The pioneering flathead V8s did have their flaws, though — cracking was common, as was oil starvation when turning the car around hard corners, leading to seized crankshaft bearings. Check out the timeline of the famed engine's production below:

1933: Aluminum heads and higher compression give an extra seven kilowatts, while ignition and cooling improvements help reliability.



1934: New dual-downdraught Stromberg 40 carburettor and new intake manifold adds an additional seven kilowatts. Bottom end benefits from an industry-first and a cast-alloy steel crankshaft.