Still, this wasn't enough to hurt Flathead's unmatched hot rod legacy. Ford's MEL engine lacks the legacy of its Flathead V8 predecessor. However, it was a much better engine, designed for luxury ...

Michigan Current CEO This forgotten big block is the biggest engine Ford has ever put in a road-going production vehicle. The Ford MEL was originally made in 1958. Its main purpose was to provide ...

He leaves his truck at the Mel Hambelton Ford dealership and waits for the verdict on his engine. For the moment, his engine still sounds like "it is going to blow up at any moment," the owner says.