How much horsepower does a 1963 Ford Fairlane have?
The horsepower for a 1963 Ford Fairlane varies by engine choice: about 164 horsepower from the 260 cubic-inch V8 and roughly 210 horsepower from the optional 289 cubic-inch V8, with exact figures depending on carburetion and the era’s rating method.
Engine options in the 1963 Fairlane
The following engine options were commonly available on the 1963 Fairlane lineup and their advertised horsepower figures from period brochures.
- 260 cubic-inch V8 — approximately 164 horsepower (SAE gross); typically offered with two- or four-barrel carburetion, with horsepower shown in the era’s gross-rating standards.
- 289 cubic-inch V8 — about 210 horsepower (SAE gross) with a four-barrel carburetor; this option provided a noticeable boost over the base V8.
- Inline-6 options — available on some trims, delivering substantially less horsepower than the V8s; exact figures varied by displacement and carburetion.
For most buyers, the Fairlane’s performance in 1963 came from these V8 choices, with the 260 providing baseline power and the 289 offering a stronger, more responsive option.
Measuring horsepower in 1963: a note on ratings
Horsepower figures published in 1963 used SAE gross ratings, which measure engine output with little to no accessories. Modern ratings typically use SAE net ratings, which subtract power used by accessories. As a result, the numbers from that era can appear higher than today’s figures, so direct comparisons require context about the rating method.
What this means for buyers and collectors
When researching a specific car, it helps to verify the exact engine code, carburetion, and whether the brochure’s figure reflects SAE gross or net ratings. The engine code is usually listed on the engine block or in the car’s trim tag, and a window sticker or original build sheet can confirm the original horsepower rating and trim level.
Practical tips for verifying a 1963 Fairlane's engine
Check the VIN and build sheet, inspect the engine stamp, and cross-reference with period sales literature and service manuals. For collectors, matching numbers (engine to VIN) can affect value, but overall condition and originality often matter more than a single horsepower figure.
Summary
The 1963 Ford Fairlane offered at least two primary V8 options that determined horsepower: the 260 cubic-inch V8 around 164 hp and the 289 cubic-inch V8 around 210 hp, based on SAE gross ratings used at the time. The exact number for a given car depends on the engine, carburetion, and rating method, so consult the original documentation for the most precise figure.
How much horsepower does a 1963 Ford 289 have?
The 289 is an outstanding engine. It was launched in 1963 model year as a derivative of the 260 V8 having a bore of 4.0 inches instead of 3.8 inches, stroke remaining 2.875 inches. Rated gross horsepower was 195 for two-barrel version, 210 for four-barrel regular fuel version, and 271 for the high-performance version.
What engines were available in the 63 Fairlane?
The 1963 Ford Fairlane offered several engine options, including a standard 170 cubic-inch inline-six and a new 221 cubic-inch V8. Mid-year, a 260 cubic-inch "Challenger" V8 was added, and later in 1963, the high-performance "K-code" 289 cubic-inch V8 with 271 horsepower became available.
You can watch this video to learn about the 1963 Fairlane's engine options: 57sTwo Guys and a RideYouTube · Jul 7, 2025
- 170 CID inline-six: The standard, economical engine was a 170 cubic-inch (2.8 L) inline-six.
- 221 CID V8: A new 221 cubic-inch (3.6 L) V8 was offered, producing 145 horsepower.
- 260 CID V8: A 260 cubic-inch (4.2 L) "Challenger" V8 with 164 horsepower was introduced mid-year.
- 289 CID "K-code" V8: The top-of-the-line option was the high-performance 289 cubic-inch "Hi-Po" V8, which delivered 271 horsepower and was equipped with solid lifters.
How much is a 1963 Fairlane worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $23,600 for a 1963 Ford Fairlane 500 in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1963 Ford Fairlane 500? The highest selling price of a 1963 Ford Fairlane 500 at auction over the last three years was $68,040.
How much horsepower does a 1963 Ford 427 have?
425 hp
Ford's legendary 427ci V-8 was equipped with an aluminum low-riser manifold sporting two Holley four-barrel carbs and a 324-degree mechanical tappet camshaft, and was factory rated at 425 hp.
