Ford 300

This article is about the car. For the NASCAR race, see Ford EcoBoost 300. For the 300 cubic inch straight-six engine produced from 1964 to 1996, see Ford straight-six engine § 300.

The Ford 300 is an American automobile manufactured by Ford exclusively for the 1963 model year. It served as the foundational trim level within the full-size 1963 Ford lineup, positioned below the Galaxie, Galaxie 500, and Galaxie 500XL models.^[1] Distinguished by its minimal chrome trim and lack of luxury features, it was comparable in trim level to the Chevrolet Biscayne.

1963 Ford 300 2-door sedan rear view

Ford 300
1963 Ford 300 2-door sedan
Overview
Production	1963
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door sedan 4-door sedan
Related	Ford Galaxie
Powertrain
Engine	223 cu in (3.7 L) Mileage Maker I6 260 cu in (4.3 L) Windsor V8 289 cu in (4.7 L) Windsor V8 352 cu in (5.8 L) FE series V8 390 cu in (6.4 L) FE series V8 406 cu in (6.7 L) FE series V8 427 cu in (7.0 L) FE series V8
Transmission	2-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic 3-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	119 in (3,023 mm)
Length	209.9 in (5,331 mm)
Width	81.5 in (2,070 mm)

The Ford 300 gained popularity in police and taxi fleets, boasting a base price more than $100 lower than comparable models in the base Galaxie series. However, private customers were also drawn to its affordability and economic performance, offering the spaciousness of a full-sized automobile as a primary selling point.

Identified by the "Ford 300" badge adorning each front fender, positioned just behind the wheel wells, and featuring "F-O-R-D" lettering in small block font on the trunk lid, this series exclusively offered 2- or 4-door pillared sedan configurations.

An intriguing aspect of the Ford 300's history revolves around the availability of the big-block FE-series V8 engines, including the formidable 427 cubic inch engine delivering up to 425 horsepower. When paired with a manual transmission, these cars often found use in the realm of drag racing, owing to their relatively lightweight build.

A weathered Ford 300. In the absence of a front fender badge, this 4-door sedan likely came equipped with the standard OHV inline-6 engine.

A unique Ford 300 2-door sedan variant was marketed by Tasca Motors of Providence, Rhode Island. Distinguishing itself with additional chrome embellishments borrowed from the Galaxie and XL models, it showcased captivating two-tone paint combinations.

In 1964, the Ford 300 was succeeded by the Custom series.

References

1. John Gunnell, Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975, Revised 4th Edition, page 410