What engines did the Ford Fairlane have?
The Ford Fairlane, a classic car that graced American roads from the 1950s to the 1970s, is remembered for its stylish design and versatile engine options. Over its production years, the Fairlane offered a variety of engines to cater to different performance needs and budgets. In this article, we’ll explore the engines that powered this iconic vehicle through its various generations.
Engines in the Early Years (1955–1961)
The Ford Fairlane debuted in 1955 as a full-size car, and its early years were marked by a range of inline-six and V8 engines. These engines were designed to provide a balance of performance and reliability for the growing American car market.
- Inline-Six Engines: The base models were equipped with a 223 cubic inch (3.7L) inline-six engine, which was known for its durability and fuel efficiency.
- Y-Block V8 Engines: The Fairlane also offered V8 options, such as the 272 cubic inch (4.5L) and 292 cubic inch (4.8L) Y-block engines, which provided more power for drivers seeking better performance.
The Mid-Sized Transition (1962–1965)
In 1962, the Fairlane transitioned to a mid-sized car, and with this change came new engine options. Ford introduced its innovative small-block V8 engine during this period, which became a hallmark of the Fairlane lineup.
- Inline-Six Engines: The 144 cubic inch (2.4L) and 170 cubic inch (2.8L) inline-six engines were available for entry-level models.
- Small-Block V8 Engines: The 221 cubic inch (3.6L) and 260 cubic inch (4.3L) Windsor V8 engines were introduced, offering improved performance and efficiency.
The Muscle Car Era (1966–1970)
As the muscle car era gained momentum, the Ford Fairlane became a platform for high-performance engines. This period saw the introduction of some of the most powerful engines in the Fairlane’s history.
- Inline-Six Engines: The 200 cubic inch (3.3L) inline-six remained an option for base models.
- Small-Block V8 Engines: The 289 cubic inch (4.7L) and 302 cubic inch (4.9L) Windsor V8 engines were popular choices for drivers seeking a balance of power and affordability.
- Big-Block V8 Engines: High-performance models, such as the Fairlane GT and GTA, were equipped with the 390 cubic inch (6.4L) FE V8 engine. Additionally, the legendary 427 cubic inch (7.0L) FE V8 engine was available in limited numbers, making the Fairlane a formidable competitor on the drag strip.
The Final Years (1971–1976)
In its later years, the Fairlane was gradually phased out in favor of other Ford models. However, it continued to offer a range of engines to suit different needs.
- Inline-Six Engines: The 250 cubic inch (4.1L) inline-six was available for base models.
- V8 Engines: The 302 cubic inch (4.9L) Windsor V8 and the 351 cubic inch (5.8L) Cleveland V8 were popular options during this period.
Conclusion
The Ford Fairlane’s engine lineup evolved significantly over its production years, reflecting changes in automotive technology and consumer preferences. From reliable inline-six engines to powerful big-block V8s, the Fairlane offered something for everyone. Whether you’re a classic car enthusiast or simply curious about automotive history, the Fairlane’s diverse engine options make it a fascinating subject to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
What engines were available in the 1957 Ford Fairlane 500?
For 1957, Ford offered four different engines in six stages of tune. At the entry level was a 223-cubic inch Mileage Maker overhead-valve six. There were three sizes of V-8s, which displaced 272, 292, and 312 cubic inches, respectively.
What is a 1963 Ford Fairlane 500 worth?
Vehicle Valuation Analysis
| Bodystyles | Median Sale |
|---|---|
| 500 Series Sport Coupe | $7,000 |
| 500 Series Squire | $10,000 |
| 500 Series Squire | $29,700 |
| Sedan | $4,131 |
What motor did the Ford Fairlane have in it?
Basic models featured the 302 CID V8 and three-speed manual transmission as standard. Options included the 390 CID and two 428 cu in (7.0 L) V8s.
What is a 1967 Ford Fairlane worth today?
The value of a 1967 Ford Fairlane can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $15,909 for a 1967 Ford Fairlane in good condition with average spec.
How many miles per gallon did a 1959 Ford Fairlane get?
Based on data from 3 vehicles, 21 fuel-ups and 4,271 miles of driving, the 1959 Ford Fairlane gets a combined Avg MPG of 13.64 with a 0.90 MPG margin of error.
What engines were available in the 1964 Ford Fairlane?
The Ford Fairlane came standard with an overhead valve six-cylinder engine with a 170 cubic-inch displacement, a Holley-one barrel carburetor, seven main bearings, 8.7:1 compression, and delivered 101 horsepower at 4,400 RPM. Ford eight-cylinder options included a 260, 289, 352, 390, and 427 CID options.
Is a Fairlane a muscle car?
The 1966 Fairlane GT and GT/A: Ford's First Midsize Musclecar.
What engine came with a 1958 Ford Fairlane 500?
Engine Options:
292 cubic inch (4.8L) Thunderbird V8. 332 cubic inch (5.4L) Interceptor V8.
What engines were available in the 1963 Ford Fairlane 500?
A Ford six or new 221-cid OHV V8 powered the new cars. The mid-year Fairlane 500 (pillared) Sport Coupe came with buckets and console. A 260-cid V8 and four-speed manual transmission were optional. For 1963, the nicely restyled Fairlane Sport Coupe became a true hardtop.
What engines did Ford make in the 60s?
Ford raced into 1962 with essentially the 1961 lineup of engines: A 223-cubic-inch six, 292 V-8, 352 V-8, 300- and 330-horsepower 390s, and, at the beginning of the year, beefed-up 390s producing 375 or 401 horses. The 352 and 390s (save for the 401-horsepower plant) utilized single four-barrel carburetors.
