What years did Ford make the 260 V8?
The 260 cubic inch V8 was produced by Ford from 1962 to 1964.
In the early 1960s, Ford expanded its Windsor family of small-block V8s to offer a compact, affordable powerplant for Falcon-based cars and other light-duty applications. The 260 served as a Bridging engine between the earlier 221/260-era blocks and the larger, more enduring 289 V8 that would come to dominate Ford’s mid- and full-size lineups later in the decade.
Origins in Ford's Windsor family
The 260 was introduced as part of Ford’s Windsor family, a line of small-block V8s designed to share a modular architecture across multiple models. It provided a practical, lower-displacement option intended to improve fuel efficiency in compact and mid-size Fords during the early 1960s.
Design philosophy and technical notes
As a Windsor family member, the 260 shared characteristics with other small-block V8s of the era, including a robust cast-iron block and overhead-valve architecture. It was offered in different carburetor configurations across its production span, reflecting varied trim and model requirements.
Production years and market role
The 260 V8 appeared in Ford’s lineup from 1962 through 1964. During this period, Ford used it primarily in Falcon-based passenger cars and related light-duty applications; as the decade progressed, Ford increasingly shifted emphasis to the larger 289 V8 for most mid-range and performance models.
Note: Availability varied by model year, market, and regional specifications. The 260 is commonly viewed as a transitional engine within Ford's Windsor lineup.
- Introduction: 1962 model year
- End of production: 1964 model year
- Primary usage: Falcon-based models and related light-duty applications
These bullets summarize the engine’s production window and core role in Ford’s lineup during the early 1960s.
The 260’s relatively brief run highlights how Ford experimented with displacement options to balance performance with economy, before the 289 V8 became the mainstay for the brand’s V8 lineup in the mid-1960s.
Legacy and collector notes
Today, surviving examples of the 260 V8 are of interest to restorers focused on early-1960s Falcons and other Windsor-era vehicles. Documentation on engine variants, carburetor configurations, and correct component pairing can be valuable for authenticity in restoration work.
Summary
The Ford 260 V8 was produced from 1962 to 1964 as a compact Windsor V8 option, serving a practical role in Falcon-based cars before being largely phased out in favor of the 289 V8. Its short lifespan makes it a notable footnote in Ford’s evolving V8 strategy of the era.
