Ford Cosworth DFV
Engine in 1/43 scale manufactured by Tameo Kits (ref. PG40)

The Cosworth DFV engine is considered by many to be the most legendary engine in the history of Formula 1 and world motorsport, as it triumphed in many other categories, such as Sport vehicles.

The DFV engine was born from the union of two Cosworth FVA 4-cylinder in-line engines, forming a V8 block with a 90-degree angle. In fact, its surname DFV (Double Four Valve) refers to this union.

The DFV engine had a displacement of 2993cc, with a bore of 85.7 mm, a stroke of 64.8 mm, and a compression ratio of approximately 11:0. The total weight of the engine was 168 kg.

At the time of its debut in 1967 its power was 410 HP at a maximum of 9.000 rpm. In 1970, power was increased to 439 hp. Three years later, its development allowed it to reach 450 HP, with a maximum speed that reached 10.800 rpm. In 1977, the engine was improved again, delivering 477 HP at 11.000 rpm. And so on, until 1983 reached 495 HP.

The long-awaited debut of the DFV engine took place on June 4, 1967 in Zandvoort, Holland, and it could not have been better, as Graham Hill took pole position and Jim Clark the fastest lap, in addition to winning the race. Despite this great result, it had many reliability problems the rest of the season, although the season was closed with 4 victories, 9 pole positions, 6 fastest laps and a 2nd place in the Constructors' championship for Lotus. Given its performance and potential, the Cosworth had no rival, so several teams soon wanted to build it, and although Lotus had the exclusivity rights, Colin Chapman finally had to give in to pressure from Ford and the DFV engines were put into use sale for all F1 teams via Cosworth.

From 1968 to 1982, it was the absolute dominator of the competition. Most teams (especially the English ones) used it during this era. Its only rivals were the Ferrari 312T with its 12-cylinder boxer engine, thanks to its power and low center of gravity. The arrival of turbo engines in the 80s caused the DFV engines to become obsolete, competing for the last time in the 1983 season, where Michele Alboreto won the Detroit race with a Tyrrell.

The record of the Cosworth DFV is unrivaled. In total, the Cosworth DFV earned a total of 155 wins, 131 pole positions, 138 fastest laps, 12 Drivers' and 10 Constructors' Championships. And this only in Formula 1, since among many other categories it was also used in Sport and Indy, achieving the Triple Crown in 1980 by winning the F1 Monaco GP, the 24 hours of Le Mans and the Indy 500.