On February 23, 1964, Chrysler forever changed the landscape of stock car racing with the debut of its groundbreaking 426 Hemi engine at the Daytona 500. Richard Petty, behind the wheel of his Hemi-powered Plymouth, put on a commanding performance, leading 184 of the 200 laps and securing a historic victory. The race solidified the Hemi’s reputation as the new powerhouse in NASCAR, sending a clear message to competitors: Chrysler was now the engine to beat.
Watching from the sidelines was Henry Ford II, and he wasn’t pleased. You may remember that just a year earlier, he had attempted to buy Ferrari, only to be rejected at the altar. Now, another rival had stepped up to steal the show in NASCAR, a stage Ford had long sought to dominate. Petty’s overwhelming victory with Chrysler’s cutting-edge Hemi engine was a wake-up call—Ford needed a response, and fast.
Ford’s Reaction
Ford had been keeping a close eye on Chrysler’s Hemi development, aware that the competition was about to change. Up until that point, Ford had enjoyed success with its 427 Hi-Riser engine, a proven performer on NASCAR’s high-speed ovals. However, after seeing what the Hemi could do at Daytona, it became clear that the Hi-Riser was no longer enough. Chrysler had upped the ante, and Ford had no choice but to fight back with something even more advanced.
Determined to reclaim dominance on the track, Henry Ford II issued a directive to his engineers: build an engine that could outmatch the Hemi in power and performance. Time was of the essence, and Ford’s best minds got to work. What followed would become one of the most legendary engines in Ford’s racing history—the 427 SOHC "Cammer."
Development of the 427 SOHC "Cammer"
The urgency behind Ford’s new engine project was undeniable. With Chrysler’s 426 Hemi proving to be a dominant force, Ford needed a competitive alternative—and fast. The engineering team was given an incredibly short timeline, completing the design and development of the 427 SOHC in just 90 days. This rapid turnaround earned it the nickname "The 90-Day Wonder."
The foundation of the Cammer was Ford’s proven 427 side-oiler block, known for its strength and durability under high-stress conditions. To enhance performance, the engineers made significant modifications, including the introduction of hemispherical combustion chambers, which improved airflow and fuel mixture efficiency. Unlike the pushrod-driven 427 Hi-Riser, the Cammer featured a single overhead camshaft per head, allowing for more precise valve timing and higher RPM capabilities. Additionally, one of the engine’s most distinctive features was its six-foot-long timing chain, which was necessary to drive the overhead cams.
Rated at 657 horsepower at 7,500 RPM with dual four-barrel carburetors, the 427 SOHC was an absolute powerhouse. Many racers and engineers speculated that its true output was closer to 700 horsepower, making it one of the most formidable engines of its time. With this high-performance engine, Ford was ready to challenge Chrysler’s dominance on the track.
NASCAR Rejection
Ford’s excitement over the 427 SOHC quickly turned to frustration when it came time to submit the engine for NASCAR approval. Confident that the Cammer would be the ultimate tool to counter Chrysler’s Hemi dominance, Ford’s racing division expected to see the engine tearing up the NASCAR circuits. However, Bill France, NASCAR’s founder and president, had other ideas.
Just days before the 1965 Daytona 500, France announced that the 427 SOHC would not be approved for competition. The official reasoning was that the overhead camshaft design deviated too far from NASCAR’s traditional pushrod V8 engines, giving Ford an unfair technological advantage. Many within the racing community, however, believed the decision was more political than technical. NASCAR had allowed Chrysler’s 426 Hemi to race, but the Cammer’s cutting-edge design may have been seen as a step too far.
Ford argued that the Cammer was based on a production engine and should be allowed, but NASCAR refused to budge. With the Cammer banned from NASCAR, Ford found itself with an incredibly powerful engine and no place to use it in stock car racing. While the setback was a major disappointment, Ford would soon find other arenas where the 427 SOHC could shine.
Adoption in Drag Racing and Other Motorsports
With NASCAR shutting the door, Ford pivoted toward NHRA drag racing, where brute horsepower and innovation were welcomed. The 427 SOHC quickly found a home in the NHRA’s Factory Experimental (FX) class, where it made its debut in 1965 Mustangs and Mercury Comets. These factory-backed drag racers took full advantage of the Cammer’s immense power, quickly establishing it as a dominant force on the strip.
Despite its potential, early adopters of the Cammer encountered mechanical issues, particularly with the long timing chain. Under high RPMs, the chain had a tendency to stretch, which caused timing inconsistencies. To address this, many racers switched to a gear drive system, improving reliability and ensuring the engine could handle the extreme conditions of drag racing.
Beyond drag racing, the 427 SOHC also found its way into other motorsports. Can-Am racing teams experimented with the engine in endurance road racing, while Bonneville speed trial racers saw its potential for land speed record attempts. Even in the marine racing world, the Cammer was used in high-performance boats, proving its versatility across different racing disciplines.
Though it never had the chance to dominate NASCAR, the 427 SOHC carved out a legendary reputation in motorsports. From the drag strip to the salt flats, it became a symbol of Ford’s relentless pursuit of speed and performance, living on as one of the most revered engines in racing history.
Photo: 1933 Ford Coupe powered by a 427 SOHC
The Legacy of the Cammer
The Ford 427 SOHC "Cammer" remains one of the most powerful and innovative engines ever developed by the Blue Oval. Its advanced design and raw power continue to capture the imagination of racers, collectors, and hotrodders alike. Despite its short-lived factory production, the Cammer’s reputation as a high-performance powerhouse has endured through the decades.
Today, original 427 SOHC crate engines are highly coveted. When they were first available in the 1960s, they sold for approximately $2,300—a significant sum at the time. Today, an original, well-preserved Cammer can command prices of up to $140,000 at auction, while high-quality reproductions fetch around $65,000. This demand underscores the engine’s lasting impact on the automotive world.
While it was denied its rightful place in NASCAR history, the 427 SOHC found new life in drag racing, land speed attempts, and custom hot rod builds. Its legacy as one of the most powerful and innovative engines Ford ever created remains undeniable, ensuring its place in the pantheon of legendary American V8s.
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