Restomods take many forms, with some wilder than others. This 1962 Ford Falcon Futura can be considered a restomod, but its creator aimed to produce a car that combined comfort with improved performance without becoming uncivilized. I believe they achieved that goal, and the time has come for someone to reap the benefits of their hard work as the Futura looks set to find a new home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting it listed here on Craigslist in Astoria, Oregon. You could drive this turnkey classic home after handing the seller $22,500.
It is no secret that Robert McNamara’s opposition to the Edsel program was almost rabid. He believed (rightly so, as history shows) that Ford was investing a considerable sum into a high-risk venture with a high chance of failure. His tastes were far more conservative, and he championed the Falcon as the company’s entry into the affordable compact market segment. His view proved valid because, following the Falcon’s 1960 release, Ford sold over half a million cars in its first model year. A more luxurious Futura variant joined the range in 1961, and our feature car emerged during Ford’s 1962 facelift. It looks dazzling in Rangoon Red, one of the company’s most iconic paint shades. The listing suggests this beauty received a cosmetic refresh, but it is unclear when this occurred. The only apparent cosmetic fault is visible in the shot above, with panel damage near the passenger-side taillight. This doesn’t rate a mention in the listing text, but the buyer could affect repairs without breaking the bank. I can’t spot signs of rust, and it is fair to say that the trim and glass are comfortably acceptable for a classic of this vintage. The seller replaced every door and window seal, so dust and moisture shouldn’t find their way inside this classic. The car sits on a set of new American Racing Torq Thrust wheels, but the factory steelies and hubcaps are included in the parts haul. The buyer could leave the Torq Thrusts on the Futura, or they could bolt on the steelies for a more stock look.
The Red theme set by this Futura’s exterior continues when we open the doors and look inside. Trimmed in vinyl with matching carpet, it features bucket seats, a console, and a factory radio. Aftermarket additions include a column-mounted tachometer, an underdash gauge cluster, and a sports wheel. I will stick my neck out and say that I believe this interior is freshly restored, as there is no evidence of wear or deterioration. It looks crisp and clean, and is sure to receive plenty of positive feedback at any Cars & Coffee. The additional gauges and the shifter poking purposefully through the floor hint that there is more to this Futura than meets the eye.
Ford didn’t introduce a V8 to the Falcon range until 1963, restricting that motor to the Sprint variant. The most powerful engine available to 1962 Futura buyers was the 170ci “Special Six,” producing a factory-quoted 101hp and 156 ft/lbs of torque. Buyers could choose between a two-speed Fordomatic and a three-speed manual transmission, but our feature car renders all of that information irrelevant. The seller followed the restomod path, bolting a freshly rebuilt, period-correct 260ci V8 under the hood. It will provide a significant performance gain and send its power to the 3.50 rear end via a rebuilt Borg Warner T-10 four-speed manual transmission. They didn’t stop there, installing a new clutch, starter, generator, radiator, and Flowmaster dual exhaust. Potential buyers wishing to tinker will welcome the inclusion of a shiny new alternator they can install, along with a pair of finned valve covers that would enhance the engine bay presentation. It appears that this Futura is a turnkey proposition, and the mechanical upgrades would make life behind the wheel very entertaining.
Apart from the question mark hanging over potential panel damage on the passenger-side rear corner, there isn’t much to criticize about this 1962 Ford Falcon Futura. Its presentation is first-rate, and the modifications appear to be carefully considered and well executed. Regular readers know my preference for originality, but I find myself drawn to this Futura. The only decision I would face would be whether to leave the aftermarket wheels in place or bolt on the original steelies and hubcaps, creating a sleeper. I don’t know which path I would choose, because both are quite attractive. What would you do if this fabulous Ford occupied space in your garage?
Surpassing 19,000 posts( 19,042, to be exact) I’d say I’m a regular reader. I think, really, 19,000? How is that possible? a), I’m pretty bored in my retirement, and b), this site just seems to feature visual memories of my automotive experiences long ago, that might not ever be seen again.
Some may remember a HS chum, that had Falcons. In the early 70s, he got a ’62(?) Futura 2 door, 6, stick, in perfect shape, bad motor,,,and ,found a red ’63 Sprint EXACTLY like this, 260/4 speed, cheap, cheap cheap, like $100, and wasn’t too bad. He/we then proceeded to strip the Sprint, and put everything into the ’62, with disastrous results and he JUNKED THE SPRINT,,,It was a typical shade tree/2×4 conversion where nothing lined up, had serious wheel hop, and eventually wrapped it around a tree. Never knew what happened to that guy. So you see, what fun that was for me to recall that time, and why I have 19,000 posts here. Thanks to the site,and all for listening to my late night ramblings. Awesome car here!
I know how you feel. I just found this site a week ago. At 82 it’s hard to find things to do. I can’t work on cars anymore so I build model cars and follow Barn Finds. Currently working on a 1959 Skyliner like I owned when I was in high-school.
Love the site. Keep it up!
Nice car.
I prefer the newer squarer edged Falcons but I wouldn’t kick this one out of my garage. I’d leave just like it is. Just fix the boo boo in back and drive. Oh and get a real radio.
Fox, I had to go check the dash photo and with radio its grainy. May be original, working or not. My winter activity for my 66 F100 was fixing the gaping hole where an original radio should go then finding an original Ford Bendix AM radio that was restored. I know that’s not for everyone. I also bought a good 8 ohm speaker. Works well.
I just love this 62 Falcon Futura. Especially the 260 and manual upgraded drive train. I’d also keep the new wheels. I’m not a fan of hubcaps. Falcon was one of the most successful compact Ford produced in the 1960s and I wish they would bring it back. The Mustang is still in production and sadly, the Thunderbird is now gone. Good find.
good looking falcon. 2nd red 1 today. i bet this thing goes with that 260 in it
I have buddy that had a 63 sprint with the same drive train and we had a blast cruising central and terrorizing the streets.
My first car was a ‘63 Mercury Comet SR22 with the same drivetrain. And yes it was a lot of fun to drive. I would love to have it back. GLWTS.
This is one of those cars I didn’t even know I wanted until I saw it!
Very nice car. I love the Torque Thrust wheels, but the photos with the hubcaps are very appealing too. Maybe the sleeper look is a little better than the hot rod look. I’d keep both and swap them around occasionally.
Astoria Oregon where the goonies are, mouth of the Columbia River get eyes on it and look underneath for rust from the salt Air it’s a quick jump across the bridge to Dismal nitch in Washington could make for a fun ride
Yeah! Dismal Nitch! Love to cruise through the fog on the way to the beach. Ever been to the Slow Drags in Ilwaco? What a hoot!
Right with you Rex. Maybe drive to a car show without the hubcaps installed till it was parked.
Around town daily I would use the Torque Thrusts.
Pretty car.
Brother had one in convertable , nice car as is this one ! wish it was closer !
“Ford didn’t introduce a V8 to the Falcon range until 1963, restricting that motor to the Sprint variant.”
Not exactly. The V8 was introduced midway through the 1963 model year “1963 1/2” and was available on all Falcons, not just the Sprint. The difference was in the Sprint the V8 was standard. Also standard were other, mostly cosmetic, items such as the bucket seats/console interior of the Futura, dash-mounted tach, wire wheel-look wheel covers, engine dress-up kit, etc. It’s a common misconception to think that only the Sprint had the V8.
I was going to say the same thing. I had a 63 convertible that had the 260 with an automatic. It wasn’t a Futura, just a regular Falcon. Loved that car. Had it until a guy was driving drunk and came around the corner on my side of the road. Almost got out of his way, but he caught me just behind the drivers door and opened the side up like a tin can. I still miss that car.
Very NICE Falcon here!! Love the wheels!!
nice
At $22.5k this looks like a lot of fun. I’d like to find this in my garage.
Gotta say, really nice car. I like it best with the steelies and hub caps, but the the Torque Thrusts look good too. Don’t hold it against me, Chevy people! Guess I got a thing for red Falcons!
Stance is too high in the front for me – looks like a gasser & I would have to lower the front. That’s it, I can’t find any other nits, this is very near perfect in my book.
Typical nose high Ford stance.
My friend’s father had one of these, new. It was a wagon, black with red interior, and a V-8, and it hauled ass.
260 was introduced into Falcons & Comets in ‘62. I had a ‘62 box top Comet with a 260/4 speed. The 2 door hardtop configuration came in the ‘63 1/2 cars. ( after 1/63). Contrary to popular belief, a few 289s were put in late ‘63 1/2 Falcons- and I suspect Comets as well. Friend of mine bought a ‘63 1/2 Sprint brand new with a 289 /3 speed. Fender badges and all.
some one must have put in the v-8 on your 62, 63 was factory change to v-8, along with beefier steering linkage, look it up.
Respectfully disagree. The 260 wasn’t offered until 1962 1/2 and then only in the Fairlane, not the Falcon. The Falcon didn’t get that engine until ’63 1/2. The 289 wasn’t available in the Falcon until 1965.
In ’63 1/2, the only 289s offered were the 289 in the full-size Fords that replaced the 260 as the base V8 and the Fairlane-only “K Code” 289 Hi-Po. Only about 200 of the latter were built and all were 4-speeds. The only “289” fender badges in ’63 1/2 I know of were for the K-Code Fairlane. The Falcon never got the K-Code 289.
This posting has been deleted by its author. Sold?