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Why Buick Called It the Nailhead: The Real Story Behind the Iconic V8's Name
Photo: Jalopnik
by Paul Stadden· via Jalopnik · Jan 9, 2026

Why Buick Called It the Nailhead: The Real Story Behind the Iconic V8's Name

"The Nailhead is one of those rare engine names that actually means something; too bad modern marketing has forgotten how to name cars with this kind of honesty."

— Revvly Take

Buick's Nailhead V8 earned its name from a specific technical detail, not marketing fluff or folk wisdom. Understanding the naming reveals how mid-century Buick engineers thought about valve train design—and why the engine became a staple in hot rods and custom builds for decades.

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Paul Stadden

Jalopnik · Jan 9

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