What motor came in a 1964 Ford Falcon?
In 1964, the Falcon’s standard powerplant was a 170 cubic inch inline-six, with an optional 260 cubic inch V8 available for buyers seeking more performance.
Engine options for the 1964 Falcon
The following outlines the primary engines available that model year:
- 170 cubic inch inline-six (I6) — approximately 105 horsepower; standard in most Falcons and compatible with either a three-speed manual or an automatic transmission.
- 260 cubic inch V8 — roughly 164 horsepower; optional upgrade in several trim levels, commonly paired with automatic or manual transmissions.
In practical terms, buyers could choose a simple, economical baseline with the 170 I6 or opt for the extra performance of the 260 V8 without moving to a larger platform.
Context and impact
Ford used the Falcon as a compact, affordable platform during the early 1960s. The availability of a V8 in the Falcon line—via the 260 cubic inch engine—helped Ford offer sportier options in a cost-conscious package, a pattern that continued into later Falcons and into the Mustang family.
Summary
The 1964 Ford Falcon primarily relied on the 170 cu in inline-six as its standard powerplant, with the 260 cu in V8 offered as an option for buyers seeking extra performance. This combination reflected Ford’s strategy of delivering economical compact cars with a choice of propulsion to suit different needs.
