Ford Division's first overhead valve V-8, the Y-Block, remains one of the sexiest V-8 engines ever with its perfect symmetry, finned and studded Thunderbird Special valve covers, dual-plane "stacked ...

When the Y-Block V8 debuted in 1954, it boasted a long list of improvements over its predecessor. It was not only more powerful than Ford's previous Flathead V8, but was also significantly more rigid.

Quick, make a mental list of famous Ford V-8s. The flatheads a no-brainer, and so are the side-oiler 427 and Cammer. Then theres the Cleveland, FE big-blocks, Boss 302. The list goes on. But well ...

Though not designed for high performance, Ford's first overhead-valve (OHV) V8 was a solid engine. These days, when it's equipped with modern tech, the Y-Block can make some respectable output figures ...