Audrich Engine on Stand

1949 – 1953 Ford 239 C.I. 

Lent by Paul Aldrich

The Ford 239 entered production in 1939 when Ford introduced the Mercury line. The company decided a more powerful V8 engine was necessary to help elevate the Mercury line as a luxury brand. The Ford brand began using the 239 in 1946 with minor changes since its introduction in 1939. Due to the large amount of these engines available and the ability to make reliable power, the 239 was commonly utilized by hot rodders around the country. 

Paul Aldrich was a founding member of the Ty Rods hot rod club in Massachusetts, one of the most notable clubs in the region. He built this engine to showcase typical period aftermarket speed shop parts that hot rodders would use on their engines. The 239 was commonly referred to as the “100 horse” motor, though output increased to 110 towards the end of the 239’s production run. 

Offenhauser heads were a saught after modification for hot rodders, adding a few horsepower by helping the engine run cooler with extra water capacity. Offenhauser intake manifolds combined with the three Stromberg carburetors increase airflow significantly. Belond headers increase both exhaust flow and engine noise, and the power is sent through a 1940 Lincoln Three-Speed transmission.