Quote Originally Posted by techinspector1 View Post
The number of portholes denoted the class of Buick. Expensive models had 4, lesser models had 3.
The straight 8 was used through 1952. In 1953, a V8, referred to as a nailhead because of its tiny intake and exhaust valves, was introduced and ran in production through 1966. The valve covers on the nailhead were vertical rather than being V'd like most V8's. This gave a distinctive look to the motor. It was a much-sought-after motor by hot rodders, probably mostly because of its unique "eyeball".

50's television actor Tommy Ivo used nailheads exclusively in all the cars he built, including the 4-motor, all wheel drive dragster he is most famous for. Someone told me once that Tommy's father owned a Buick dealership. I don't know if that is true or not. In this pic, Tommy is the kid standing by the rollcage with the Iskenderian T-shirt on.....Check out the 4 nailheads....
Kool old pic,I have a friend who would go gaga if he saw all those nailheads together,,,hmm,probably has,he is building a Barris style custom,nailhead,six carbs,all sorts of fruity bits he has scrounged over the last couple of years..The body is getting the attention at the moment,scratch built roadster/bucket type body,complete with glass dome.