In a parallel universe, the 1965 Ford Falcon Sprint would have been a sales winner. It brought together a passenger compartment that accommodated a family of five, practical trunk space and a drivetrain combination that offered better-than-average performance. However, the unprecedented success of the First Generation Mustang ensured the high-performance variant of the Falcon would enjoy a limited lifespan. This 1965 Sprint is a tidy and rock-solid classic with no immediate needs. It is ideal for someone seeking a turnkey practical car that can still turn heads. The seller has listed this Ford here on eBay in Des Moines, Iowa. Bidding sits below the reserve at $12,100, with a BIN option of $22,500.
Ford released the Second Generation Falcon in 1964 as an update of its entry into the compact market segment. Its styling was sharper and more aggressive than its predecessor, although changes below the skin were relatively minor. The Sprint was a new addition to the range, offering a performance variant that would undoubtedly have enjoyed greater sales success under different circumstances. This 1965 Sprint presents beautifully in Wimbledon White with a Red bodyside stripe. The Trim Tag confirms it has undergone a color change, with its first owner ordering it in Prairie Bronze. I typically prefer unmolested classics, but this combination looks crisp and aggressive enough to help the Falcon stand out. Its cause is aided by the Cragar wheels, which add a muscular look to the exterior. The paint shines nicely, with no visible issues or significant flaws. The panels are as straight as an arrow, with tight and consistent gaps. Rust is often a problem with early Falcons, but the underside shots confirm this Sprint is as solid as the day it rolled off the line. The trim is in excellent condition, and there are no visible glass defects.
The Sprint package brought a V8 to the table as standard fare, and in 1964, it had been the 260ci powerplant. It was superseded by the C-Code 289, which we find hiding under the hood of this beauty. It sends 200hp and 282 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. This combination allowed the Falcon to cover the ¼-mile in 16.2 seconds, with the engine running out of breath as the needle nudged 116mph. That looked like a winning formula on paper, but seeing how it compares with a similarly equipped Mustang Hardtop is fascinating. The Sprint features a 1½” longer wheelbase, providing marginally more usable space. There is nothing to separate the pair in weight, and the Mustang’s ¼-mile ET of 16.1 seconds and a top speed of 118mph don’t represent resounding victories in the performance war. However, the stunning styling and aggressive marketing of the Mustang meant that while the company sold 409,260 Mustang Hardtops, the Sprint Hardtop tally was a mere 2,806. It is little wonder why, although buyers could order subsequent Falcon models with a V8, Ford quietly retired the Sprint badge. The seller recently performed a service on this Falcon, bolting on new tires to ensure the car is roadworthy. They say it runs and drives perfectly, with the embedded video within the listing confirming the V8 sounds as sweet as a nut.
The positive vibes continue when we focus on this Ford’s interior. The combination of Red and White trim continues the theme set by the exterior and looks stunning. The seller recently replaced the seat foam and carpet and installed a correct wheel, adding to the positive impression. There is little to criticize beyond slight damage to one corner of the gauge fascia where the cable emerges for the aftermarket tachometer. The upholstered surfaces show no wear or damage, the headliner is spotless, and the bright trim pieces sparkle impressively. A Hurst shifter pokes purposefully from the floor, while a modern stereo and $5,000 worth of vintage air conditioning ensure occupants have a comfortable ride.
The 1965 Falcon Sprint could almost be considered a motoring unicorn, and the low production figures ensure you won’t see one on our roads every day. This one is a gem, and the seventeen bids submitted confirm that people like what they see. The BIN figures raise the question of where the seller may have set their reserve, and instinct tells me there will only be a few dollars between them. The BIN is realistic, and if a similarly equipped Mustang is beyond your means, this classic offers a more affordable alternative. That makes it worth a close look.
I’ve liked these ever since I saw one running in California Sports Car Club races back in the day. Neat little cars, and — for me, anyway — appealing because they weren’t Mustangs. Far less chance of meeting one at Cars & Coffee….
If condition checks out, I’d say it’s worth the BIN, or close to it. A guess: they buyer would probably take $20K. I’d love to be the one who hands it to him. I won’t be, of course.
Sweet Ford. 2800lbs and change, 2.80 rear ⚙️ nice cruiser.
Neat little cars. A couple of people I knew had one and loved them. I would certainly take one of these over a 65 Mustang with exception to the fastback. Those are too beautiful to pass up if you had the extra 30-40K!
This falcoon looks sweet for 20k,20k isn’t a lot of money for a car anymore!
always liked falcon convertible remember in 1964 seeing a new falcon convertible on show room floor had a 260ci 4 speed was sitting next to the new model called mustang liked the falcon better
This looks fast sitting still .Done just right !! I would not touch it just drive it..
And right there is a good picture of the future Mustang steering wheel center with the Falcon Sprint that they covered up…..
Nice car….wish my Sprint had been a 4sp…..
These are sweet. I have always had a lusting for a 68-70 Cougar, but as far as Ford makes are concerned, the Falcon and it’s cousin, Comet, are a close second. This one checks a lot of boxes for me personally. I really like white exterior red interior combo on sixties cars. Bonus being a you shift it version. It looks pretty dang clean and at a pinch over 20k, it seems like that could be a good buy in today’s market. Gotta give a shout out to the local “Falcon Boys” of Oakland…not sure of many, if any, Falcon only car clubs but these dudes love their Falcons.
That 57 on the license plates means that it came from
Cedar Rapids (Linn County).I have many relatives in that
area,& I’ll always remember those numbers from my Uncle’s
vehicles.
That’s a nice car!
The best looking Falcon. And equipped just right! This should sell for what they’re asking.
Excellent Falcon! – Beautiful survivor! – If cared for, it will outlast most everything coming out of the factories today. — I think maybe the owner placed the BIN way too low.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE.
It’s a good thing I’m not a very wealthy man or I’d have a Chevy 11 and a Falcon sprint in my driveway soon. I love this car it’s got everything I would want on one sans convertible top. Good luck to the next owner and Merry Christmas.
God Bless America
12,500 should be an excellent no. 22,500 is ridiculous price. They don’t want to sell.
Marshall, do you realize this is the year 2023 and vintage car prices have been inflated for the past several years by now?
This Falcon does look fantastic on the right side up but the photos of the underbody, specifically the driver’s side of the cowl and the rear structural components in the trunk would need further investigation.
Current bid is at $19k. Unless there’s shill bidding at play I’d say this Falconis surely to find new nesting grounds
Any car guy having this 65 Falcon Sprint with a 289, manual 4 spd AND AC, under his Christmas tree, would be very happy. I always liked the Falcons in Wimbleton white, but that original bronze color would be nice too. Good find.
I’m not a Ford guy, but I’d love to have one of these!👍🏻
One of my favorite cars! Great color combo and running gear choices.
Sprint was first offered for ‘63 Model year, and contrary to popular opinion, a few late ‘63 Sprints were equipped with the 289. For ‘66 the “Sport Coupe” was offered. No more hardtops. I had the pleasure of owning a ‘68 Sport Coupe with a 289 and C4 automatic. Great car!
Merry Christmas!
The white stripe on the seats can be removed for a better looking interior.
This Falcon is beautiful.
Love it! I’d rather have this than a comparable Mustang from this year!!!
yes I agree as I said before in 1964 I was 18 years old and saw the new mustang on the show room floor next to a new falcon Sprint with a 260 4 speed liked the falcon much better then and still do
Falcon hardtop with V8 4 speed is a muscle car.