What engine came in a 1959 Ford Fairlane?
The 1959 Ford Fairlane was powered primarily by Ford's 292-cubic-inch Y-block V8. Entry models used a 223-cubic-inch inline-six.
Engine options for the 1959 Fairlane
Ford offered a straightforward choice between a compact inline-six and a larger V8, with trim and option packages determining exact configurations.
Inline-six baseline
For buyers seeking economy and simplicity, the Fairlane could be equipped with the 223 cubic-inch inline-six as the standard base engine in most trims.
- 223 cubic-inch inline-six (3.7 L)
The inline-six provided modest performance by the era’s standards and paired with either a manual or an early automatic transmission, depending on the model.
V8 options
For more power, Ford offered a larger V8 option: the 292 cubic-inch Y-block V8, which served as the primary V8 choice in the Fairlane lineup.
- 292 cubic-inch Y-block V8
Additionally, higher-trim configurations and regional packages sometimes opened access to larger displacement V8s from Ford’s broader engine families, though availability varied by year and market.
Summary
In short, the 1959 Ford Fairlane was commonly equipped with a 292 cu in Y-block V8 as the top engine option, while the base models carried a 223 cu in inline-six. Engine availability depended on trim, options, and market.
How many 1959 Ford Fairlanes were produced?
Approximately 1,082,000 Ford Fairlanes were produced in 1959, with the exact number varying by specific model and body style. The Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner model had a specific production run of 12,915 units.
- 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner: 12,915 units
- Overall 1959 Ford Production: 1,082,000 units total across all models
What engines did the Ford Fairlane have?
The base engine was the 200 cu in (3.3 L) I6, with several optional V8s. Early production 1968 base V8 Fairlanes were equipped with the two-barrel 289 cu in (4.7 L), while later units came with the 302 cu in (4.9 L).
What engines were available in the 1959 Ford Fairlane?
The 1959 Ford Fairlane offered several engine options, including a standard 223-cid inline-6 and a 292-cid V8. For those seeking more power, a 332-cid V8 was also available, and a top-of-the-line 352-cid V8 was offered, which produced 300 horsepower.
Engine options
- 223 cu in (3.7 L) "Mileage Maker" I6: The base engine, as seen in some Fairlane 500 models.
- 292 cu in (4.8 L) "Thunderbird" V8: A common upgrade that produced 200 hp.
- 332 cu in (5.4 L) "Interceptor" V8: Another available V8 option for 1958-1959 models.
- 352 cu in (5.8 L) "Interceptor" V8: The most powerful engine, generating 300 hp with a 4-barrel carburetor.
How much is a 1959 Ford Fairlane worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $9,250 for a 1959 Ford Fairlane in good condition with average spec.
