How many miles per gallon does a 1966 Ford F250 get?

In short, there isn’t a single official mpg figure for a 1966 Ford F-250. Real-world mileage varies widely based on engine, drivetrain, weight, and driving style. Most examples from the era fall into roughly the low to mid-teens for combined driving, with 4x4 models and heavier payloads tending toward the lower end of that range.

This article explains the factors that influence fuel economy on a 1966 F-250 and provides rough mileage ranges by configuration. It’s worth noting that EPA fuel economy labeling for light trucks in the mid-1960s was not standardized the way it is today, so estimates come from historical road tests, owner reports, and restorers’ notes rather than a single official number.

What affects fuel economy in the 1966 F-250

Fuel economy on a vintage Ford F-250 is affected by engine choice, transmission, drivetrain, gearing, payload, and maintenance. Below are the main elements that drive mileage for this model year.

Engine and drivetrain options in the 1966 F-250

The 1966 F-250 offered several powertrains, including inline-6 and V8 options, with 2WD and optional 4x4 configurations. Transmission choices ranged from manual gearboxes to automatics of the era. The combination of engine, gears, and whether the truck was carrying a load or towing something has the biggest impact on mpg.

• Inline-6 engines (commonly around 300 cubic inches): Typically the most economical option in real-world use, especially when paired with 2WD and a manual transmission. Real-world numbers often land in the mid-teens for combined driving, with highway cruising sometimes approaching the high-teens under light loads.


• V8 options (notably the 352 and the 390 cubic inches): Heavier and more powerful, resulting in lower overall fuel efficiency. Combined mileage commonly falls in the low-to-mid-teens, with highway figures sometimes edging into the teens when towing or under heavier loads are avoided.


• Drivetrain and payload: Two-wheel drive variants generally achieve better mileage than four-wheel-drive models, which carry extra weight and drivetrain drag, especially off-road or under load.


• Transmissions: Manual transmissions of the period can yield slightly better efficiency than automatics when driven calmly, but real-world differences depend on gearing and driving habits.

In practice, the mileage you’ll observe for a 1966 F-250 depends heavily on which engine and drivetrain it has, along with how it’s used. The consensus among enthusiasts and restorers places most 1960s F-250s in the low-to-mid-teens for combined driving, with 4x4 configurations and heavier payloads tending toward the lower end of that range.

Estimating based on typical configurations, here are rough mileage expectations by setup: 1966 F-250s with the inline-6 engine and 2WD often report mid-teens mpg on average, while V8-powered models (352/390) commonly show lower combined figures in the low-teens. Four-wheel-drive models and setups carrying heavy loads usually fall further toward single digits to low-teens under typical use.

Summary

There isn’t a single MPG figure for every 1966 Ford F-250. The truck’s mileage hinges on engine choice (inline-6 vs V8), drivetrain (2WD vs 4x4), transmission, gearing, payload, and driving style. Expect roughly the low-teens to mid-teens in most cases, with variations up or down depending on configuration and how the truck is operated. For collectors and restorers, the best way to gauge mpg is to identify the exact drivetrain and conduct a controlled, real-world test under your planned usage.

Summary

Final takeaway: the 1966 Ford F-250’s fuel economy varies by configuration and use. While there isn’t an official figure, practical experience places most examples in the low-teens to mid-teens mpg, with 4x4 and heavy payloads pulling numbers lower. If you’re evaluating a specific truck, note the engine, transmission, and axle setup to estimate its expected mileage more accurately.

How much is a 1966 Ford truck worth?

The value of a 1966 Ford truck varies significantly, but a 1966 Ford F-100 in good condition with average specs is typically worth around $17,000 to $26,000, with low-end values for fair condition trucks around $5,000 and high-end values reaching over $59,000 for well-restored or rare examples. The final price depends on factors like the truck's specific model (F-100, F-250), condition, engine, and any custom modifications.
 
Factors that influence the value

• Condition: A truck in excellent, original condition will be worth much more than one that needs work. 
• Model and trim: The specific model, such as an F-100 or F-250, and trim level, like a Custom Cab, can affect value. 
• Engine: The original engine or a desirable V8 or inline-6 engine can increase the price. 
• Specific features: Optional features like the Flareside (stepside) bed, chrome bumpers, or factory-installed air conditioning can add value. 
• Modifications: Custom or restomod builds can fetch higher prices, depending on the quality of the work and the parts used. 

Where to find a 1966 Ford truck for sale

• Classic car websites: Websites like Classics on Autotrader and Hemmings list a wide range of classic Ford trucks for sale. 
• Auction sites: Websites like Carsforsale.com and other online auction sites often feature classic trucks. 
• Social media: Local and national Facebook groups dedicated to classic Ford trucks are a great place to find unique examples. 

How to estimate the value of a specific truck

• Use online valuation tools: Websites like Hagerty provide valuation tools that consider the condition and features of the truck.
• Check comparable listings: Look at similar trucks for sale on different websites to see what they are priced at, taking into account differences in condition and features.

Which F-250 to stay away from?

You should generally avoid the 2006, 2008, 2011, and 2017 Ford F-250 models due to common issues like the "death wobble," transmission problems, and other electrical and brake failures. Other models to approach with caution include the 2003-2007 F-250 with the 6.0L Power Stroke engine due to potential engine problems, and the 2008-2010 F-250 with the 6.4L engine, which has known EGR cooler issues. 
Model years to avoid

• 2006: Known for stalling, power steering loss, and brake issues, along with the death wobble. 
• 2008: Has serious brake problems and the death wobble. 
• 2011: Often experiences transmission issues, rough shifting, and the death wobble. 
• 2017: Plagued by the "death wobble" and other suspension/steering problems. 
• 2017-2019: Specifically mentioned as being susceptible to the "death wobble". 
• 2003-2007 (with 6.0L Power Stroke engine): Prone to head gasket and oil cooler failures in stock form. 
• 2008-2010 (with 6.4L Power Stroke engine): Has common EGR cooler failures that can lead to coolant loss and overheating. 

General issues to be aware of

• Death Wobble: This is a recurring problem in several model years, especially 2008, 2011, and 2017, and is related to suspension and steering components. 
• Transmission Problems: Rough shifting and unexpected gear changes have been reported in certain years, notably 2011. 
• Engine Issues: Specific diesel engines have known problems. The 6.0L and 6.4L engines are especially notorious for requiring significant maintenance or bulletproofing to be reliable. 
• Brake Failures: Some models have reported brake problems, including sudden failure and issues with the brake booster. 

How big is the fuel tank on a 1966 Ford f100?

19.5 Gallon
Fuel Tank In-Cab 19.5 Gallon Without EEC For 1961-1972 Ford F-100 Pickup Truck.

How many miles does a Ford F-250 get per gallon?

The diesel-powered F-250 is noted for delivering approximately 18 to 20 miles per gallon on the highway under optimal conditions.