Ok, so what does "AV8" mean?

I've gathered that it's obviously a Model A. I'm guessing it means that it has a flathead in it. But I see the term a lot, and being used for A's with different engines. Is it just any A with any kind of V8? Another guess was that it was an A on 32 rails...? Maybe its a looser meaning than I'm thinking it is. It's really nothing important, but I'm really curious now that I've been seeing it more and more.

 

Model A with a V8 originally it would have had to be a Flathead

 

Well there is a reprint of an article on an AV8 from hot rod magazine inthe '50s. It is a model A coupe with a flathead in it. It does not resemble anything that we have seen called an AV8 recently, it is a total sleeper with some serious suspension mods for the era that it was built in.

A lot of our terminology is a pretty loose interpretation of its original usage. I think that it was originally used to identify a model A with a Flathead in it but I could be wrong.

 

One (1) V-8 engine

 

I was just thrown for a loop. I saw a Model A on the cl***ifieds the other day labeled as "AV8" and it had a straight 6 in it... I thought to myself "well now, have I gone completely **** house crazy, or does that make no sense at all?".

 

love the AV8,going to get one myself next year even if it kills me

 

My definition is: 28-31 Ford Model A powered by a Ford or Merc flathead V8 riding on Model A Ford ch***is.

Some people run the '32 ch***is with A body and call that an Av8

Others just run an overhead with a Model A body and call that an Av8

 

you know, the commercial: " I shoulda' had AV8"

 

that just cost you 50 brownie points for "Hamb'r of the Year"...

 

What if its a model a with a 350?

 

Here I was wondering if putting an 8BA rather than an earlier flathead in my 31 Vic would knock it out of the A V8 category and into being just another V8 powered Model A hot rod.

I have a feeling that the almost purists will say 48 or earlier flathead but the hard core purists will say first generation Flathead V8 as it would have been done in the mid 30's.

 

haha!

 

What if its a model a with a 350?

screwed up !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I'd opt for the 8BA/CM

 

Well duh, that is the 6 cylinder model of the AV8.

There is a reason for the HAMB and it has little to nothing to do with my entertainment or keeping in tough with the outside world, although it does both on a regular basis. It has everythig to do with the preaching of the gospel of traditional hod rods and customs to hoodlums around the world.

That ad is a perfect example of the need for a place like this and should help us stay focused.

 

since everyone says most people wouldnt recognize an AV8 why doesnt someone post a picture of what its suppose to be?

 

With or without fenders. Pretty much this:

 

a model A with specifically a flathead v8. I wouldn't really consider a model A with a small block chevy or olds rocket/early cadillac an AV8...hot rod yes, but AV8 I consider more 40's era hot rod...flathead powered.

 

I was actually just digging through my old rodders journals looking for the article of what Hot Rod magazine in the early years considered to be an AV8. I seem to be missing several issues but if or when I find the correct issue I will try and scan a pic.

What do you think one is?

 

To me. Take an A. Add Flathead. Maybe remove fenders. Maybe add 40 brakes and a drop axle. Maybe 32 shell, maybe not. Done.

Anything much past that and I think we're moving away from AV8 and closer to "Hot Rod".

My coupe is channeled with an overhead Caddy. I think I'm about aas far away from AV8 as I could get. I also know that if I called up my buddy Mark right now and said "I just saw a sweet AV8". He would rattle off with about 90% accuracy exactly what it looked like, so I know it's not just me...

 

another good example, kohlers old roadster (i still think it qualifies even though its on deuce rails...edging on hot rod but still in AV8 territory. kind of in the middle on this one, the lines alittle fuzzy)

 

When I built Old Rusty, my 31 body on 32 rails roadster, I referred to it as an AV8, but was corrected in a friendly way by a very well respected rodder that the term AV8 historically refers to an A with a V8 swapped in, in other words the A ch***is is used. So that's the definition I am happy to go with.
The person that told me this is Mike Bishop, his user name on most forums is......Av8.

Mart.

 

To pilot a plane...

Purely traditionally speaking...this. ^^^ Though calling one on a '32 ch***is doesn't stick in my craw too bad. Btw...What the heck is a "craw"?...lol.

Bothers me just a little that perfectly good terms get changed over the years...even by auto manufacturers. Case in point...a car with roll-up windows being called a "roadster". Plenty more too. Whatever...that's why I hang out with you guys.

 

Nice roadster Dreddybear,very good example of a AV8.
Here's mine

 

I would like to clarify that that's not mine. Though I sure wouldn't kick it off my driveway.

Sweet car you have there.

 

I was thinking its an A on an A frame with a flathead v8 on it. probably shouldnt be styled more recent than about 1955 as well. I usually think coupe, nice chop, and little to no channel. am I getting close?

 

This is the correct definition. Model A body and frame with a V8
flathead. Almost always in reference to a roadster body, but a coupe or even a sedan would also fit the definition......

No overheads, disk brakes, deuce frames, 5 speeds, etc. Strictly vintage parts and style

 

You pretty much nailed it but one must remember that coupes are for chickens.

 

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My old song from 1996.

Model A with a flathead V8. Very simple, really...

 

a model a never had a v8 so how can there be a such thing as a real AV8. the V8 didnt come out till 32