Has anyone heard of this company in NC that is producing Ardun crate engines? Ardun-Ford 276 OHV V8 crate engine revives a legendary hot rod upgrade The crate engine currently for sale represents a modern interpretation of that historic upgrade. Built by National Street Rod ***ociation co-founder and custom car builder Irvin “Cotton” Werksman, the engine displaces 276 cubic inches after being bored .125 inches over. It features ported Ardun cylinder heads, a Mercury forged steel crankshaft, Jahns 9.5:1 pistons, and a Howards Cams F371 camshaft. Induction is handled by a polished Jim Inglese eight-stack setup using four Weber IDF carburetors, along with velocity stacks, braided fuel lines, and a fuel-pressure gauge. The engine is offered from West End, North Carolina and includes a custom crate, engine stand, spare parts, exhaust port block-offs. I can find no information other than this internet posting. Does this company exist and do they produce and sell an Ardun crate engine?
Link at the end of the story above leads here: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/ardun-ford-flathead-v8/?ref=motorious.com
So it sold for $42.5K on Dec 21 on BaT, and you want to know from where to order one of your own? Or have I confused myself? It sounds like a 1 of 1 from the description. Wonder what the wait time is for another one? BTTT for you.
Cotton Werksman died a number of years back. I bought a S.C.O.T. BLOWER from him in the 80’s. Older phone number of his son—-fox valley hot rods—-847-382-3089
I would like to know if they are offering a "Crate Engine" if they are available. How Much? What is the wait time? Are there any options such as for forced induction? Is this a legitimate business? My take from the article is the $42.5K is for a completed vehicle which seems very low for the caliber of engine advertised. If that is the price then where can you order one from? In relative terms a "Crate Engine" is a m***-produced engine that you can add your finishing touches to, wire it up and drive away. All is presuming that you have a completed rolling vehicle minus engine.
The seller stated on BaT that he purchased the engine, along with others, from the Richard Muntz estate. He is in Florida, the engine is/was in his warehouse in NC. A one of one apparently. No production either, apparently.
Interesting. I know Cotton was a true legend. I met his son Matt about 10 yrs ago. He responded to an ad I had on Craigslist. I was selling misc old sprint car stuff. He drove up to Wisconsin from his home and shop in Illinois. Really enjoyed learning about his shop and what kind of stuff he builds. I did not know much about his father until he took time to give me lots of the history. Matt really seemed to be a genuine traditional hot rod guy. Hope he and his business are doing well. Have fun
I wonder why they say, "Crate Engine"? Kind of a misleading storyline but the history is interesting with the builder and his son.
Maybe whoever wrote that article was confused after reading on the BAT listing that it came with a crate.
Possible scenario but that also indicates that they are not a "car guy" or girl as most custom jobs come packed securely and sealed like that to keep prying fingers from removing parts.
It's not a crate engine in the modern sense of the term. The closest thing you will get to a "crate" engine is one built by H&H Flathead or another flathead engine rebuilder using new reproduction heads from Don Ferguson. My guess is such an engine would cost you in the $30k+ range. These aren't something that any engine builder would stock - they would be commissioned by an individual customer. This particular engine was from the Richard Munz collection, which sold at a Me*** auction in January 2025 and then again last month on Bring a Trailer. It uses original Ardun heads, not the reproductions. https://www.me***.com/lots/1131944/ford-ardun-ohv-conversion-flathead-v-8/
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