Why is mine called a 289 Special?

Nope never been touch til now. Its pretty crazy how it's all there still but no i dont think it's ever been rebuilt. I know it needs it. I love the car though. I'm starting to drive it more then the 57...

In regards to your comment on being surprised its all still there, my sisters 289 lasted the full 41 years without rebuilding anything (engine or tranny) everything and i mean everything was original.

What finally killed it after months of driving as a DD with a bad valve tap was that the damned oil pump driveshaft broke on the freeway and it burned up the crank bearings.

The point being is that these old motors (at least the fords) seem to be pretty tough .