What color was the 1966 Ford engine painted?

Ford's 1966 engines were typically painted Ford Blue—the company's signature engine color—marking the standard finish for most V8s of the era, including the popular 289, 352, and 390 cubic-inch motors. Rare exceptions existed, but blue was the norm.

Ford Blue: The standard engine color in 1966

During the mid-1960s, Ford applied a blue enamel as the default finish to most engine blocks and accessories. The exact shade could vary slightly by assembly plant and production date, but the blue tone is recognizable in period photos and restorations.

• Ford Blue: The standard factory color used on most 1966 Ford V8 engines (e.g., 289, 352, 390).


• Exceptions and variations: In rare cases—such as certain dealer-installed show components, replacements, or special editions—the engine may appear in a different finish or unpainted in some areas, though these are not typical of the original production line.

For most restorations, Ford Blue should be the baseline color; verify against the specific model's factory documentation or credible reference images when accuracy matters for authenticity.

Restoration considerations and verification

Because factory colors could shift by year and plant, restorers cross-check color references with period materials and documented examples from the era.

1. Identify the exact year, model, and engine code to pull the correct Ford color scheme from period paint charts.


2. Inspect the engine block and surrounding components for a uniform blue finish, noting any areas that might have been touched up or replaced.


3. Consult factory literature, service bulletins, and reputable restoration guides that document the standard blue shade for 1966 engines.


4. Compare with photographed originals of similar 1966 Ford engines and seek expert guidance from dedicated Ford clubs or archives.

In practice, the established color for the 1966 Ford engine is Ford Blue, with deviations being the exception rather than the rule. Proper verification helps ensure authenticity for restorations or historical displays.

Summary

In 1966, Ford engines were predominantly painted Ford Blue, reflecting the brand’s standard engine color of the era. For collectors and restorers, this blue baseline remains a reliable starting point, with careful cross-checking of model-specific documentation to confirm the exact shade and finish.

What engines were available in the 1966 Ford Galaxie 500?

Thunderbird V8
A new model was introduced for 1966; the Galaxie 500 7 Litre, fitted with a new engine, the 345 hp 428 cu in (7.0 L) Thunderbird V8. This engine was also available on the Ford Thunderbird and the Mercury S-55. The police versions received a 360 hp version of the 428 known as the 'Police Interceptor' as police cars.

What color is the 1966 Mustang engine?

Corporate Blue
Mustang Engine Paint Color Switches to Corporate Blue
1966 and later models were painted solely with Ford's signature Corporate Blue, not only for the Mustang but also for the other models in Ford's line-up. This made things easier at the factory but also created a signature design.

What color did Ford paint their engines?

Ford engine paint colors vary by era and engine type, with common historical colors including Ford Corporate Blue, red, and black. Modern options like Dupli-Color offer a wide range of colors for Ford engines, including Ford Green, Ford Blue, and New Ford Gray, in various finishes. 
This video explains the history of Ford engine paint colors: 27sDentside DepotYouTube · May 19, 2025
Historical Ford engine colors

• Blue: Ford Corporate Blue became the standard in 1966 for most engines, while earlier models used a lighter blue on some engines like the 260ci V8. 
• Red: Some older 6-cylinder engines were painted red, and Mercury FE blocks were red in 1965. 
• Black: Early engines, including some FE blocks, were painted black. 
• Gold: The 289 four-barrel engines (A- and D-codes) were painted gold. 
• Other: Some engines had specific colors for components like the air cleaner and valve covers to differentiate models. 

Modern and aftermarket options

• Dupli-Color: Offers a wide variety of engine paint colors, including Ford Green, Old Ford Blue, Ford Red, and New Ford Gray. 
• Specialty paint brands: Some companies offer specific colors like Cleveland Blue, Corporate Blue, and Ford Competition Blue for certain models. 
• Color codes: Look for specific product codes, such as DE1601 for Ford Blue or DE1635 for semi-gloss black. 
• Custom and high-temperature paints: High-temperature paints are available for specific engine components. 

Key considerations

• Identify your engine: Research the specific year, model, and engine type to find the correct original color. 
• Consider the finish: Decide on a finish like gloss, semi-gloss, or flat, depending on the desired look and era. 
• Use the correct paint: Use engine-specific paints designed to withstand heat and oil, and consider brands that offer historically accurate colors. 

What Ford engine to stay away from?

Ford engines to avoid include the 6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke diesels, which had numerous issues like EGR cooler failures and injector problems, and the 5.4L Triton V8 known for spark plug and timing chain problems. Other engines to be cautious of are the 3.8L V6 due to head gasket failures and certain EcoBoost engines, especially early 1.0L and 1.6L models, which have faced issues like premature timing belt wear and overheating. 
You can watch this video to learn about some of the worst Ford engines ever made: 59sCar WisdomsYouTube · May 2, 2025
Engines with high failure rates 

• 6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke diesel engines: These engines (2003-2007 and 2008-2010, respectively) are notorious for expensive problems, including head gasket failures, injector issues, and turbocharger failures. 
• 5.4L Triton V8: This engine (1997-2010) is infamous for spark plugs breaking during removal and cam phaser/timing chain issues. 
• 3.8L SX V6: From 1982 to 2008, this engine had issues with weak head bolts causing head gasket failures, and early versions were prone to coolant leaks. 

This video discusses the 5.4L Triton V8 in detail: 53sSeats & WheelsYouTube · Aug 10, 2025
Problematic EcoBoost engines

• 1.0L EcoBoost (early versions): Early models used a rubber timing belt in hot engine oil, which could degrade and clog the oil pickup, leading to oil starvation and engine damage. 
• 1.6L EcoBoost: This engine has been associated with overheating and coolant leaks. 
• 3.5L EcoBoost: Problems can include carbon buildup, premature timing chain wear, and water pump failures. 
• 2.7L EcoBoost: Early models (around 2016-2017) experienced issues with defective valve guides, excessive oil consumption, and leaking plastic oil pans. 

You can watch this video for more information about EcoBoost engine issues: 1mExoticCar PlayPlaceYouTube · Nov 15, 2025