There have been so many different styles of cars written about here on Barn Finds. From original survivors to Hollywood cars, every sub-genre of this hobby has been covered. But one of the lesser represented styles is the Pro Stree style. Up for sale here on Craigslist is an excellent example of one of these dual-sport rigs: a cherry-red 1964 Ford Falcon. Listed for $17,500 and located in Washington state, this brawler is ready for someone to put it through its paces. Thank you to Rocco B. for sending in this tip!
The Ford Falcon has always been Ford’s lightweight little brother. Produced in North America from 1960 to 1970, the Falcon was Ford’s small entry-level car. While it has never carried the gravitas of a Fairline or a Galaxie, over 1.5 million Falcons were sold in the US, meaning many of us have spent time in one of these cars. They have especially found a home among the classic car set, as they generally represent an economical way to get into the hobby, with plenty of different ways to build these cars and plenty of aftermarket support to get your style of choice down the road.
This particular Falcon falls into the Pro Street category, built as a nimble car packing a big punch under the hood. Cruise around town picking off unsuspecting victims while heading to the dragstrip to lay down some quick E.Ts. This car has had a ton of work done to it and is quite a steal at this price. The shock towers have been removed to allow more room to fit in the big block FE engine, and a rack-and-pinion steering system has been added. This alone is a pricey and time-intensive upgrade. With lots of bodywork, sprayed in resale red, and shod in Weld-look wheels (they could be real), this car strikes an imposing figure on the blacktop.
So what’s your take on the Pro Street vibes of this ride? This style really became popular during my youth, so I can’t tell you how much time I’ve spent dissecting these cars in the pages of Hot Rod and Car Craft in the ’80s and ’90s. This style played out by the 2000s, but you can’t help but feel a little nostalgia when you see cars set up like this. This Falcon does not go full-on Pro Street with a crazy blower sticking out of a garishly painted hood, which makes it more subtle and attractive. You could easily get lost in a group of classic cars driving this Ford. That is, until you hit the gas pedal and let that FE sing!
Nice car, I haven’t seen a tear drop hood scoop in years. I always liked this style falcon.
1st of all, it’s really cool, lot of work done here, however, I’m a bit curious as to why a 390. If you are going to put a big block, go all the way. Not to take anything away from the 390, but was never really a high performance motor, and I read a tricked out 351 would do better. As is, maybe 13s, and I would have to think would be miserable on the street. I don’t foresee a big interest in the future for this either, sadly.
Agreed, Howard. He’s taken away the street ability and replaced it with…ho-hum.
Maybe a “period correct” build?
Almost there, maybe ran out of funds. Don’t see anything to watch over the engine. And yes why a 390? Probably not too much fun to drive any length of time, has a way to go, before it’s a street strip brawler.
Beautiful! Santa approved!
Looks like a lot of nice work. Pro street cars aren’t really built to take a vacation in or to drive in comfort. Only a certain group of people appreciate this type of build and I am in that group. I like it and I am not a ford guy.
bet U could get a ‘flat’ (oe) hood on there. That’d B 1st. I think a built 351 would B 2nd (w/AOD or built C4 as easily done). Others might go T-5. AM a ‘ford-guy’ and see these as good ways to go. (Last? suspension up-grades, while @ it check break changes?) Like the fox WB better but the falcon ‘round body’ is OK (’60/3) as to ‘look’.
The rear gears tell the story for this build with a 4 speed manual –Really needs to adapt to a 6R80-6 speed automatic to have it not winding out past 50 mph with street driving– rest of the car is sweet–
I have a big block camaro with 458 gears, manual valve body 4l80 and lockup torque converter and it runs 2600 rpms at 65 mph
With the owner leaving the rear wheels looking too far back, I question the actual quality of this build, it’s a mess.
ET, yeah at first glance I like it, seems like it should be a mid $20K car , then I see what looks like rust rot around the rear tub picture with no underside shots. With that price ,the potential buyer needs to look this over carefully in person.
Jeez guys, the 390 was a very strong engine. My wife Susan’s new ’67 Mustang fast back was a GT (4 speed), my pal Virgil’s similar new Mustang was a GTA (automatic) and Jim’s Fairlane GTA were all fast cars. 335 H.P. and 427 lb ft of torque stock plus lots of stuff available to raise those numbers. Suz collected 17 trophies at Eugene Oregon’s Balboa Dragstrip much to the annoyance of the boys in their pony and muscle cars. What do you want in a Falcon, a 427? :-) Terry J
I agree with the others, why a 390, a 427 or 428 CJ would be a better choice if keeping it FE, but a stroked 429-460 BBF would be a much better choice, can go 557 cubes with stock blocks, run pump gas and be 9 sec. capable, the FE design had there day, but the 429/460 Fords were definitely an improvement over the FE Fords.
A lot of hate on the 390 engine. I’m a Chevy guy, so I wasn’t aware. People putting Chevrolet 396 engines in their cars have the same effect on me. Step up to a 454 and stroke it.