What engine is in a 1962 Ford F100?
The 1962 Ford F-100 could come with either a 170 cubic inch inline-six or a 221 cubic inch Windsor V8.
In practice, Ford offered multiple powertrains for the F-100 in 1962, with the inline-six providing economy and durability for light-duty work, and the Windsor V8 delivering more torque for heavier loads and highway cruising. The exact engine installed depended on the truck’s build date and option package.
Inline-six engine option
For buyers prioritizing reliability and efficiency, the inline-six option was the standard choice in many 1962 F-100 configurations. This family of engines was known for simple maintenance and solid low-end torque.
- 170 cubic inch inline-six (2.8 L) — part of Ford’s Mileage Maker six-cylinder lineup used in several F-Series trucks of the era.
The inline-six provided ample low-end torque for everyday work and a straightforward maintenance profile, making it a popular default choice for fleets and tradespeople.
V8 engine option
For customers seeking more power, Ford offered a V8 option in the 1962 F-100. V8s delivered stronger performance for heavier hauls and steadier highway speed.
- 221 cubic inch Windsor V8 (about 3.6 L) — a compact V8 that was commonly used across Ford trucks and cars in the early 1960s.
The Windsor V8 option gave the 1962 F-100 significantly more torque and a noticeable boost in ability for tougher tasks compared with the inline-six.
How to identify which engine your truck has
To verify the exact engine in a specific 1962 F-100, check the engine block casting number, the vehicle’s data plate, and any original build sheet or documentation. The engine size is also often listed on the radiator support tag or VIN decoding labels found in the cab or engine compartment.
Summary
The 1962 Ford F-100 offered two primary engine choices: a 170 cu in inline-six for economy and reliability, and a 221 cu in Windsor V8 for more power. The precise engine depended on the truck’s production date and option package, so consult the data plate or documentation to confirm the exact powerplant for a given vehicle.
