Gulfstream Motorsports

This Ford 406 cubic-inch FE V8 was one of the most formidable big-block engines of Ford's early 1960s performance era. Introduced for the 1962 model year, the 406 was developed as a larger and more powerful evolution of Ford's FE family, giving the company a serious competitor for Chevrolet's 409 and Chrysler's growing high-performance engines. Available in full-size Ford models and performance-oriented applications, the 406 quickly gained attention for its immense torque and strong racing potential. It also became an important stepping stone toward the legendary 427 FE engines that would soon dominate NASCAR and drag racing.

Displacing 406 cubic inches (6.7 liters), the engine featured a cast-iron block, overhead valves operated by a central camshaft and pushrods, high-compression cylinder heads, and a forged crankshaft in high-performance versions. Ford offered several configurations, with the most powerful version using a high-flow intake and dual four-barrel carburetors to produce an officially rated 405 horsepower and 448 lb-ft of torque. The 406's rugged construction and strong breathing capability made it highly competitive on the drag strip and oval track, while its unmistakable big-block character established the foundation for Ford's later 427 and 428 performance engines. Today, the 406 FE remains a prized piece of Ford history, admired by collectors and enthusiasts as one of the company's great transitional engines from the early muscle car era.

Team Gulfstream Motorsports is at The Concorso Italiano during Monterey Car Week in Monterey, California.

Team Gulfstream Motorsports is at The Rolex Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca during Monterey Car Week in Monterey, California.

Muscle Car Jr Inc Vintage postcard of the day Shelby special . I loved this color on Shelbys & one of my buddies neighbors had a 289 Cobra in this color. Bob Varsha once said green was the kiss o death in the collector car world. HA !! I disagree