What was the gas mileage on a 1962 Ford Falcon?
In broad terms, most 1962 Falcons achieved around the low to mid-20s miles per gallon in mixed driving, with highway figures typically in the high 20s. The exact mileage depended on engine choice, transmission, and maintenance.
Engine and transmission options that shaped fuel economy
The Falcon lineup offered two inline-six engines and two main transmissions. Here's how those configurations tended to affect mileage, based on era specifications and how modern restorers report performance.
- 144 cubic inch (2.4L) inline-six with a two-barrel carburetor, paired with a three-speed manual transmission: commonly recorded as about 18–22 mpg in city-type driving and roughly 28–30 mpg on the highway; combined figures often in the mid-20s.
- 144 cubic inch inline-six with a Fordomatic two-speed automatic: mileage typically a few miles per gallon lower in city driving and in the mid- to high-20s on the highway; combined roughly in the low- to mid-20s.
- 170 cubic inch inline-six with a three-speed manual: generally similar or slightly lower city mileage than the 144, with highway in the high-20s; combined around the mid-20s.
- 170 cubic inch inline-six with Fordomatic automatic: automatic transmissions tended to reduce overall efficiency; city around the mid-teens to low 20s, highway in the mid- to high-20s; combined in the low 20s.
Note: These figures are approximate ranges drawn from period literature and enthusiasts' reports. Real-world results vary with maintenance, tire pressure, aerodynamics, and driving style.
Context and cautions about historical fuel-economy data
Official fuel-economy data from the early 1960s were not standardized in the same way as today. The EPA's testing protocols were evolving, and many cars, including the Falcon, were tuned differently over their production runs. Consequently, owners and restorers often report mileage that reflects a range of conditions—highway cruising versus city stop-and-go—and the age and condition of the vehicle can significantly influence results.
Summary
The 1962 Ford Falcon offered modest but respectable fuel economy for its era, with engine and transmission choices dictating the spread. Manual transmissions generally delivered better highway efficiency than automatics, while the larger six-cylinder engine tended to reduce overall mpg. In today’s terms, expect roughly 20–26 mpg in mixed driving, with highway figures typically higher for the smaller engine and manual setup. Actual mileage depends on upkeep, driving conditions, and restoration quality.
How much is a 1962 Ford Falcon worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $9,250 for a 1962 Ford Falcon in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1962 Ford Falcon? The highest selling price of a 1962 Ford Falcon at auction over the last three years was $31,500.
How many miles per gallon does a Ford Falcon get?
Ford Falcon MPG varies significantly by model year, with older models achieving 30 mpg or more, while more recent versions are less fuel-efficient, typically ranging from 10 to 17 liters per 100 km (9.9−15.1 L/100 km9.9 minus 15.1 L/100 km9.9−15.1 L/100 km), especially in city driving. The specific fuel economy depends on factors like engine size, driving conditions, and whether the vehicle uses petrol or a more economical alternative like LPG.
You can watch this video to learn about the fuel economy of a Ford Falcon from 1998: 59sMike's Man CaveYouTube · Mar 31, 2019
Older models (e.g., 1960s)
- Achieved up to 30 mpg or more, with a 1961 model averaging 32.6 mpg in a specific economy run.
- These older models often had smaller engines and were designed with fuel efficiency in mind.
Newer models (e.g., 2000s and later)
- Vary significantly based on engine and driving conditions.
- Urban driving: Can consume between 10 to 17 liters per 100 km (12−17 L/100 km12 minus 17 L/100 km12−17 L/100 km) or more.
- Highway driving: Might see improvements, potentially around 8 to 10 liters per 100 km (8−10 L/100 km8 minus 10 L/100 km8−10 L/100 km).
- Examples:
- 2009 model: Fuel economy ranged from 9.9 L/100 km to 15.1 L/100 km depending on the specific trim.
- 2010 XR6 FG model: Drivers reported fuel economy around 16.6 L/100 km for mostly city driving.
- Efficiency improvements: Later models saw the introduction of engines like the 2.0L Ecoboost in 2012, designed to improve fuel efficiency.
Tips for improving fuel economy
- Consider LPG: Some Falcons can be converted to LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), which can be more economical than petrol.
- Check the engine: Issues with spark plugs, fuel injectors, or fuel pumps can negatively impact fuel economy, so ensure the engine is in good working order.
- Drive smoothly: Avoiding aggressive acceleration and high-RPM driving can lead to better fuel consumption.
How many miles per gallon did a 1961 Ford Falcon get?
33mpg in 1961 During the 1961 Mobilgas Economy 1,000 mile Run, a Ford Falcon averaged 32.6mpg, winning the event. The engine was the 144ci straight 6cyl mated to a manual transmission.
How many miles per gallon did the 1962 Ford Falcon get?
32.5 mpg‑US
In 1962, Ford introduced the Ford Falcon Club Wagon and Deluxe Club Wagon, an eight-passenger, Ford Econoline cab over engine van. Ford also promoted that in a Mobilgas economy run, the Falcon got 32.5 mpg‑US (7.2 L/100 km; 39.0 mpg‑imp).
