Ford flathead on Russian KGB car

[SvenK]

I’m from Estonia. In 1940 Russia occupied our country, In 1941 Germany occupied Estonia and 1944 Russia came back. As USA and Russia were allies in II WW, America sold to Soviet Union Ford V8 flathead 85 hp. 1936+ model Engines. These were installed on Soviet cars GAZ M1. These cars were used by KGB. As my grandfather got stuck in this system – Russians told to the family that they are capitalists, because of using machines in their farm and paid labor. Family was taken to Siberia. He spent 8 years in prison camp there. KGB organized all the deporting.
Now, I want to renovate one of these rare car’s for my grandfather’s memory. I have the car, but I’m missing the engine.
Does anybody have an idea where to find engine like that?

[rotorwrench]

There isn't much information on these but what I could find was that the NKVD received cars with the V8 that was imported directly from the US. There are still engines existing in the US in the year range from 1938 thru early 1942 in the 221 cubic inch size (85 HP). The 239 cubic inch made from 1939 up to the war years are more rare but that just means more expensive. An alternative would be to find a French SUMB truck engine in Europe. Or a later post war 59 series 239 cid engine from the American or UK Commonwealth countries with some available in Europe. Even the German engines made under Ford license just before and during the war could work but they are a bit different as are the French SUMB truck engines.

If the car was set up for the 85 HP engine then any of these can be made to fit.

[RalphM]

If you don't mind the shipping, they are sometimes available in the classified section.

[rockfla]

And Model A/B 4 zyl engines for the GAZ (jeep models) too!!!

[rockfla]

GAZ Jeep

[SvenK]

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I'm surprised that you know so much history. Yes before war KGB was NKVD. I thought that anybody don't know that name.

And where I can find this classified section.

[SvenK]

Originally Posted by rockfla

And Model A/B zyl engines for the GAZ (jeep models) too!!!

My father learned to drive with this car - his uncle had it. Now it's very rear car to find. I was on the phone with him and he was quite sure they didn't put V8 engines on this car. But you never know, these special cars were built secretly. Russians had secret cars every era with V8 engines, which from outside were like normal cars.

[SvenK]

Originally Posted by rotorwrench

NKVD received cars with the V8 that was imported directly from the US. There are still engines existing in the US in the year range from 1938 thru early 1942 in the 221 cubic inch size (85 HP).

I need exactly this engine with gearbox and everything.

[rotorwrench]

Up on the top of the page there is a link to the Swap Meet section. Folks sell a lot of old Ford parts on there.

Most of the other standard versions of the GAZ-M1 had a copy of a 6-cylinder engine from a Dodge D5 from around 1937. They were made in the USSR.

[40cpe]

Welcome to the FordBarn!! There are lots of knowledgeable and helpful people here. I hope you can find the parts and information you need to get your car running.

[Bulligen]

I have a complete running 1938 Ford Engine and transmission for sale if you are interested. PM me for details. Thank you, Roger

[brake1000]

You could start looking on the European eBay, or on European craigslist for parts.

[SvenK]

Originally Posted by rotorwrench

Most of the other standard versions of the GAZ-M1 had a copy of a 6-cylinder engine from a Dodge D5 from around 1937. They were made in the USSR.

Really amazing that you in America know so much about Russian car history.

This GAZ M1 was changed to GAZ 11 and the same engine was used on GAZ 12, GAZ 51 (truck) and also on GAZ 52 (truck) - it's production ended in 1989.

[rotorwrench]

The 1933 and 34 Fords that the M1 was patterned on are still very popular cars here in the US. GAZ was the last one to use that design and they used it for a long time even though they changed it a lot to take the road conditions over there.
You should be able to find a floor shift type transmission easily. The light duty 3-speed from 1939 was used in Ford 1/2 ton pickup trucks clear up to early 1951 although the truck version was set up for an open drive shaft. They can be easily converted either to open drive or closed torque tube drive. I don't have any idea what type of drive line the GAZ M1 used.

[texas webb]

No help other than that is a fine looking car,wish you luck.

[SofaKing]

Tere Sven,
Nice car. Where are you in Estonia? I was supposed to visit Tartu in May from Pskov but the FSB wouldn't give me a multi-entry visa, even after I answered all their stupid questions about where I went to elementary school. I was in Tallinn a few years ago, beautiful place.

You might want to post photos of the engine compartment and under-carriage. The guys here will be better able to identify everything you are missing and the differences between yours and US versions.

[tubman]

I'm no expert on Model 40's, but if that had an US made grille, I'd have a hell of a hard time not thinking it was an American version. Did the Russians copy the body panels, or did they design their own?

[Newc]

Hi all; For our EU vehicle fans... The UK and EU military vehicle site is HMVP . based in the UK it handles all military vehicles and their engines.. Canadian V8 Ford built for the commonwealth.... right hand drive also... Russian GAZ ect.. Newc

[Ol' Ron]

I have a picture of a Russian factory making Flathead V8 engines.

[Binx]

Dang, yet another dimension of rotorwrench's knowledge. Cool stuff!!

Lonnie