How much horsepower does a 1960 Ford Falcon have?
In 1960, the Ford Falcon offered two inline-six engines, delivering modest power by modern standards. The base 144-cubic-inch engine produced about 90 horsepower gross, while the optional 170-cubic-inch engine raised that to roughly 101 horsepower gross. Net power figures would be lower in real-world driving.
Engine options and horsepower
The following outlines the two available engines and the horsepower figures Ford published for the 1960 Falcon. Note that these are gross figures used at the time; contemporary measurements use net horsepower.
- 144 cubic inch inline-six (the standard engine, often called the Mileage Maker): approximately 90 horsepower gross. Net power in typical testing would be noticeably lower.
- 170 cubic inch inline-six (optional upgrade): approximately 101 horsepower gross. Net power would be lower in practice.
In the 1960 Falcon family, V8 power was not yet part of the lineup; performance-focused variants like the Falcon Sprint did not introduce a significant horsepower gain until later years. The engine choices were designed to balance economy, torque, and driveability for daily use.
Understanding horsepower ratings of the era
During the 1960s, manufacturers quoted gross horsepower, measured with the engine isolated from in-car losses. Modern ratings have shifted to net horsepower, which accounts for accessories and powertrain losses, yielding lower numbers. This difference is why a 90 hp figure from the brochure does not translate exactly to the power you feel on the road today.
Summary
The 1960 Ford Falcon offered two inline-six engines with different power outputs: the base 144 cu in engine at about 90 hp gross and the optional 170 cu in at about 101 hp gross. Real-world output would be lower due to net ratings and drivetrain losses, and Falcons of that era were built for economy and practicality rather than high torque or straight-line speed. If you’re restoring or researching a 1960 Falcon, matching the correct engine and carburetion will help you gauge authenticity and performance expectations.
