What transmission is in a 1963 Ford Falcon?
The 1963 Ford Falcon offered two main drivetrain options when it came to transmissions: a standard 3-speed manual and an optional Fordomatic 2-speed automatic.
Context and historical background
During the model year, Ford positioned the Falcon as an affordable compact with choices that matched the era’s appetite for both traditional manual shifting and easier automatic operation. The manual was favored by budget-conscious buyers and driving purists, while the automatic catered to everyday driving in urban and suburban settings.
Transmission options for the 1963 Falcon
Before listing the configurations, here are the two primary transmissions you would find in most 1963 Falcons.
- 3-speed manual transmission: Standard on base Falcon models; usually a floor-shift setup paired with the common inline-six engines.
- Fordomatic automatic transmission: An optional two-speed automatic that provided automatic shifting without a clutch.
In practice, this meant the car could be driven with the traditional manual or with an automatic that offered easier operation for daily use.
Manual vs Automatic driving characteristics
Shifting with a manual required clutch operation and hand–foot coordination, delivering direct engagement and potential fuel-efficiency advantages for skilled drivers. The Fordomatic automatic offered smoother acceleration and easier stop-and-go driving, at the cost of some drive feel and, in older automatics, marginally lower fuel economy.
Practical notes for identification and maintenance
To determine which transmission a specific 1963 Falcon has, inspect the gear selector and the presence of a clutch pedal. A floor-mounted shifter and a clutch pedal indicate a manual; no clutch pedal and an automatic selector indicate Fordomatic. The transmission code can also be found in the car’s data plate or service records.
Summary
The 1963 Ford Falcon offered two primary transmissions: a standard 3-speed manual and an optional Fordomatic 2-speed automatic, giving buyers the choice between traditional shifting and automatic operation in a compact Ford that year.
What engine came in the 1963 Ford Falcon?
First generation (1960–1963)
| First generation | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 144 cu in (2.4 L) Mileage Maker inline six-cylinder (I6) 170 cu in (2.8 L) Mileage Maker I6 260 cu in (4.3 L) Challenger V8 (after 1962) |
| Transmission | 2-speed automatic 3-speed manual 4-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 109.5 in (2,781 mm) |
What transmission is in a 1963 Ford Galaxie?
Five different transmissions were offered for 1963. A 3-speed manual column shift was standard on all models except the 406 V8, which required the heavier duty Borg-Warner 4-speed manual. A three speed manual with overdrive was optional, but rarely ordered.
What transmission does a Ford Falcon have?
| Ford Falcon (BF) | |
|---|---|
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 4.0 L Barra 190 I6 (petrol) 4.0 L Barra 245T I6 T (petrol) 4.0 L Barra E-Gas I6 (LPG) 5.4 L Barra 230 V8 (petrol) 5.4 L Boss 260 V8 (petrol) |
| Transmission | 4-speed M93LE automatic (I6) 6-speed 6HP 26 automatic 5-speed manual 6-speed manual |
What is a 1963 Ford Falcon worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $10,136 for a 1963 Ford Falcon in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1963 Ford Falcon? The highest selling price of a 1963 Ford Falcon at auction over the last three years was $15,400.
