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!
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.
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.