1966 Ford F-100: Specs, Engine Options & Price Guide

The 1966 Ford F-100 was the final chapter of the fourth generation, a year of minor refinements to a truck that had evolved substantially since its 1961 introduction. With the fifth-generation redesign already in development, Ford made only detail-level changes to the 1966 model, relying on the strength of the Twin I-Beam suspension and updated powertrain that had arrived the previous year.

Design and Exterior

Exterior changes were subtle. The grille received a modest revision, with an updated insert pattern that gave the front end a slightly different texture. Turn signal indicators were updated, and minor trim adjustments helped distinguish the 1966 model on dealer lots. From any distance, however, the truck was visually identical to the 1965 model, sharing the same restyled front end that had debuted for 1964 and the same cab and body that had been in production since 1961. Both the Styleside and Flareside body configurations continued without change.

Engine Options

The 1966 F-100 offered three engines, carried over from 1965.

Engine	Displacement	Horsepower	Torque	Type	Notes
240 Big Six	240 ci (3.9 L)	150 hp	234 lb-ft	Inline-6	Standard engine
300 Big Six	300 ci (4.9 L)	170 hp	283 lb-ft	Inline-6	Optional heavy-duty six
352 FE V8	352 ci (5.8 L)	208 hp	315 lb-ft	V8	Optional

The 240 six was standard equipment and remains the correct baseline engine for a stock 1966 F-100. The 300 Big Six offered a worthwhile bump in torque for buyers who planned to tow or haul regularly, while the 352 FE V8 was the top factory choice. All three engines are well supported today, though the 300 and 352 tend to draw more interest from collectors and frequent drivers.

Transmission choices were unchanged: 3-speed manual as standard equipment, 4-speed manual available for heavy-duty work, and Cruise-O-Matic automatic for buyers who preferred it.

Original Paint Colors

Ford offered the 1966 F-100 in a wide range of solid and two-tone paint combinations. Period brochure listings include:

• Rangoon Red
• Raven Black
• Sierra Beige
• Holly Green
• Caribbean Turquoise
• Springtime Yellow
• Arcadian Blue
• Marlin Blue
• Wimbledon White
• Pure White
• Chrome Yellow

Two-tone paint was available on Custom Cab trucks, typically pairing a white upper section with a contrasting lower body color. Exact paint-code availability can vary by application, so the safest way to confirm a truck’s original finish is the data plate decoder.

Trim Levels and Interior

The Custom Cab trim package returned for its final year in the fourth-generation body, offering upgraded interior appointments: a full-width bench seat with improved padding, bright interior trim, dual sun visors, an armrest, and a chrome horn ring. The standard cab was more spartan, intended for commercial fleet use.

Production and Legacy

Production reached approximately 164,836 units, the highest total of any fourth-generation year and a strong finish for a design that had been in production for six years. The growing trend of pickup trucks as personal transportation continued to accelerate through the mid-1960s, and the F-100 was well positioned to capture buyers who wanted a vehicle that could serve double duty as both a work truck and a comfortable daily driver.

Collector Value

The 1966 F-100 represents the most refined and fully developed version of the fourth generation. Every issue that had surfaced during the generation’s run had been addressed: the unibody was gone, the engines had been updated, and the Twin I-Beam suspension had solved the ride quality question. For collectors, the 1966 model offers the advantage of being the final and most sorted year of its generation, with all of the improvements accumulated over six years of production. The 240 and 300 Six engines, along with the 352 FE V8, are all well supported today, and the body-on-frame construction makes restoration straightforward compared to the earlier unibody models.

As the last of the fourth generation, the 1966 F-100 also holds appeal as a bookend to a series that saw Ford’s trucks transition from the chrome-laden 1950s aesthetic to the cleaner, more functional designs of the mid-1960s. Buyers cross-shopping the 1966 model against its primary GM rival can see the head-to-head breakdown in our Ford F-100 vs Chevy C10 comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions

What engine came in a 1966 Ford F-100?

The 1966 F-100 was available with three factory engines: a 240 cubic-inch Big Six (150 hp) as standard equipment, an optional 300 cubic-inch Big Six (170 hp), and the optional 352 FE V8 (208 hp). The 240 was the default work-truck engine, the 300 was the torque-rich upgraded six, and the 352 was the top V8 choice.

What colors did the 1966 Ford F-100 come in?

Brochure-listed 1966 F-100 colors include Rangoon Red, Raven Black, Sierra Beige, Holly Green, Caribbean Turquoise, Springtime Yellow, Arcadian Blue, Marlin Blue, Wimbledon White, Pure White, and Chrome Yellow. Two-tone combinations were available on Custom Cab trucks. You can verify a specific truck’s original paint using the data plate decoder.

How much is a 1966 Ford F-100 worth?

Values for a 1966 F-100 vary widely by condition and configuration. Rough projects start around $3,000-$5,000. Solid drivers in running condition typically sell for $8,000-$15,000. Well-restored examples with the 352 V8 and Custom Cab trim can bring $20,000-$30,000. The 4x4 models command a premium, with good examples exceeding $25,000 regardless of trim level.

Is the 1966 F-100 a good first truck project?

Yes. The 1966 is one of the best fourth-generation years for a first project because it has the most refined version of the body-on-frame chassis (no unibody issues), excellent parts availability for all three factory engines, and the Twin I-Beam front suspension that simplified service. The high production numbers also mean affordable parts trucks are available.