1966 Ford Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1966 Ford 7 Litre Hardtop
1. 360 HP 428 CID "Police" Engine Available
2. Galaxie 500 number three-selling convertible - 27,454 sold
3. 7 Litre Galaxie Becomes Luxury Performance Offering
4. Disc Brakes Available
5. Seat Belts Mandatory
Luxury Plus Performance Stressed
Ford continued its policy of major restyling. While 1965 and 1966 full-size Fords look similar, they are quite different, with the hood being the only interchangeable exterior body part. The 7-Litre became the performance large car, though the 425 HP 437 CID V-8 was still available.
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1966 Ford Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1966 Ford Full Size Car
The 1966 Full size Ford had a slight “Coke Bottle” in its styling and new horizontally split grille was was a noticeable change. The 1966 models were more rounded in styling than the previous year, even though the feature lines were in the same location. The good news was that the Galaxie 500 would be the number three-selling convertible in 1966, with 27,454 sold – it was beaten by the Mustang at 72,119, and by the Chevrolet Impala at 38,000.
A new model was introduced for 1966 – the Galaxie 500 “7-Litre”. It was a luxury performance model, and it was fitted with a new engine, the 345 hp 428 CID Thunderbird V-8. There was also a police version of this engine introduced, with a stronger camshaft that made 360 HP, called “Police Interceptor”. It was designed for high speed police work but could be ordered by the public.
Safety regulations for 1966 required seat belts front and rear on all new cars sold in the U.S. A parking brake light on the dashboard and an AM/FM radio were new options. This year, the LTD dropped the “Galaxie” as part of its name.
1966 Ford Factoids
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A new model was introduced for 1966 – the Galaxie 500 “7-Litre”. It was a luxury performance model, and it was fitted with a new engine, the 345 hp 428 CID Thunderbird V-8. The car featured a handling package and a luxury interior much like the XL500. For more information, see the 1966 Ford Brochure HERE.
A police version of the new 428 CID V-8 was introduced, with a stronger camshaft versus the standard 428 CID engine found in the 7-Litre. It made 360 HP, called “Police Interceptor”. It was designed for high speed police work but could be ordered by the public. For more information on this engine, see the AMA Specifications Sheets HERE.
The long awaited additional stopping power of disc brakes finally arrived. As full size cars increased in weight, the need for better stopping power became apparent. Ford released disc brakes for the full size-cars this year.
1966 Ford Facts – Models Offered
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Custom Series. The Custom series was the base trim level full-size Ford for 1966 and included chrome windshield and rear window moldings; two sun visors; a chrome horn ring; arm rests on all doors and “Custom”, in script, on the rear fender. The taillights had square lenses, with centrally-mounted backup lights surrounded by a chrome bezel. The Ford name appeared, in block letters, across the front of the hood and across the vertical section of the trunk lid.
The Custom was only available in 2-door sedan and 4-door sedan.
Custom 500 Series. The Custom 500 was the upper trim level of the base-line Custom series and included chrome windshield and rear window moldings; Nylon carpeting instead of the rubber mats used in the Custom models; arm rests (with ash trays) on all doors; two sun visors and all trim used in the Custom models. There was also a horizontal chrome strip along the side feature line and the designation “500”, in a die-cast block with black-painted background found in front of the “Custom” script. A small Ford crest was located in the chrome side strip, on the front of the front fenders.
The Custom 500 was only available in 2-door sedan and 4-door sedan.
Galaxie 500 Series. The Galaxie 500 was the intermediate trim level for 1966 and included all the Custom trim, plus a chrome hood ornament; Ford crest in the feature line on the front fender; stamped aluminum rocker panel moldings and a stamped aluminum insert, between two chrome strips on the vertical section of the trunk lid, with “Ford”, in block letters, spaced evenly across. Two-tone vinyl trim was used on the inside of the doors and on the seats. Simulated wood appliques were used on the instrument panel trim pieces.
The Galaxie 500 was available in 4-door sedan, 4-door hardtop, 2-door hardtop, and convertible.
Galaxie 500XL Series. The Galaxie 500XL was the sport trim version of the Galaxie 500 two-door hardtop and two-door convertible and included all the Galaxie 500 trim, plus bucket seats and floor-mounted shift lever; polished door trim panels with carpeting on the lower portion of the doors; dual-lens courtesy /warning lights in the door panels; rear reading lights (in hardtops) and “Galaxie 500XL” badges on the body exterior. The 200 horsepower, 289 cubic inch V-8 engine and Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission were standard in both “XL” body styles.
The Galaxie 500XL was only available as a 2-door hardtop and convertible.
LTD Series. The LTD was the top trim level for 1966 and included all the Galaxie 500 trim, plus the 200 horsepower, 289 CID V-8 engine, Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission, thickly padded seats with “pin seal” upholstery, simulated walnut appliques on the lower edge of the instrument panel and in the door inserts, Gabardine finish headliner and sun visors, front and rear door courtesy/warning lights, courtesy lights on the rear interior roof pillars and under the instrument panel, glove box and ash tray lights, and a self-regulating clock.
The LTD was only available as a 2-door and 4-door hardtop.
Galaxie 7-Litre Series. The “7-Litre” was the high-performance version of the Galaxie 500XL and was equipped with the 345 horsepower, 428 CID V-8 engine as standard equipment, as well as Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission. The four-speed manual transmission was available as a no-cost option. Along with the 428 engine, standard equipment also included a sport steering wheel of simulated English walnut, bucket seats, floor shift, low restriction dual exhaust, and a non-silenced air cleaner system. Also standard were the power disc brakes.
The Galaxie 500XL was only available as a 2-door hardtop and convertible.
Station Wagon Series. The Ranch Wagon was the base trim level Station Wagon for 1966. The Country Sedan models were the intermediate level, and the Country Squire models were the top trim level. The trim paralleled the Custom 500, Galaxie 500 and Galaxie 500 LTD models of conventional cars.
The Ranch Wagon was only available as a 6-passenger model, whereas the Country Sedan and Country Squire were offered in both 6- and 9 passenger versions.
1966 Ford Facts – Engines
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- 150 HP 240 CID I-6
- 200 HP 289 CID V-8
- 250 HP 352 CID V-8
- 275 HP 390 CID V-8
- 315 HP 390 CID V-8
- 345 HP 428 CID V-8
- 360 HP 428 CID V-8
- 410 HP 427 CID V8
- 425 HP 427 CID V8
240 CID I-6. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Seven main bearings.
Displacement: 240 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.18 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.2:1.
Horsepower: 150 @ 4000 RPM.
Torque: 234 @ 2200 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: (Intake) 254°, (Exhaust) 268. Overlap: 40°; Lift: (Intake) 0.376″, (Exhaust) 0.400″.
Carburetor: One-Barrel Holley – Model 3343, (manual transmission) C6AF-9510-V, One Barrel Holley – Model 3343 (automatic transmission) C6AF-9510-Y.
289 CID V-8 200 HP V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 289 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 X 2.87 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.3:1.
Horsepower: 200 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 282 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: (Intake) 266°, (Exhaust) 256°, Overlap: 40°. Lift: (Intake) 0.368″, (Exhaust) 0.380″.
Carburetor: Holley two-barrel Model (manual transmission) C4AF-9510-B, (automatic transmission) C4AF-9150-C.
352 CID 250 HP V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 352 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.50 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.3:1.
Horsepower: 250 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 352 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 270°, Exhaust: 270°, Overlap 44°, Lift: 0.408″.
Carburetor: Ford 4-barrel Model C6AF-9510 AJ.
390 CID 275 HP V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 390 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.05 x 3.78 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.5:1.
Horsepower: 275 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 405 @ 2600 RPM
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 256°, Exhaust: 256°, Overlap 37°, Lift: 0.437″.
Carburetor: Ford 2-barrel Model C6MF-9510-D.
390 CID 315 HP V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 390 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.05 x 3.78 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 315 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 427 @ 2800 RPM
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 256°, Exhaust: 256°, Overlap 37° Lift: 0.437″.
Carburetor: Ford 4-barrel Model (manual transmission) C6AF-9510 AB; (automatic transmission) C6AF-9510 AC.
428 CID 345 HP “7-Litre” V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 428 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.13 x 3.98 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 345 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 462 @ 2800 RPM
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 256°, Exhaust: 256°, Overlap 37°, Lift: (intake) 0.437″, (exhaust) 0.437″.
Carburetor: Ford 4-barrel Model (manual transmission) C6AF-9510 AD; (automatic transmission) C6AF-9510 AE.
428 CID 360 HP “Police Interceptor” V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 428 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.13 x 3.98 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 360 @ 5400 RPM.
Torque: 459 @ 3200 RPM
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 306°, Exhaust: 306°, Overlap 78°, Lift: (intake) 0.516″, (exhaust) 0.516″.
Carburetor: Ford 4-barrel Model (manual transmission) C6AF-9510 AF; (automatic transmission) C6AF-9510 AG.
427 CID 410 HP V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 427 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.23 x 3.78 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.9:1.
Horsepower: 410 @ 5600 RPM.
Torque: 476 @ 3400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 324°, Exhaust: 324°, Overlap 112°, Lift: 0.500″.
Carburetor: Holley 4-barrel Model R-3228A C2Ae-9150B.
427 CID 425 HP V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 427 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.23 x 3.78 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.9:1.
Horsepower: 425 @ 6000 RPM.
Torque: 480 @ 3700 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 324°, Exhaust: 324°, Overlap 112°, Lift: 0.500″.
Carburetors: Two Holley 4-barrel Model (Front) C4AF-9510-CV (Rear) C4AF-9510-CU.
1966 Ford Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: 119.0 inches.
- Overall length: 210. 0 inches.
- Overall width: 79.0inches.
- Overall height: Station Wagons 56.7″, Convertible: 54.8″, 2- and 4-door sedans: 55.6″, 2-door and 4-door Hardtop 54.7″.
- Front tread: 62.0 inches.
- Rear tread: 62.0 inches.
- Tires: I-6: 7.35 x 15, Sedans, Convertibles, Hardtops & Sedans: 7.75 x 15; Wagons: 8.45 x 15, 427 & Police Interceptor: 8.15 x 15 – All: Tubeless BW; White walls optional.
1966 Ford Facts – Powertrains
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6 & 289 V-8: 1st – 2.99:1, 2nd – 1.75:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.10:1 (1-2-3 all synchronous).
- 352, 390 and 428 CID V-8: 1st – 2.42:1, 2nd – 1.61:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.33:1 (1-2-3 all synchronous).
- Three Speed Overdrive Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6, 289 & 352 CID V-8: 1st – 2.801, 2nd – 1.69:1, 3rd – 1:1, Overdrive – 0.72:1, Reverse – 3.80:1 (2-3 synchronous).
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- 352, 390 and 428 CID V-8: 1st – 2.32:1, 2nd – 1.69:1, 3rd – 1.29:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.32:1.
- 427 CID High Performance V-8: 1st – 2.22:1, 2nd – 1.43:1, 3rd – 1.19:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.22:1.
- 427 CID High Performance V-8: 1st – 2.32:1, 2nd – 1.54:1, 3rd – 1.23:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.32:1.
- Automatic Transmission Ratios
- I-6, 289 & 352 CID V-8: Cruise-O-Matic: 1st – 2.46:1, 2nd – 1.46:1, 3rd – 1.00:1, Reverse – 2.00:1.
- 352-390-428 CID V-8: Cruise-O-Matic: 1st – 2.40:1, 2nd – 1.47:1, 3rd – 1.00:1, Reverse – 2.18:1.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- I-6 & 289 CID V-8: 3-Speed SMT – 3.00:1, Optional – 3.25:1, 3.50:1, 3.89:1.
- I-6 & 289 CID V-8: Overdrive SMT – 3.50:1; 3.89:1.
- I-6 & 289 CID V-8: AMT – 3.00:1, Optional – 3.25:1, 3.50:1, 3.89:1.
- 352 CID V-8: 3-Speed SMT – 3.00:1, Optional – 3.25:1, 3.50:1, 3.89:1.
352 CID V-8: AMT – 3.00:1, Optional – 3.25:1. - 390 CID V-8: 3-Speed SMT, Overdrive SMT: 3.00:1, Optional – 3.25:1, 3.89:1.
- 390 CID V-8: 4-Speed SMT – 3.25:1, AMT – 3.89:1.
- 390 CID V-8: AMT – 3.00:1, Optional – 3.25:1.
- 428 CID 345 HP SMT – 3.25:1, Optional – 3.50:1.
- 428 CID 345 HP AMT – 2.80:1, Optional – 3.25:1.
- 428 CID 360 HP Police: SMT – 3.25:1, Optional – 3.50:1.
- 428 CID 360 HP Police: AMT – 2.80:1.
- 427 CID High Performance V-8: 4-Speed SMT – 3.50:1, Optional – 4.11:1.
- Equa-Lock optional.
NOTE: Optional – dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 2.89:1 to 4.56:1. For more information See the 1966 Full Size Car AMA Specifications Sheets, found HERE.
1966 Ford Facts – Powertrain Options
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- 289 CID 200 HP V-8 engine, ($106) standard 500XL and LTD, not available in 7-Litre.
- 352 CID 250 HP V-8 engine, ($56) not available in 7-Litre.
- 390 CID 275 HP V-8 engine ($101), not available in 7-Litre.
- 390 CID 315 HP V-8 engine ($153), not available in 7-Litre 289 cubic inch V-8 engine ($109).
- 428 CID 345 HP V-8 engine ($205) standard in 7-Litre.
- 428 CID 360 HP Police V-8 with four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts.
- 427 CID 410 HP High Performance V-8 with four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts.
- 427 CID 425 HP High Performance V-8 with two 4-bbl carburetors and dual exhausts.
- Equa-Lock differential ($42).
- Transmission, Cruise-O-Matic ($184).
- Transmission, four-speed manual – required with 410 horsepower or 425 horsepower V-8 ($188).
- Transmission, three-speed manual with overdrive ($108).
1966 Ford Facts – Significant Options
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- Air-conditioning, Polar Aire with eight-cylinder ($276).
- Air-conditioning, Select Aire with eight-cylinder ($353).
- Backup lights, optional Custom ($12).
- Battery, heavy-duty, 70-amp. ($9).
- Crankcase ventilation system ($7).
- Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission ($184).
- Electric clock, optional Custom & Galaxie 500 ($15).
- Heater and defroster ($25 deduct option).
- Luggage rack, wagons ($44).
- Manual seat, four-way ($18).
- Power brakes ($42).
- Power disc brakes.
- Power seat ($64).
- Power steering ($86).
- Power steering ($94).
- Power tailgate window, wagons ($31).
- Power windows ($99).
- Radio, AM ($57).
- Radio, AM/FM ($133).
- Third passenger seat, wagons ($29).
- Tinted glass ($40).
- Tinted windshield ($21).
- Tutone paint ($22).
- Vinyl roof on two-door hardtops ($74); on four-door hardtops ($83).
- Vinyl trim, except convertible ($26).
- Wheel covers ($22).
- Wheel covers, deluxe ($26).
- White sidewall tires ($33).
- Windshield washer and wipers, 2-speed ($20).
1966 Ford Downloads and Images
1966 Ford Facts – Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the Ford Full-Size Line will appear below. Click to Download:
1966 Ford Full Size Car Brochure
1966 Ford Full Size Car Print Ads
1966 Ford Full Size Car AMA Specifications Sheets
1966 Ford Full Size I-6 Road Test – Car Life Magazine
1966 Ford 7-Litre and Chevrolet Caprice 427 Tested – Car and Driver Magazine
1966 Ford Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the Ford Full Size Line will appear below
1966 Ford Galaxie 7-Litre Convertible
The 1966 Ford Galaxie 7-Litre Convertible was Ford’s top performance luxury convertible, powered by a 428 CID V-8 as standard. 2,368 were sold.
1966 Ford Galaxie 7-Litre Hardtop
The 1966 Ford Galaxie 7-Litre Hardtop was Ford’s new luxury performance entry. 8,705 were delivered.
1966 Ford LTD 4-Door Hardtop
The 1966 Ford LTD 4-Door Hardtop was Ford’s Luxury liner. It was quite popular, with 69,400 produced.
1966 Ford LTD 2-Door Hardtop
The 1966 Ford LTD 2-Door Hardtop was the second in the luxury line. Even so, 31,696 were produced.
1966 Ford Galaxie 500XL Convertible
Like the hardtop, the 1966 Ford Galaxie 500XL Convertible, was the sporty drop top, with bucket seat and a console. And unlike the 7-Litre version, it could be had with Ford’s smallest V-8 – a 200 HP unit. 6,360 were sold.
1966 Ford Galaxie 500XL 2-door Hardtop
The 1966 Ford Galaxie 500XL 2-door Hardtop was the “sports” full size car. Unlike the 7-Litre, it could be had with the small 289 CID V-8 but could be optioned all the way up to the 428 CID “Police” V-8.. 25,715 2-doors were delivered
1966 Ford Galaxie 500 Convertible
The 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 Convertible was the entry level convert. It could be had with I-6 or V-8 power. Bench seat was standard, but bucket seats could be ordered. 27,454 were built.
1966 Ford Galaxie 500 4-door Hardtop
Like the 2-door hardtop the 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 4-door Hardtop was very popular, with 54,886 built.
1966 Ford Galaxie 500 2-door Hardtop
The 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 2-door Hardtop, like the convertible, was the entry-lever 2-door hardtop. -6 or V-8 powered, It was the most popular full size Ford this year, with 198,532 sold.
1966 Ford Galaxie 500 4-door Sedan
When one talks about “bread & butter” cars, the 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 4-door Sedan fits the bill. 171,886 4-doors left the showroom in 1966.
1966 Ford Custom 500 4-door Sedan
The 1966 Ford Custom 500 4-door Sedan was one of 4 lower level full size Fords sold this year. 109,449 4-doors and 28,789 2-doors were built, along with 72,245 entry-level Custom 4-doors and 32,292 2-doors. These cars were a valuable asset, adding 242,775 vehicles to Ford’s full size total.
1966 Ford Country Squire Wagon
The 1966 Ford Country Squire Wagon was Ford’s top line wagon. It had it’s own exterior faux wood trim, and inside it was fitted out like a Galaxie 500. 27,645 6-passenger and 47,953 8-passenger wagons were delivered.
1966 Ford Country Sedan Wagon
The 1966 Ford Country Sedan Wagon was the mid-line wagon trimmed much like a Galaxie 500. 55,616 6-passneger and 36,633 8-passenger versions were delivered. Of note, the was an entry-level wagon called the Ranch Wagon, It was trimmed like a Custom 500. 33,306 were delivered.