What was the full size Ford in 1962?
The full-size Ford in 1962 was the Galaxie lineup, headed by the Galaxie 500 and its XL variant, with additional full-size options such as the Custom and Custom 300 in the same family.
Overview of Ford's 1962 full-size lineup
In 1962 Ford continued to market its full-size cars on a shared platform, offering several trim levels to appeal to different buyers. The Galaxie name was the flagship, while the Custom line served as the more affordable option in the same large-car family. Body styles included sedans, hardtops, and convertibles across these lines.
Below are the primary full-size models and key trims Ford offered in 1962.
- Ford Galaxie (base sedan/hardtop)
- Ford Galaxie 500 (mid-range)
- Ford Galaxie 500 XL (sporty premium version)
- Ford Custom (base full-size)
- Ford Custom 300 (affordable full-size)
Together, these models defined Ford's full-size offerings for the 1962 model year, with the Galaxie line at the top of the range.
Design, features, and market position
During the early 1960s, Ford's full-size cars were known for their size, comfort, and versatility. The Galaxie family featured styling updates and more powerful engine options, helping Ford compete with the rival big-car lineups from General Motors and Chrysler. The mix of Galaxie and Custom offerings allowed Ford to cover both prestige and budget-conscious segments in the full-size market.
Styling and body options
In 1962, Galaxie and Custom models offered a variety of body styles—including 2-door and 4-door sedans, hardtops, and convertibles—characterized by the era's rounded, chrome-rich design language and a focus on interior space and ride comfort.
Engine and performance (general)
Engine choices across the full-size Ford lineup included V8 options and larger displacement mills common to the era, paired with manual or automatic transmissions. The Galaxie line was positioned to balance family usability with stronger performance and premium features compared with the more economical Custom trims.
Summary
In 1962, Ford’s full-size offerings revolved around the Galaxie family, led by the Galaxie 500 and Galaxie 500 XL, complemented by the more affordable Custom and Custom 300. The Galaxie served as Ford’s flagship full-size model for that year, reflecting the era’s emphasis on space, comfort, and a blend of performance and style.
What was the most popular car in 1962?
The most popular car in 1962 was the Chevrolet Impala, which was the best-selling car in America for that year. The Impala was available with a wide range of engine options, including the popular 409ci V8, and offered a blend of style, performance, and comfort that appealed to many buyers.
- High Sales: The Impala consistently led Chevrolet's sales and was the best-selling car in the U.S. from 1960 to 1970.
- Popularity and Performance: It was available with various engine options, from an inline-six to powerful V8s, making it a versatile choice for both daily driving and performance enthusiasts. The Impala SS (Super Sport) model was particularly popular for its high-performance capabilities.
- Design and Features: The 1962 model featured a clean and bold design with its signature triple taillights. Buyers could choose between different body styles and transmissions, and the interior offered spacious seating and options like air conditioning.
What cars did Ford make in 1962?
The 1962 Ford models included the full-size Galaxie line, the compact Falcon and Fairlane series, the personal luxury Thunderbird, and various commercial and utility vehicles like the Econoline vans and F-series trucks. The Galaxie was the top-of-the-line, available in trims like the Galaxie 500 and the more luxurious 500 XL. The Falcon and Fairlane lines offered several sub-models, such as the Falcon Ranchero and Fairlane 500.
Passenger Cars
- Galaxie: The flagship full-size model, offered in standard, 500, and high-end 500 XL versions. The Starliner roofline was replaced by the notchback Victoria for this year.
- Falcon: The compact offering, available in several versions, including the base Falcon, Falcon Deluxe, Futura, and Squire station wagon.
- Fairlane: A mid-size car available as the base Fairlane and the Fairlane 500.
- Ranchero: A coupe utility based on the Falcon platform.
- Thunderbird: The personal luxury car was available as a hardtop and a Landau model.
Wagons
- Country Sedan and Country Squire: The full-size station wagons, available in 6- and 9-passenger configurations.
- Falcon Squire: A station wagon version of the Falcon.
- Ranch Wagon: The 2-door Ranch Wagon was discontinued, leaving only the 4-door models in the full-size wagon lineup.
Commercial and Utility
- Econoline: A line of light commercial vehicles, including the Econoline van and pickup truck, as well as the station bus.
- F-series trucks: A range of trucks from the half-ton F-100 to larger models like the F-250 and F-350.
What was the full size Ford in 1969?
For 1969, the full-sized Ford line was given a redesign. Expanding to a 121-inch wheelbase, the all-new chassis shared a similar suspension configuration as the previous generation. In a marketing change, Ford streamlined its full-sized line, integrating station wagon and sedan nameplates.
What was the most popular Ford in the 60s?
The Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang, introduced in 1964, is arguably one of the most iconic and recognizable cars in the world. With its sleek design, powerful performance, and rich history, the Mustang has become synonymous with American automotive muscle.
