The 8N tractor was a brilliant little workhorse that Ford sold by the millions to people across America. Small, just powerful enough, and maneuverable, the thing was perfect for small farms, small industrial jobs, and whatever else people could dream up. Because there were so many uses and so many sold, they basically had their own aftermarket developed around them. Guys would swap different engines in, companies make auxiliary gear boxes, dozens and dozens of attachments, and lots more. This 1952 8N was built with that era in mind but with a fun twist.
There are a few companies (most famously Funk) that made kits to install flathead V8 engines into tractors for increased power. Depending on what model flathead you used you could take the power from about 20 all the way up to 85 or so. That was a TON for this era and you really made a mighty mite out of the machine. Those Funk conversion tractors are worth a mint these days and they are very cool with their organ pipe looking exhaust.
This tractor was built as a bit of a tribute to those machine of yore but it has a cool twist. Instead of a flathead V8 this one is equipped with a 302ci small block! Yes, it has a 2bbl carb on it but the reality is that the thing has gobs of power for its light weight. That engine is backed with a Sherman Overdrive transmission which deepens the gearing significantly and allows the tractor to achieve an apparently theoretical top speed of 55mph. We’re not sure we’d have the guts to try it but this thing must sound really great with those upturned headers screaming into the sky.
If you are asking what you’d do with such a creation, we’re sorry. We can’t help.
Check out the images below and then hit the eBay link to see more of this 1952 8N
Looks just like my dads tractor, but I don’t know the year!
55 MPH, that’s 50 MPH faster than the one we had when I was a kid.
55mph?
With no front brakes and no functioning suspension that would feel like 155mph. But who gives a damn as this is a thing of rare beuat