What engines came in the Ford Galaxie 500?
In short, the Ford Galaxie 500 offered a broad engine lineup—from economical inline-sixes to multiple V8 families, including high-performance FE and 385-series big-blocks, with iconic options like the 427 and 428 Cobra Jet appearing in the late 1960s.
The Ford Galaxie 500 was Ford's top-trim full-size sedan for much of its production life, spanning roughly the 1962–1974 period. Engine choices evolved across generations to cover daily-driving needs, family comfort, and performance aspirations. The following overview groups the major engine families that powered the Galaxie 500 over its history.
Engine families that powered the Galaxie 500
This list identifies the principal engine families Ford used in the Galaxie 500, illustrating the move from basic six-cylinder power to robust V8 performance across decades.
- Inline-six and economy-oriented engines: Early Galaxie 500s were offered with straight-six options designed for reliability and efficiency.
- Small-block V8 family (Ford Windsor-based): A versatile, lighter V8 that provided a balance of performance and economy for many mid-year models.
- FE big-block V8 family: A broad-performance line that included the robust 390 cu in V8, and high-performance variants such as the 427 cu in and 428 cu in engines used in performance-oriented Galaxie 500s during the mid- to late-1960s.
- 385-series big-block V8 family: Introduced late in the Galaxie run, with 429 cu in and 460 cu in engines delivering substantial power for large sedans in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Note: Availability of specific engines varied by model year, body style, and market. Some engines were offered only with certain transmissions, trims, or performance packages.
Notable engines and performance variants
To illustrate performance-related options, this list highlights key big-block engines that found their way into Galaxie 500 models, especially in the late 1960s.
- 427 cubic inch (FE family): A legendary high-performance option in the mid-1960s, known for significant horsepower in the Galaxie 500 when paired with performance options.
- 428 cubic inch (FE family): Implemented in the late 1960s as a high-performance alternative within Ford's FE lineup and used in performance-oriented Galaxie variants.
- 429 cubic inch (385-series): A large-displacement V8 that powered late-1960s Galaxie 500 models, delivering strong torque for cruising and passing.
- 460 cubic inch (385-series): A larger-capacity big-block that became available in the early 1970s for full-size Ford cars, including certain Galaxie 500 configurations.
These performance engines were often paired with heavier duties and specific handling and equipment packages, reflecting Ford's strategy to offer a range of powertrains for different customer needs.
Historical context and impact
The Galaxie 500’s engine lineup illustrates Ford's broader strategy in the decades of big, V8-powered American sedans: provide a spectrum of power, from efficient daily transport to standout performance. Engine availability varied by year and market, making the Galaxie 500 a flexible platform for both families and performance enthusiasts.
Key takeaways
- Engine options evolved significantly across the model's lifespan, aligning with market demand and competition.
- High-performance engines like the 427, 428 CJ, 429, and 460 were introduced in various years and configurations.
- Exact engine availability depended on year, trim, and region.
In summary, the Ford Galaxie 500 offered a comprehensive engine lineup that ranged from reliable inline-sixes to robust big-block V8s and performance-oriented variants, reflecting Ford's full-size flagship strategy of the era.
Summary: Over its production life, the Galaxie 500 was offered with a wide array of engines—from six-cylinder mills for economy to multiple V8 families (FE and 385-series) with notable performance options (427, 428 CJ, 429, 460)—showcasing Ford's diverse full-size lineup.
Did Ford build a 406 engine?
The 406 engine was introduced in 1962 and only lasted till 1963, giving way to the 427.
What engine does a 2005 Ford 500 have?
Power for both front and all-wheel-drive models comes from Ford's 3.0-liter Duratec twin-cam V6. It makes a mild 203 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque.
What is a 1967 Ford Galaxie 500 worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $12,356 for a 1967 Ford Galaxie 500 in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1967 Ford Galaxie 500 at auction over the last three years was $77,000.
Which Ford Galaxy engine is best?
The Ford Galaxy 2.0 TDCi with 120 kW (163 hp) proved to be the most reliable and powerful engine of this generation - it offered excellent driving performance with a test consumption of only 6.2-6.8 liters per 100 km.
