Did the Ford Falcon have a V-8?
Yes. The Ford Falcon did offer V-8 engines in multiple generations and markets.
The Falcon name has been used on two major lines: the original U.S. compact/near-compact introduced in 1960 and the long-running Australian Falcon family that persisted into 2016. This article looks at when V-8 power appeared in these different markets and how it shaped the Falcon lineup.
United States Falcons: V-8 options in the 1960s
Overview of V-8 availability
Before listing specifics, it is useful to note that Ford introduced small-block V-8 engines to the Falcon lineup as part of a broader shift toward V-8 power in compact and mid-size cars in the early 1960s.
Key V-8 options and when they appeared in the U.S. Falcon lineup include:
- 260 cu in (4.3 L) V-8 introduced for the Falcon in 1962, marking the shift from inline-sixes to V-8 power in the model line.
- Later V-8 options from Ford’s small-block family were offered on higher-trim or performance-oriented Falcons during the mid- to late-1960s.
In summary, the U.S. Falcon line did offer V-8 engines, especially as the model evolved through the early to mid-1960s, aligning with Ford’s broader performance-focused strategy for compact cars.
Australia: The Falcon lineage and V-8 power
V-8 presence across generations
Australian Falcons traditionally emphasized a mix of inline-six reliability and V-8 performance, with V-8 options appearing from early on and expanding in scope across decades.
Notable points about V-8 usage in Australian Falcons include:
- Early Australian Falcons offered V-8 options in addition to the standard inline-six, providing buyers with more performance choices.
- From the 1970s onward, Windsor-based V-8s in 5.0 L (302 cu in) and later 5.8 L (351 cu in) variants became common in many models, especially sportier or higher-spec trims, with engine choices evolving over time.
Overall, V-8 variants were a defining feature of the Australian Falcon lineup, contributing to a strong performance culture that persisted until the model’s discontinuation in 2016.
Summary
Across markets and generations, the Ford Falcon did offer V-8 engines. In the United States, V-8 options appeared in the early 1960s as Ford expanded the Falcon lineup beyond inline-sixes. In Australia, V-8 power became a hallmark of the Falcon family, with Windsor-based V-8s and related displacements appearing across many generations up to the model’s 2016 end. Engine availability varied by year and model, but V-8 options were a consistent thread in the Falcon story.
