While Ford offered the 1965 Falcon Futura with a 289ci V8, this particular vehicle takes that concept to a higher level. It started life with 200hp under the hood, but it now features a K-Code unit that pumps out 271hp. That should make this tidy classic an entertaining vehicle to own and drive. If the idea of owning a fast falcon appeals to you, this one has just been listed for sale here on eBay. It is located in Phoenix, Arizona, and while fierce bidding has pushed the price to $12,900, the reserve hasn’t been met.
The Falcon presents well in its combination of Wimbledon White and Rangoon Red. It appears that it has been garage-kept and that it has spent most of its life in Arizona. If that is right, then it spells good news for potential buyers. As is the case with so many cars from this era, rust can be the Falcon’s mortal enemy. However, this one looks like it has avoided that problem. The panels look spotlessly clean, with nothing visible in the lower extremities. The owner doesn’t mention any issues below deck, so that all bodes well. The paint holds an impressive shine and shows none of the baking problems that can be a part of living life in Arizona’s climate. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and there are none of the misalignment problems that might suggest worn door hinges or prior accident damage. The chrome and trim appear to be in excellent order, while the same is true of the glass.
When this Falcon was shiny and new, its engine bay housed a C-Code 289ci V8. When backed by a 4-speed manual transmission, this offered the promise of a 16.2-second ¼-mile ET. That figure was comparable with an equivalent Mustang, which is easy to understand when you consider that the weights of the two vehicles would be within a few pounds of each other. This Falcon is no longer a numbers-matching car, and that C-Code V8 has made way for a K-Code unit. That little Windsor should be pumping out 271hp, and with the 4-speed manual transmission, it should demolish the ¼ mile in around 14.6 seconds. That horsepower figure should only be taken as a guide because the owner has equipped the Falcon with an Edelbrock intake and matching carburetor, along with a dual exhaust. That means that it might have taken a further step forward in the performance stakes. Frustratingly, the owner provides no information on how well this Ford runs or drives, but it appears that he is approachable. That means that he might be happy to answer any questions. It also seems that he encourages in-person inspections, which offers the chance to check this one out first-hand.
The Falcon’s interior is relatively tidy, and the few issues that it has should be easy and cheap to address. The most obvious flaw is the wear and fading on the carpet. A replacement carpet set should cost around $200, and fitting one of these would provide a significant visual boost. The owner only supplies this single interior shot, and what can be seen of the upholstery seems to be free from damage or stains. The dash looks nice, but the original radio has made way for a more modern stereo. I can see speakers for this mounted in the kick panels, but I’m not sure whether there are any in the rear parcel tray. Otherwise, there have been no other aftermarket additions.
Finding a respectable 1st Generation Mustang with a K-Code under the hood is always going to be a good thing, but buying one will put a substantial strain on your wallet. This 1965 Falcon Futura offers a compromise on that theme, and I suspect that its final sale price will be a long way below what you might expect to pay for a Mustang. It is a nice car, and it seems that it will need very little if it is to step up to the next level in presentation. I would be surprised if the bidding made its way to $20,000, and a figure of between $16,000 and $18,000 should be closer to the mark. If it does sell for somewhere in that range, it could be a good buy. After all, an equivalent Mustang will lighten your bank balance for twice that figure. Okay, it might not have the sort of cachet that comes with a Mustang, but it is offering equivalent performance for half the price. That has to make it worth serious consideration.
IMHO way more desirable than any Mustang, particularly since it’s already a 4spd. Falcons usually pass under my radar simply due to their size as I’m personally more into 60s barges – but I’ve long played with the idea of building a street legal 60s race track wannabe based on either a Falcon or Comet. One of these days…
This one’s way to nice for that and should probably not be much work to make someone’s a peppy cute little corner carver. As a Chev guy maybe it should be hard to admit this but I’ve always found these SBFs have an absolutely stunning sound to them
An old friend of mine back in the early 70’s had a 1970 Maverick with a Boss 302 and 4- speed from the factory, it was a midsize killer of any automaker
no such thing as a BOSS 302 maverick from factory
I owned 2 ’65 Falcons, the second was a hardtop similar to this one, similar V8 upgrade, swapped in the 4 speed, and then someone took it racing — traction bars, heavier rear springs, air shocks tied everything together in the back, it might have had a Ford 9″ swapped in, but the engine was a tired leaky 302 that I didn’t have the money or the time to upgrade. The body was fantastic, aside from a floor patch where the heater core leaked and small pinholes that were easy fixes in the quarters behind the wheels it was a very solid platform. Bought for $1900, painted, sold for $2700 3 years later in 1992. I haven’t seen something comparable for under $15,000 in today’s market.
From the first time we met I knew I had a never ending live for you. That’s how I feel about 64-65 Ford Falcons. I was 16 years old in 1963 and our local Ford dealer had a beautiful red Falcon convertible 260 v8 4 speed on the show room floor. I thought it was the most beautiful car I had ever seen. I daydreamed of owning it, driving around the curvy hilly country roads where I grew up just north of Redding, California.
I could imagine beautiful Donna Miller riding with me with the top down as the engine roared while shifting through the 4 gears. She would smile and later we would make out. Ahh! What a beautiful dream, but alas I never got the car or the girl. All these years later I still daydream of such an event. These are the things dreams are made of.
God bless America
Hmm claims its a 271 hp Hipo, but wrong distributor and the stock small harmonic balancer. Lousy pics and no shots of the underbelly. Looker over good. Stay safe and good luck!
Cheers
GPC
I really like it, I’d rather have an older Falcon, but this could change my mind !
The 65 Falcon in my opinion was the best looking of all the Falcons prior!! However with the introduction of the Mustang I think the car lacked in notoriety!! Great looking car!! I always liked this body style!!
The seller’s “agent” has it listed for $19,500 on auction123.com.
https://showroom.auction123.com/vehicle_selling_solutions/inventory/11537/1965/Ford/5H17C130331.html
AND
https://picclick.com/1965-Ford-Falcon-Futura-1965-Ford-Falcon-Futura-324561887984.html
Same pictures and description.
Some of us Falcon owners add a T5 Ford 5 speed for the overdrive gear and disc front brakes so we can Stop…
The 1965 is the finest Falcon look. I have three :-)
It is time…
Nice write up Adam on a very nice vintage Ford. I was never a fan of the Falcons but I have to admit, this car could make me change my mind. It apparently has a lot going for it; fantastic condition, a Hi-Po 289 with upgrades and a 4-speed. Equipped like a desirable Mustang but I’ve seen enough of them to last me a lifetime. I’d pass a row of vintage Mustangs to check out this beauty as I’m a big fan of the lesser seen models from the ’60s. Sure, it may need a few thing attended to for a top-notch presentation but nothing that will break the bank. And, as Adam pointed out, it well sell for a lot less than a K-Code Mustang.
In 1972, I went to get some work done on my father’s station wagon, at a local repair shop. While waiting, I noticed what looked like a hopped up ’64 Falcon 2 dr. Next thing I know, the owner asks if I want to go for a ride. We went absolutely ripping down the road, as he went through the gears. The screaming 289 had a torque chain, to keep it in place, as it was way beyond anything close to stock, even a K-code. Never saw the car again.
Wrong distributor; so something is fishy. Beware !
Not a K-code. As others have said wrong distributor and harmonic balancer. It also has gold valve covers. Hipos had chrome. That’s likely the original C-code with an upgraded carb, manifold and air cleaner. I hate a liar.
also does not appear to have the spacers between the heads and valve covers for high lift cam that a k-code came with.
Not a K-code. A 66 289 Mustang was my first car in 76 and I dream 289s.