What engines were available in the 59 F-100?
The 1959 Ford F-100 offered a practical inline-six option and a range of V8s, from the traditional Y-blocks to the newer FE family. In short, buyers could choose a 223 cubic inch inline-six or several V8 configurations to suit workhorse reliability or higher performance needs.
During the 1959 model year, Ford’s light-duty F-Series trucks offered a spectrum of powerplants designed to balance everyday usefulness with capable performance. This article outlines the engine lineup available for the 59 F-100, explains how the options differed, and notes how choices affected drivability and capability for a wide range of buyers.
Engine lineup
The following engine options were available (or commonly configured) for the 1959 F-100, spanning the traditional six-cylinder line and two generations of V8s.
- 223 cubic inch inline-six (Mileage-Maker) — a durable, economical six for basic hauling and daily driving.
- 272 cubic inch Y-block V8 — a small-displacement V8 offering more torque and smoother operation than the inline-six.
- 292 cubic inch Y-block V8 — a larger Y-block option providing increased power and capability for heavier loads.
- 332 cubic inch FE-series V8 — part of Ford’s newer FE V8 family, offering more power and modern design for the late-1950s era.
- 352 cubic inch FE-series V8 — a larger member of the FE family, tuned for higher performance while still suitable for work tasks.
- 390 cubic inch FE-series V8 — the upper-end option within the FE lineup, delivering substantial power output for demanding jobs.
Note: Horsepower and torque varied with carburetion (two- or four-barrel), compression ratios, and whether the truck was paired with a manual or automatic transmission. Availability could also depend on trim level and regional production.
Performance and configuration
Power and drivability
Inline-six engines prioritized fuel economy and reliability, making them popular for fleet and work applications. V8 options offered progressively more horsepower and torque, with the Y-blocks providing a noticeable step up from the six and the FE-series delivering the broadest range of performance—especially in heavier-duty configurations and higher-spec trims.
Transmission and matching
Engine choices were typically paired with a range of transmissions, including 3-speed manuals, 3-speed with overdrive, and Fordomatic automatics. The combination of engine and transmission determined not just peak acceleration, but creeping load performance and long-haul usability for midcentury truck buyers.
Summary
The 1959 F-100 offered a versatile engine lineup designed to cover light-duty work and more demanding tasks. From the economical 223 inline-six to the robust FE-series V8s (332, 352, and 390 cu in), buyers could tailor their truck to balance economy, power, and reliability for varied duties. This multi-engine approach helped the 59 F-100 remain a popular choice for contractors, farmers, and daily drivers alike.
