289-Equipped: 1965 Ford Falcon Futura Convertible

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The seller advertises this Ford Falcon Futura Convertible as a 1964 model, but the VIN and exterior trim confirm it hails from 1965. There’s little to choose between the two years, but such details are always a consideration with classic cars. It is a tidy car with a healthy V8 under the hood, and although it isn’t 100% original, it is a clean driver-grade vehicle. It needs a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Athens, Tennessee. They set their BIN at $14,900, which looks competitive for a vehicle of this caliber. Barn Finder Larry D has done a fantastic job spotting this beauty, so thank you for that, Larry.

Ford released its Second Generation Falcon in 1964, but it only remained in production for two years before being superseded by a new model featuring significant styling changes. This Futura rolled off the line in 1965, and the seller is candid about its condition. They say the Ivy Green paint looks okay at first glance, but a close inspection reveals marks and touch-ups. It retains a healthy shine, and I agree with their assessment that it is a tidy driver. The panels are straight, and there’s no evidence of rust in the floors. When spending money on a classic purchase, it isn’t always wise to take things at face value. That is why I always recommend an in-person inspection to avoid any nasty surprises. The Black power top looks excellent, the bumpers recently returned from the platers, and the grille is in as-new condition. The seller admits some of the trim around the side windows is pitted, but it remains presentable.

The VIN confirms this car emerged from the factory equipped with the C-code 289ci V8 that sent its 200hp to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. It would have covered the ¼ mile in 17.2 seconds, but that figure reveals part of the reason why Falcon sales plummeted in 1965. A similarly-equipped Mustang Convertible reduced the time to 16.9 seconds, but the Mustang was also a more glamorous package with similar interior space. Therefore, buyers clamored for the pony car, leaving the Falcon out in the cold. This Falcon’s 289 is freshly rebuilt, and the supplied photos suggest it might produce significantly more than its original 200hp. I’ve spotted an upgraded intake and carburetor, and more pleasant surprises could be hiding inside this V8. The seller states it runs and drives well, with no smoke or odd noises. The engine breathes happily through a dual exhaust, and if you live where snow and cold weather aren’t a consideration, you could enjoy this classic the moment you hand the seller your cash.

For those seeking spotless originality, this Falcon’s interior might prove offputting. The Tag indicates the original owner ordered it trimmed in Gold vinyl, making the cloth upholstery a custom later addition. If potential buyers seek a tidy driver, this interior lives up to that description. There’s no significant wear on the cloth, and the dash looks tidy. The pad shows discoloring and dryness that might indicate it is on the verge of splitting. However, with replacements retailing for under $180, addressing that fault if it occurs, is not expensive. The factory radio occupies its rightful place, and a set of aftermarket gauges help monitor the health of the sweet little V8. A previous owner installed air conditioning, and while the system functions, it doesn’t blow ice-cold. A simple recharge could prove the cure for that ill.

If this 1965 Falcon Futura Convertible were spotless and original, recent market results suggest it would command a value of around $30,000. However, the modifications impact its potential value, with cars of this type becoming worth what a buyer is willing to pay. The lack of apparent rust and its overall presentation makes the price seem competitive. Forty-three people are watching the listing, and although the upcoming winter months mean it isn’t the ideal time of year to buy a Convertible, I won’t be surprised if one of them hits the button. Of course, you could beat them to the punch. Are you tempted?

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Comments

  1. bobhess bobhessMember

    Nice car. This car isn’t an auction queen by any means but is a car you can actually drive and have some fun with. Nice clean design.

    Like 3
  2. Eric_13cars Eric_13carsMember

    Since the 2nd Oceans 11 film, I’ve wanted one of these. I think that the 64 Futura is the nicest of them. I like the engine, but would prefer a 4 speed (or 5) with buckets and a console. One thing…I never understood people wanting a black convertible, although this does have the benefit of a white interior. Black interiors, fairly common in convertibles, seem to me to be crazy given the heat retention issues with black.

    Like 0
  3. CCFisher

    Interesting…. no backup lights. It’s hard to imagine that they were once optional equipment.

    Like 2
  4. Camaro Joe

    CCFisher, Those were the good ‘ol days. You could get anything you wanted, but you paid for it. My 65 Plymouth Belvedere came with no outside rear view mirror on the driver’s side. It was an option and my car has the build sheet that says it wasn’t there. The car is restored and I don’t drive it that much, but it’s a concern when I go to cruises. I restored it 25 years ago and it wasn’t a problem. Now that I can’t twist my head 60 degrees to look over my shoulder it’s more of a problem than it used to be.

    Like 3
  5. Camaro Joe

    One problem that used to be common with 65 Falcons is the gas cap is painted body color and any replacement you could find in the 1980’s was chrome, not the same contour, and looks really out of place. A friend had the gas cap stolen off her car back in the day. It annoyed her for a couple years.

    At a party a few years later, she heard about a 65 Falcon for sale . The guy said it was owned by a a friend and he stole the owner a correct color gas cap off a car at a business a few years ago.

    Everything lined up, so she started to pull her 45 cal. Colt out of her purse to get even, but he husband dragged he away before she could do anything. Her husband pretended to want to look at the car and got the address.

    They went and took their gas cap back the next day, too bad the clown who stole it never knew how close he came to looking at the barrel of a 45 Colt.

    Like 5
    • jwaltb

      Yeah, everyone ought to have that opportunity for stealing a $4 part.

      Like 0
  6. Dave, Australia

    I reckon the 66 Australian XR Falcon looks very similar and better in fact though not a 2 door.

    Like 0
  7. Johnmloghry johnmloghry

    I’ve told the story many times of the Falcon of my dreams, but then again another one shows up that gets my memories of times gone by set in motion. It sat on the floor room show of Lou Gerard Ford in Redding, California. Bight Red Convertible, 260 V8 4 speed manual transmission, white interior an top. How I dreamed of owning it. It was a 1964 model and I first saw it in the fall of 63. I had got my drivers license a few months earlier and I begged my dad to purchase the car for me, but alas! he pleaded the poor man to me, and so I could only dream.

    God Bless America

    Like 0
  8. Joe Haska

    I think this car is a good buy at the 14 K number. I think the interior is the worst part of the car and I would change it. Looking at everything else, I think it would be a great car.

    Like 0
  9. chrlsful

    if it was the ’65, the motor ( 170/200 ) could B hopped up easier as the lill bigger broached hole for dizzy bottom can accept the DSII. Swap out the 1v carb too, for ur preference (holley 350? triple place the single carter)? Now ya got a SBF beater.

    Like 0
  10. T. MannMember

    Your Data as Interpreted by falconparts.com Model Year = 1965
    Engine = 289 Cu. In. V-8 (2V)
    Assembly Plant = Lorain

    With 30 years experience, a father/son operation that have dealer license should know that 1960’s Ford VIN start with the Year of the vehicle.
    Something is wrong with this title…
    BEWARE !

    Like 0

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