Ford Drag Racing 1955–1980

Explore the golden age of Ford drag racing, from the flathead V8 hot rods of the prewar era to the legendary factory-backed race cars that dominated American drag strips.

Written by veteran automotive author and drag racing historian Doug Boyce, this illustrated history chronicles Ford's rise in organized drag racing and its fierce competition with rival manufacturers. From early dry lake racing in the Southwest to NHRA-sanctioned events, discover how Ford and Mercury became major forces in Stock, Super Stock, Factory Experimental, Pro Stock, and Funny Car competition.

Follow the evolution of Ford racing engines, beginning with the legendary flathead V8 and continuing through the Y-Block, FE series, 385-series big-block, 427 SOHC, Boss 429, and 351 Cleveland. Learn how Ford's Total Performance program combined factory engineering, innovative race cars, and talented drivers to win championships and set records.

Inside This Ford Drag Racing History Book

• The early days of hot rodding and dry lake racing before organized drag racing
• Ford flathead V8 dominance in prewar racing
• The development of NHRA-sanctioned drag racing during the 1950s
• Ford's transition from flathead engines to powerful overhead-valve V8 designs
• The rise of Ford's Total Performance racing program
• Factory-backed Ford and Mercury drag racing teams
• Historic racing achievements, championships, and record-setting performances
• The evolution of Stock, Super Stock, Factory Experimental, Pro Stock, and Funny Car racing

Legendary Ford Racing Engines Covered

• Ford Flathead V8
• Ford Y-Block V8
• Ford FE Series V8
• Ford 385-Series Big-Block V8
• Ford 427 SOHC Cammer
• Ford Boss 429 V8
• Ford 351 Cleveland V8

Famous Ford and Mercury Drag Racing Cars

• Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt
• Ford Mustang Cobra Jet
• Long-nose Ford Mustang drag racing cars
• Mercury Comet flip-top Funny Cars
• Factory-backed Ford and Mercury Stock and Super Stock race cars
• Ford and Mercury Pro Stock and Funny Car competition vehicles

Legendary Drag Racers Featured

• Bill Lawton
• Gas Ronda
• Hubert Platt
• Dyno Don Nicholson
• Al Joniec
• Dick Brannan
• Phil Bonner
• Ohio George Montgomery
• Jack Roush and Wayne Gapp
• Mickey Thompson
• Connie Kalitta
• Bob Glidden

Perfect For Ford and Drag Racing Enthusiasts

This book is an excellent addition to the library of Ford and Mercury enthusiasts, vintage drag racing fans, muscle car collectors, and automotive historians. Discover the powerful engines, legendary drivers, innovative race cars, and factory racing programs that helped establish Ford's reputation in American motorsports.

Whether you remember the golden age of drag racing or are discovering it for the first time, Doug Boyce brings this exciting chapter of Ford performance history to life.