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What engine came in the 1962 Ford Galaxie?

The 1962 Ford Galaxie offered multiple powertrains, but the standout engine for performance was Ford's 390 cubic-inch V8 from the FE family, paired with the Galaxie lineup. A more economical inline-six was also available.


In 1962, Ford’s full-size Galaxie family was offered with both a six-cylinder engine and V8 options. The combination gave buyers a range from everyday commuting to higher-performance driving, with the 390 cubic-inch V8 serving as the top engine in the model lineup.


Engine options for the 1962 Galaxie


Below is a concise look at the two primary powertrain configurations that defined the Galaxie range that year.



  • Inline-six engine: 223 cubic inches (3.7 L)

  • V8 engine: 390 cubic inches (FE series) as the top powerplant


These engine configurations reflect the core choices offered to buyers in 1962, with the 390 V8 delivering more power for acceleration and highway cruising, while the six-cylinder option provided smoother, more economical operation.


Additional context


Ford's FE family, which included the 390, was a mainstay of the era across the full-size lineup, and the 390 in particular was widely used in Galaxie, Galaxie 500, and related models in the early 1960s. The inline-six, while less powerful, was valued for reliability and lower running costs.


Summary


The 1962 Ford Galaxie offered a choice between a 223 cu in inline-six and a 390 cu in FE V8, with the latter serving as the top-tier engine for performance-focused trims. The combination gave buyers practical options for daily driving and more spirited highway performance.

What is a 1962 Ford Galaxie worth today?


Typically, you can expect to pay around $7,358 for a 1962 Ford Galaxie in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1962 Ford Galaxie? The highest selling price of a 1962 Ford Galaxie at auction over the last three years was $38,880.



What engine was in a 1962 Ford Galaxie?


The 1962 Ford Galaxie 406 brought newfound power to the company's muscle cars. Ford began 1962 without an engine over 400 cid, a serious deficiency against 409 Chevys, 413 Mopars, and 421 Pontiacs. The remedy came partway into the season with an enlargement of the 390-cid Ford to 406 cubic inches.



What engine options came with the Galaxie 500?


Here are some of its key features: Engine Options V8 Engines: The Galaxie 500 was available with several engine options, including: 289 cubic inch (4.7L) V8 352 cubic inch (5.8L) V8 390 cubic inch (6.4L) V8, which provided robust power and performance.



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.


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Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.