What engines were available in a 1964 Galaxie 500?
The 1964 Galaxie 500 offered a broad range of powerplants, from a basic inline-six to multiple V8s, including a high-performance 427 cubic inch option used on select models.
In practice, Ford provided a base inline-six and several FE-series V8s for the Galaxie 500 lineup. The exact engine availability varied by trim, body style, and regional market, but the core options spanned 6-cylinder and several V8 displacements designed to cover economy, mid-range, and performance needs.
Engine options
The following lists outline the engine choices by type, as commonly configured for the 1964 Galaxie 500.
Inline-six
- 240 cubic inch inline-six (I6)
The inline-six served as the baseline option for buyers prioritizing fuel economy and simplicity. It could be paired with available transmissions of the era, depending on the model and market.
V8 engines
- 289 cubic inch V8 (2-barrel and 4-barrel carburetors)
- 352 cubic inch FE-series V8
- 390 cubic inch FE-series V8
- 427 cubic inch FE-series V8 (R-code high-performance option on select Galaxie 500/XL models)
The V8 lineup gave buyers a range from a modest power boost in the 289 to more substantial performance in the 352/390 FE options, with the 427 offering the top-end capability for enthusiasts and higher-trim, performance-oriented versions of the Galaxie 500.
Notes on availability
Engine availability depended on the specific Galaxie 500 trim level, body style (two-door or four-door), and regional market. The high-performance 427 was not standard and appeared on a limited subset of models, often in conjunction with other performance or luxury features.
Summary
The 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 was offered with a versatile engine lineup that ranged from a 240 cu in inline-six to multiple V8 options, culminating in the formidable 427 for select high-performance configurations. This mix allowed buyers to choose between efficiency, solid V8 power, and peak performance, depending on their priorities and budget.
