Ford was working on a lot of excitement back in 1964. The April introduction of the Mustang was, of course, internationally newsworthy (even Ian Fleming’s blockbuster Goldfinger, filmed in ’64, featured the new pony car), and the lowly compact Falcon got a kick upstairs, enjoying a sharp-looking exterior upgrade that meshed perfectly with its “Sprint” performance version. Today’s discovery, courtesy of Curvette, is a ’64 Falcon Sprint convertible, and it’s very nicely outfitted. Seattle, Washington, is where you’ll find this Skylight Blue drop top, and it’s available here on craigslist for $28,500.
Ford’s everywhere Falcon was by all measures an enormous success when introduced in 1960. It was a leader in the burgeoning compact class and sold in huge numbers. Dowdy-looking? At first, yeah, sort of, but it was envisioned as the antithesis to massive chrome-laden barges that were dominating the U.S. carscape. Sure, the big rigs were popular and still sold in enormous volumes, but American Motors and Volkswagen showed there was a viable path for smaller, plainer, more economical cars. For ’64, the Falcon was offered in Sprint trim (two-door hardtop and convertible); Futura trim (two-door hardtop, sedan, convertible, and four-door sedan); and, finally, the standard Falcon (two- and four-door sedans). Station wagons in Squire (faux wood paneled) and standard Falcon trim were part of the lineup, too. Total Falcon output exceeded 275K units in ’64, but only 4,200 were Sprint convertibles – not rare, but certainly uncommon. The listing for this car is an ode to the saying, “Mum’s the word,” stating simply, “Restored 64 Falcon Sprint… everything pretty much new or rebuilt.” OK, it looks good, a deep finish, no observable rust or body panel damage, a very stout underside, and a like-new folding top with a clear plastic window. The original wheel covers are still in place and haven’t been chucked for something aftermarket – always good to see.
Sprint power means a 164 gross HP, 260 CI V8 engine, and in this case, it’s connected to a four-speed manual transmission. How’s it run and drive? Don’t know. Is it the original powerplant? Claimed to be, “260 4 speed numbers match.” Was it rebuilt or just “gone through”? Don’t know. The engine certainly appears to be unmodified, but the questions that I’ve posed will need to be answered by the seller.
It’s hard to assess the interior. There’s only one image, and it’s not comprehensive. It’s a black vinyl, bucket seat/center console environment, and from what can be spied, looks fine, but additional images/questions will need to be put forth and answered.
The verdict? A really cool car, nicely equipped with a totally inept listing (not a single image of the front or passenger side!), especially considering its $28,500 asking price. Regardless of this Falcon’s condition, the price seems steep, but maybe I’m out of line on that matter. Anyway, that’s my verdict, what’s yours?
Jim, your summary paragraph is spot-on: cool car, eye-catching period-correct colors, preferred drivetrain, looks to be in good shape, lousy ad, big asking price. If you are a fan of sporty Fords of the mid-60’s, and are tired of Mustangs, this would be a great alternative.
Nice driver but for my money I’d rather have the 65 Formula S Barracuda on here a couple days ago. Agree, terrible ad.
Funny….I’ve owned both – my 1964 Sprint convert was a neighborhood 1- owner car I kinda lusted over and was able to buy after the owner passing. It was a V/8 auto with a bench seat which wasn’t that bad…..would most likely have kept it if it had a 4sp even with a bench…..but already had a V8/Auto 1964 Valiant convert which I still pick over this FoMoCo platform….same for my Form S car….
The cragslist show more to backup claims. Fanthomworks show the results of buying a classic “completely restored or completely rebuilt) two different beasts! Claims without mention of backup paper trails becoming glaring red flags. Had to check factory specs, all falcon sprints came with duel exhaust….i only see one? Paint alone does not prove an engine rebuild….were i the seller i would provide a paper trail, VIN plate etc….
So tired of suspicious listings
Falcon Sprints did not come with dual exhaust, though many have had it added by now. You could get duals as a dealer-installed accessory at least by ’65 from Ford’s catalog of “Cobra Kit” performance parts, but not from the factory. Even the C-code 2V 289 in Mustangs, Cougars, etc. only had a single exhaust. To get duals you had to move up to at least the 4-barrel A-code 289.
The 4-speed in this car is a plus — you typically see these with the 2-speed automatic — though I can’t say the same for the 2-tone paint.
You’re wrong S W Smith…..”all falcon sprints came with duel exhaust’
It looks weird with only single exhaust.
This could be a fun car but I’m not crazy about the baby blue and white and yes I’d want dual exhaust. The price would be better if cut in half.
You don’t need dual exhaust if you have a fart can.
Add says or best off I bet they would take $15-18 cash make sure the wife is in earshot when you make the offer nice looking car that you have to put away until spring to truly enjoy.
In 1970 I had a 64 Comet Calienta convertible. Fun car, very much like the Falcon. For a boxboy in a grocery store it was the top of the line. Wish I still had it. The ad could have been much better.
Falcon Sprints are one of my favorite Fords. Especially a 4 speed manual. Love these 260s, and don’t mind a dual exhaust at all. Not crazy about this color combination or the asking price, and seller should have included more of a paper trail on its engine. Buckets and console look so much better with a manual transmission.
I agree. Too little info, too much money, too polarizing paint scheme, too many cooler choices for the price. What’s there to like?
There’s alot to like about it if it were selling for about $10K less than it is.
Terrible pictures!
Send him a request to talk – it’s that easy….arm chair collectors……..