1938 Flathead V8 Race Motor-What’s it worth?

[JarheadMiller]

I have the opportunity to buy a 1938 flathead v8 that came out of an old 1937 wooden hydroplane race boat. I don’t know the size or manufacturer yet. The original owner passed away and family member is selling off deceased mans possessions. I’ve only been provided pics thus far. It has an Edelbrock intake, Twin stromberg single carbs & Edelbrock aluminum heads. Any information or value is appreciated. All parts to motor are present and I am going on information that motor just needs proper reassembly.

[JarheadMiller]

This is a pic of the 1937 wooden race boat.

[Flathead]

Looks like a V8 60, popular in hydroplanes at one time. Value would depend on condition and what speed parts and modifications it has.

[flatjack9]

Yes, 60 hp. Looks like 37 - 39. Be nice to know if was tin side or cast.

[KiWinUS]

Check for water damage/corrosion &cracks. Are carbs 81s or? If you don’t have a use for it I would suggest don’t buy it unless it’s DIRT cheap. Not fast selling stuff unless it’s cheap. I have lots of what you have pictured & would love to sell but not give away.
Good luck
Cheers
Tony

[Mart]

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It's a V8-60. (the small engine) Some people like them, but most prefer the bigger ones. It was a gutless economy engine that needed lots of revs to work. V8-60 equipped cars came with very low axle ratios.

I'd pass unless you are specifically a V8-60 enthusiast. The fact that you are asking about it would indicate that you are probably not.

Mart.

[19Fordy]

If you in to midget racers, it might be cool. Otherwise pass the opportunity on to someone else.

[JarheadMiller]

I’m not into v8-60’s but I am into hot rods, etc. Thinkin the motor would be cool in a 3 window ‘32 ford all exposed & such!

[cas3]

i know of one in a model a rpu, he says the a motor has more power

[JSeery]

Might be good for the cool factor, but not cheap to work on/build and parts can be hard to come by.

[Ronnieroadster]

Originally Posted by JarheadMiller

I’m not into v8-60’s but I am into hot rods, etc. Thinkin the motor would be cool in a 3 window ‘32 ford all exposed & such!

Sadly that engine will be to little for the three window idea and as others have posted be way to expensive. In other words the most money you will spend for the least amount of horse power.
Ronnieroadster

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by cas3

i know of one in a model a rpu, he says the a motor has more power

Quite plausible when you realize that the V8-60 is 136 cubic inches vs the A-Bone's 200 cubic inches. The little 60s just don't develop enough torque to comfortably cruise a V8 Ford car. You have to "buzz" the "sixty" at substantial RPMs so that it can develop enough guts just to get out of it's own way. Are 60s cute....no doubt! Are 60s gutless.....no doubt! DD

[JarheadMiller]

What vehicles or equipment were the 60’s used in?

[flatjack9]

37 to 40 ford cars. They were raced in boats and midgets.

[rotorwrench]

It's only valuable to those that love the old vintage hydroplanes and midget race cars. I'm sure there are collectors out there but I don't personally know any. The stuff is getting more rare every year.

A 32 Ford deserves better but if you find an old 37 coupe with a V8-60 already in it then it might wake it up a bit with the speed equipment.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by rotorwrench

A 32 Ford deserves better but if you find an old 37 coupe with a V8-60 already in it then it might wake it up a bit with the speed equipment.

Ha....You mean like MAYBE 65 HP instead of 60? They do make great motor scooter engines, though! DD

[Zeke3]

Sounds like it is time to put the motor back in the hydroplane and sell the whole package. It would be fun to get that out on the river.

I like the wide 5 wheels on the boat trailer also.

[JarheadMiller]

This is a pic of hydroplane cockpit. Anyone know what kind of car the steering wheel came out of?
A few rudder & prop pics too!

[harley]

How could you not want that boat? Buy them as a package deal.

[JarheadMiller]

Here’s the rest of the pics I have of the boat & motor parts/pieces. There are two engine blocks. Ones been welded on I’m assuming because the cylinders were bored and so the block was beefed up? 🤷🏼www.jalopyjournal.net♂️ What’s automobile is the trailer tire & axle from?