engine in a car designed and priced for the general public.
Ford didn't invent the V-8.

The first patent for this engine type, issued in 1904, went to Frenchman Leon Levavasseur. The V-8 was already widely used in aircraft engines and luxury cars by the time Henry Ford, facing increased competition from General Motors, determined to equip his 1932-model stock car in a similar fashion. Continued

Photo: Moes Garage via Wikipedia