What engine came in the 1961 Ford Galaxie?
The 1961 Ford Galaxie offered multiple engine options, with the standout being the 390 cubic inch V8; base models could also be equipped with a 223 cubic inch inline-six and other V8 choices depending on trim and package.
Engine options for the 1961 Galaxie
The following were the main engine choices available across the Galaxie lineup in 1961. Availability depended on the model (Galaxie, Galaxie 500, or Galaxie 500 XL) and the option packages.
- 223 cubic inch inline-six (3.7 L)
- 292 cubic inch Y-block V8 (4.8 L)
- 352 cubic inch FE-series V8
- 390 cubic inch FE-series V8
The 390 V8 was the most powerful option and became a hallmark for the Galaxie’s performance-oriented trims, while the inline-six and smaller V8s were chosen for buyers prioritizing economy or stepping up from the base model.
How the engines mapped to the lineup
In 1961, Ford used engine choice as a way to differentiate the Galaxie tiers. The base and mid-range Galaxie models commonly paired with the six-cylinder or smaller V8s, while higher-end Galaxie 500 and related variants typically featured the larger V8 options, culminating with the 390 for those seeking performance.
Summary
The 1961 Ford Galaxie offered a spectrum of powertrains, from the economical inline-six to the robust 390 cubic inch V8, ensuring buyers could tailor performance, economy, and luxury to their needs. The 390 V8 stands out as the defining engine for the era's Galaxie performance image.
What engine is in a 1961 Ford Galaxie?
Performance was beginning to be a selling point, and the 1961 Galaxie offered a new 390-cubic-inch (6.4 L) version of Ford's FE series pushrod V8, which was available with either a four-barrel carburetor or, for higher performance, three two-barrel carburetors. The latter was rated at 401 hp (299 kW) (gross).
How much horsepower did a 406 Ford motor have?
385 hp
With a single four-barrel Holley carburetor, the 406 was rated at 385 hp, and with three two-barrel Holleys the outpuit rose to 405 hp at 5,800 rpm—apparently an underrating as the engine could pull to 6,000 rpm or more. The 406 could be ordered in all Ford and Mercury full-size models except station wagons.
How much is a 1961 Ford Galaxie worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $11,050 for a 1961 Ford Galaxie in good condition with average spec.
What is the rarest Ford engine?
The rarest Ford engine is the Modular V10 Prototype, as only one unit was ever built as an experimental engine in the early 2000s. For a mass-produced production engine, the rarest is the Boss 429, though it was available for a short time. Other notably rare engines include the experimental 427 \"Calliope\" Can-Am V8, the 427 SOHC Cammer, and the turbocharged 1.8L Cosworth-developed engine for the RS1700T.
You can watch this video to learn about the history of the Ford 427 engine: 1mBullnoseGarageYouTube · Oct 13, 2025
Non-production and experimental engines
- Ford Modular V10 Prototype: Developed in the early 2000s, this V10 was built as a unique engineering project and never entered production. It was fitted into a test car and proved to be a powerful but complex engine.
- Ford 427 \"Calliope\": This experimental big-block V8 was designed for Can-Am racing. It was a highly advanced, lightweight aluminum V8, but only a few prototypes were ever made before the project was discontinued.
This video discusses the Ford "Calliope" engine in detail: 1mREVan EvanYouTube · Jun 23, 2025
Mass-produced production engines
- Ford Boss 429: This engine is considered the rarest in a mass-produced Ford car. It was built in limited numbers for NASCAR homologation, making it a high-demand engine for enthusiasts today.
- Ford 427 SOHC Cammer: Also known as the "Cammer," this high-performance V8 was built for racing. It was produced in limited numbers as a crate engine for racing applications rather than in production cars.
- Ford RS1700T engine: A turbocharged 1.8-liter engine developed for the Escort RS1700T rally car. The project was canceled, but the engine was a rare and powerful piece of Ford's rally history.
