While Ford’s 1964 introduction of the Mustang ushered in an entirely new era of “sporty” motoring, Ford was on to the movement, earlier, with their Falcon Sprint. And the Falcon and Mustang are inextricably linked so it was a logical progression. That being the case, let’s examine a 1963 Ford Falcon Sprint that is located in Denton, Texas and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $7,600, reserve not yet met.
Any way you cut it, the Ford Falcon was a monster of a sales success for Ford. Considered the brainchild of Robert McNamara, who left Ford shortly after the Falcon’s introduction and went on to infamy in the Kennedy and Johnson administrations, the Falcon was the do all-be all compact car. Body styles included two and four-door sedans, two-door hardtops, convertibles, station wagons, Sedan Delivery’s, and of course, the Ranchero, the half car, half pickup. The first-year Falcon production topped 500K copies with many more to come in year two. The Sprint version, available as a two-door hardtop and a convertible, was a performance-oriented variation that was introduced mid-year ’63. The bucket-seated Sprint proved to be popular as about 10K hardtops and over 4K convertibles found homes in that half-year of production.
Also available for the Falcon in mid ’63 was a 164 gross HP, 260 CI V8 engine, and this Sprint was just so equipped along with the Sprint’s standard four-speed manual transmission. The 260 was yanked somewhere in the past and replaced with a 302 CI V8 while, horror of horrors, the original four-speed was deep-sixed for a three-speed C4 automatic transmission. The VIN verifies the original 260/4-speed combo. The seller claims, “The car runs and drives well and is driven regularly“. The seller also lists recent replacements and upgrades like the power brake booster, electronic distributor, and other items.
Besides the obvious condition of the deteriorated finish, the body of this Sprint is straight and appears to be without corrosion. The two-tone paint choice is a matter of taste, of course. Good to see is that all of the trim is still in place, especially the “Sprint” badging on the front fenders. And the American Racing wheels definitely brighten an otherwise drab exterior appearance. A paint job would do this Sprint wonders.
The interior is dirtier looking than it is worn but there is obvious wear too. I’m not sure about the two-tone seats, they appear to be a later “improvement” designed to mimic the exterior. A late-model console has been installed between the buckets, right behind the swapped-in automatic shift selector… Other inclusions are under-dash auxiliary gauges and a tachometer.
I get the engine upgrade but not the transmission swap and that item, alone, will affect the desirability of this pre-Mustang performance car. It’s interesting but is it interesting enough to glean a price above $7,600?
It’s butchered. It’s going to take alot of money and love to make this one right again. Too many others out there. And that two tone does not help
What are you asking and do you have clean title?
Had a 63 with a 260 V8 auto. It was a great motor, if it had a 4 speed maybe I would still have it.
take the $7600 and run
reserve not met. He done lost his mind.
It would be nice if some of these drivable old beaters could stay in four figures.
I like the 302 and the C4 is fine, especially with a shift kit. Of course a manual could go right back in.
Its still going to be cheaper than an early Mustang in similar shape and you wont look like one of the gazillion pony’s at the show. Neat car.
$7,600 for a $500 car and a no sale? This is where two fools met.
Yep – been watching it – think the first time around they wanted around $15,000.
It’s a true 4 speed car by the hump that’s still there. Like most said it’s about at it’s max at $7500 with me.
Love to see under that trunk mat. My first V8 conversion was one of these, kinda got a soft spot for them. Cool looking rides when done right, definitely scary with the tiny drum brakes and single master cylinder system.
The two-tone paint and two-tone custom interior scream Tijuana custom from the 80s some time. All the mods including the engine and transmission are at least 30 years old.
Real Sprint should read SPRINT in script across the rear trunk panel. Mine did.
All the Sprints I’ve ever seen say F A L C O N across the rear panel , like the non Sprints
Wow! “Parallel Universe” inverted. I owned a ‘63 1/2 Comet S22 in the ‘80s, which I just bought back. It’s an original 260/a.t. car, but came with a period correct 4 speed, bellhousing, pedals, and column. Also the correct console. I don’t have the “hump”, which this car has. Bizarro World!
What happened to the left strut to the shock tower ? Perhaps the other one should be removed and an Export Brace put in. This needs to be addressed ASAP, before the cosmetic stuff.
I owned a ’63 with a 3 speed column manual. You had me on this one until you mentioned the original 4 speed was replaced with an old ladies transmission. Tsk Tsk. Every time I see a “Performance Car” with an automatic I want to puke.
I’m right there with you. Every new SUV has a slush box and all the fashionable monster trucks everyone drives as well. So odds are most people’s daily are auto boxes, so why shouldn’t you’re special car be special? I have said it many times, I’d rather drive a chevette with a manual than a corvette with an automatic.
It has already exceeded the amount I would pay.
Cool car with a lot of potential. Some large and small issues to deal with. Looks like half of the export brace has been removed to ease access to the master cylinder.
I have a 61 that I’ve been thinking about letting go!! Original 240 ci six with the three speed on the column!!! Great cars!!!
Sprints have Falcon on the rear panel….not Sprint. The tach was never mounted below the dash.
Price has been thoroughly discussed but the Falcons sure are cute.
My wonder is, Why is the interior so filthy? Seems sketchy.
I’ve got a 63 ranchero ,mustangll front end ,disc brakes 5.0 HO bored 30 over efi with the 5 speed .(T5)
Lots of power for the little beater!
like this ’round body’ better’n the ‘square (’64 break yr) but it looks like the motor was tipped several degrees to the pass’s side, one oe firewall to shock tower brace chopped off? I don’t like the 255 or 260ci, good there, nice steer wheel & lack of mods but want the bucket’s console and under-hood brace back at minimum.
Sold my “63”sprint,found in field Trinity Texas,,mint red ,black ,377stroker ,411 posi,for 8500.00 in 1995///owner now straight front axle spring over rear hiboy claimed 427. Said est action 75000.00***with solid body this could fetch the 7500.00 -trans and bell aval. Easy mustang salvage yard believe BW ?/bell not same as 260-289 different bolt #-shifter was close Hurst no badging. I wish would have kept mine but age ,family ,beat out ladder bars,fender headers and red light wheelies!