Ford introduced the Falcon in 1960 as its first compact. As a 2-door station wagon was part of the mix along with the Ranchero pickup, the Falcon Sedan Delivery was an easy extension. Instead of side window glass, sheet metal was used to make a smaller-sized courier vehicle. Never built in large numbers, the Sedan Delivery would disappear with the third generation of the Falcon in 1966. We’re told this ’65 edition is a running project that needs a lot of work, especially with the body. Located in an aluminum storage building in Molalla, Oregon, this rarity is available here on craigslist for $6,000.
After a rework in 1964, the 1965 Falcon was little changed. A V8 had joined the Falcon family in ’64 and was upgraded from 260 to 289 cubic inches in displacement. While the 2-door Falcon station wagon couldn’t muster sales of 5,000 units, demand for the Sedan Delivery was almost non-existent at 537 versions of the “standard” model and a mere 112 copies of the “deluxe” edition. It’s no wonder the Sedan Delivery would soon be no more. Maybe it was too small for most practical buyers, at 27 square feet of flat cargo space and 78 sq. ft. of enclosed space.
There appears to be nothing numbers matching here with a 302 V8, 4-barrel carburetor, 4-speed manual transmission, and twin exhaust. We’re told it runs, but we see no cap on the radiator. The transport has been in storage for not just years, but decades. Though we’re also advised that the body is solid, a bunch of welding work awaits the buyer. That includes the front floorboards, one of the wheel wells, and one of the upper panels.
All of this raises the question of what you would do with this vehicle if you bought it. Sure, it’s rare, and only a handful are probably left. But rarity doesn’t always add up to thousands of dollars in restoration work. Maybe that’s why the seller isn’t willing to part this machine out. Thanks for the tip, Curvette.
This would be fun to finish and get back on the road
These are cool, but not for everyone. If you like it and live within what you consider driving distance, you get in your car to see it in person. The price may not be great, but if the sellers description is accurate the rust isn’t nearly as bad as it is on many projects it’s not far enough off to stop someone from buying. The V8 and 4spd are plus’s, it will be interesting how long it takes to find a new home.
Steve R
I like this, would make a great mobile beer wagon. The problem is the $6k. It may be rare but the market I’m sure is very small. I would be in at half that or maybe even less. Still a very cool little wagon.
Yes, the market is small. However if it catches your eye, when are you going to find a better or less expensive one? I would gather parts are out there if you know where to look, and unless there is some problem with the drivetrain the rest looks like torch and bondo work. There is no interior to speak of behind the B pillar, so you paint over it or go with some kind of custom interior. I don’t see it breaking the bank even at this price.
I’d say half that asking price would be right as well, even being the cool little ford that it is. It’s a plus that a 302 w/ 4spd is already in place but I’m thinking suspension, driveline and braking upgrades would be the route to go to take full advantage. And then there’s the rust issues …
I’ve always been a big sedan delivery fan. Fortunately it’s 3k miles away so there’s no way I could go take a look!
Rare as in only 539 every made.
I am second owner of a white 1965 delivery with six cullenders and three speed. Got mine in 1977.
With six cullenders I bet that thing really cooks… 🤣
29.7 MPG has been my best
Flat roads at 55 MPH
29.7 MPG has been my best.
At 55 Mph on flat highways.
Now Ron!
https://www.vintageinlines.com/product-page/deposit-only-aluminum-head-package?scrollToProduct=deposit-only-aluminum-head-package
Very nice find almost 50 years back.
You don’t live in the western New York area do you? I used to see a very nice white delivery with AR torq thrust wheels at car shows all of the time, many years ago. I had no idea just how rare these were.
Either way, should you ever decide to sell yours, please auction it here on Barn Finds!
I will PM you when I sell it in Spring.
I bought it in 1977.
Unfortunately, there really is not a way for us to directly communicate (private message) with one another on here, just typing in the comments section like this.
You didn’t say, do you live in the Buffalo area, is the car I described yours? If not, like I said, please consider listing it here on Barn Finds as an auction or classified. Would love to see it in the spring!
I will post on Barn Finds in Spring when I get it ready to sell,
in Northern Illinois.
Sounds good! I, and I’m sure everyone else, look forward to seeing it then.Take care.
cool piece here. needs a good amount of work.
Personally, due to the rarity of this, and the options too, I’d like to see this one restored properly. It would be a labor of love no doubt from a financial standpoint. But restored if you were to park this sedan delivery in a sea of Mustangs, Cougars, and Novas, I’d gravitate right over to it first.
You are correct that it would be nice to do a proper job with this, but even on a budget this might be preserved with some scraping, welding, rust preservative. The interior and paint may be the biggest expense for someone able to deal with rust and metal work if drivetrain is okay. I like it.
29.7 MPG has been my best.
At 55 Mph on flat highways.
Got it!
“A V8 joined the Falcon family in 1964”..except the 1963 Falcon Sprint could be had with a V8.
Thanks. You are correct. Contrary to “common knowledge”, the 289 found it’s way into a few ‘63 1/2 Sorints.
I think that it’s kind of cool, Old sedan delivery with a V-8 and a 4 speed is what 1960s street fighters were all about. I hope someone gathers it up and has fun with it.
I like it with the 4spd. and 302 it would make a nice every day driver and with the right color and wheels it would be a real head turner and fun to drive.
With those 4 lug nut wheels, it started as a 6 cylinder.
The body is solid, but bring the welder? Aren’t those 2 mutually exclusive terms? Cool start to a hot rod. I’m drawn to these. But unless I found a need for one, like hauling band equipment or making light deliveries. I’m afraid it wouldn’t see much use. Now make it a drag car, and I could see that. I like it, but can’t use it. And yes, not an original V8 car/truck?
The picture of the 4 lug wheel is the parts car for the missing inner fender well panel on the panel wagon.
Yup, that will take some welding skills.
As per CL ad: ‘4 barrel 4 speed dual exhaust’
A regular 442, though not an olds. Reminds me of the pinto deliveries ford sold in the late 70’s- 80’s