For many hot rodders, there is no option other than the Ford Flathead engine. Need proof? Take a look at this trailer for “A Sweet Sickness: the Flathead” by Brian Darwas. This Rod Authority featured video is just a trailer, but it really gives a good feel for what’s to come in the full length feature.
The video provides snippets of interviews with well-known hot rodders and Flathead enthusiasts like Mike Herman of H&H Flatheads, Vernon Hammond and Jack Carroll of the Burbank Choppers and footage of some of their fine vintage machines. Ryan Cochran of the Jalopy Journal and H.A.M.B., Vern Tardel and the late Paul Howard are all featured in the video as well.
The term obsession is a highly appropriate description in this choice for a hot rod engine. Whether it is for the look, the sound, the originality or any combination of a dozen different reasons, the venerable Flathead remains the preferred powerplant of traditional hot rodders all over the world.
Having a hot rod with any powerplant other that a Ford Flathead is sacrilege in the eyes of some of our traditional brethren. But the pedigree that goes with that particular set-up is certainly worth considering in your next ride!
Brian Darwas is a renowned film maker within the hot rod genres. He has produced many well-known videos with titles like “The Road to Bonneville”, “The Devil at Your Feet” and ”White Knuckle” among others. All of these full length features including Sweet Sickness are available at The Atomic Hot Rods website.