Engine technologies constantly improve over time, but there will always be diehard supporters of each platform. The gentlemen who are auctioning off the engine in this video are the real deal. The Early Ford V8 Club Of America does exactly what it says – keeps the memory and heritage of the early Ford V8 engine alive, celebrating all Ford Motor Company vehicles made between 1932 and 1953. The group’s 2014 Eastern National Meet is scheduled for June 23-26, 2014, and will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the ’39 Ford.

More importantly, they’ll be raffling off this sweet concours-correct 8BA flathead V8 at the event. As you might imagine, flathead parts are tough to come by these days, since the engine has been out of production in the United States since 1953. However, it remains famous to this day as one of the most popular hot-rod engines ever, and in fact earned a spot on Ward’s 10 Best Engines of the 20th Century.

The engine that was built for this raffle has all of the period-correct parts, and since the ’49 8BA was one of the best flattys to have thanks to its revised water pump design, it provided a great base for the engine project. The block was hot tanked and pressure tested before being assembled with 20/20 bearings, new cam bearings, Isky adjustable lifters, and plenty of new parts like the pistons, rings, cap/rotor assembly, and fuel pump. The carburetor has been rebuilt along with the generator. You can hear for yourself; it sounds quite healthy as flathead engines go, and even better once they finally pull the mufflers off and let it breathe. Tickets are five bucks each or three for $10, that’s a steal when you figure it can cost upwards of five grand to build one yourself – if you can even find all of the necessary parts in rebuildable shape.