Working 1:3 Scale 289 Windsor Small-Block Ford Model From FRANZIS

As children, most of us probably have fond memories of hours spent putting together plastic car models. Once you finished that dream car, it was put on the shelf and admired before eventually being put in a box in the garage, and then sold at a garage sale.

However, here at EngineLabs, we tend to be a little more into what’s under the hood. While the standard 1:24 scale model engines are usually pretty detailed for their size, they just don’t cut it. Enter FRANZIS, a German model company that recently introduced an amazing 1:3 scale model of a Ford 289 K-Code small-block Windsor.

Not only is the model a painstakingly detailed replica of the real thing, but it is also a working model — once you’ve assembled the engine, that is. Everything moves and works like it would in a real engine (short of combustion, and fluid delivery, of course) and even offers clear valve covers so that you can see everything moving.

In addition, once completed, powered by three AA batteries, the engine will run on its own, as well as “fire” the LED spark plugs in the proper firing order, along with producing the sounds of an actual Hi-Po 289 running.

“This creative model engine celebrates one of the most respected cars ever engineered and delivers the authentic experience of building the Mustang’s iconic engine to car enthusiasts and Ford’s millions of fans,” says Michael Büge, Head of Product Management at FRANZIS.

With 200 pieces, and an extremely detailed assembly guide, half of the fun of this particular engine model is putting it all together. And possibly the best part is no model cement is required, so there’s no mess. In addition, the assembly manual also has a detailed history of the Ford Mustang with photography and specs, making it more than just an instruction sheet.

Available in the US via Amazon and Makerhaus, this Ford 289 Windsor is the first American engine to be produced in the FRANZIS lineup, with more hopefully to come. According to FRANZIS, “We view the K-code car in particular as the original and most iconic muscle car, and the epitome of the American V8-powered sports car.” Once assembled, the model — which has a footprint about the side of a sheet of paper and is 10.7 inches tall — will serve as quite a discussion piece, whether in your office, man-cave, or garage.

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Greg Acosta

Greg has spent nineteen years and counting in automotive publishing, with most of his work having a very technical focus. Always interested in how things work, he enjoys sharing his passion for automotive technology with the reader.
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