For the first few decades of the 20th century, V8 engines were finicky ... aftermarket grew up around the flathead, providing go-fast parts ranging from performance manifolds and camshafts ...

Although many of the ideas were initiated by Henry Ford himself, the team led by Carl Schmaltz, Emil Zoerlein, and Ray Lard turned plans into production with the 3.6-liter "Flathead" V8 in 1932.