As I’m sure most of you have noticed, the prices for various collectible cars have gotten stratospheric. There are those that claim that the apex has been hit and values are, or will, start trending downward, especially as “collectors” age out. Well, I guess that’s an eventuality but so far, I’m not seeing it – and I look at a lot of auction/sale cars every day. So, with pricing still robust, does that drive demand for similar but lesser, and ostensibly, cheaper models? Say for instance a 1963 Ford Falcon Futura such as this Chino Hills, California resident instead of a Mustang or a Torino Cobrajet. Maybe…let’s take a look and see if we can validate that possibility. This clean Futura two-door sedan is available, here on craigslist for $14,500.
Anyway that you cut it, Ford’s Falcon (’60-’69) was an unmitigated success – the right car at the right time. Sure, many in that era favored chrome-laden barges but a vocal market had developed for smaller, cheaper alternatives – just look at what American Motors and Volkswagen were doing in those years. Ford wasn’t immune to the “less can be more” direction, GM and ChryCo followed suit too with their own take on this emerging compact class. A big demand for this class of car? You bet! The Falcon, alone, had a bang-up year in ’63 with total sales of about 316K copies. Of that total about 27K were Futura two-door sedans.
OK, I guess requirement one in this concept of substitution is a V8 engine and this Futura is packing one, a 164 gross HP, 260 CI “Challenger” V8 – a member of the Windsor architecture. Yeah, yeah, yeah, it’s not a stormer but it’s headed in the right direction. Unfortunately, our subject car is saddled with a two-speed automatic transmission but a four-speed was on the pick list. The seller adds, “Runs and Drives Amazing! (Daily Driver)“. Also good to know is that this Falcon has been upgraded with front disc brakes.
Still wearing its factory hue of Corinthian White, this car presents beautifully. Whether or not the factory color is the original finish is not said but if it is, it looks great for its age. Also stated is, “California car all its life…
floors and inside trunk are rock solid, body is straight…very well kept and always garaged“.
The two-tone interior shows just as well as the exterior – it’s hard to imagine that it is original. The small details matter and small, problematic details are nowhere to be found. The steering wheel, dash pad, carpet, seat bolster seams, etc. are all telling no unfortunate tales. The front seatbelts (there are none in the rear) were probably added later but they are always welcome, and I would consider them to be a necessary addition. Check out the listing image of the rear seat and you’ll notice the “Futura” emblem that is displayed in the center of the backrest – it’s a reaffirming, model and trim level touch.
So, a muscle car substitute? I don’t think this one’s going to cut it. It has the body style ( a hardtop would be better but the sedan still works) and of course the V8 engine. The two-speed slushbox is a detraction and things like undersized white strip tires and full wheel covers aren’t up to snuff, but they can be substituted. And there’s a conundrum – this car is remarkable in its originality and modifying it into something else would be a crime – though I would give an exception for the disc brake conversion. That said, a four-speed manual transmission-equipped example, that has already undergone transformation into something grander than how it originated, would be a worthy find and alternative. And that discovery is going to cost less than a vintage Mustang or a Torino GT. At least that’s my thought on the matter, what’s yours?
Nice Ford Falcon with a 260. Don’t see them to offend. My father had a 63 Ford Falcon but with a straight 6. Not the fastest 😂. It was silver 2 Dr. We had it for a while in the late 60’s and somebody stole it. Why?.. never saw it again. This one here can be fun. Just add dual exhaust and 450 or 500 cfm carburetor 4bbl . Nice intake good tune-up detail the car and maybe change the wheels to something modern. Good luck to the next owner..🐻🇺🇸
Appears to be a respray. Still a very nice car.
Always liked the white knobs on these early Fords. Nice touch, IMO.
Blue colored 260 v8 engine isn’t original. It was from a mustang. The original 260 cid engine was supposed to be red
Block and heads were black, valve covers and air cleaner red.
Definitely a keeper. If I was in the market, I’d jump on it!
Mustangs never had a 260 v8. Either 289 v8 or a 6cyl. 260v8 were in Falcon, Mercury Comet, Ranchero pickup.
@ Jerry Anderson
First year (‘64.5) Mustang brochure attached; clearly shows the 260 engine as an option. I know that I have physically seen many over the years.
JO
A clean, honest, straightforward old Falcon. The Futura trim dressed it up nicely. There were several of these in my hometown back in the day. To me, it’s fine as it stands, a representation of its time. The best thing to do would be just to drive and enjoy it as-is.
Thanks Jim, good write-up.
I agree Bob, some older classics simply need to be kept in perfect original condition for all of us to enjoy. Car shows of late are becoming swamped with a mindless glut of Camaro / Charger & Mustangs.
Technically a “1963 1/2” since the V8 wasn’t available until mid model year (spring, 1963).
True, but nevertheless a 63, you’ll never see one titled as a 631/2, same with 641/2 Mustangs. I was surprised to see no bucket seats or console, I thought all Futuras had those, but apparently not. The little 260 has plenty of potential, I’d soup it up a bit, add some period custom wheels, with some extra rubber, and call it good
Oh, and I’d lose that delco alternator, it doesn’t belong there
I think the Sprints had those.
Oh, I agree that they are all titled as ’63s, though Ford did use 1963 1/2 in its ads/brochures back then even though it wasn’t an official designation that would appear on the title. Maybe Don Draper suggested it.
The towers under the hood for the shocks and springs look like later additions. You can see where welding has discolored the tops of the towers.
Dual exhaust glass packs poverty caps and blackwalls.Cool car with the 260 and I’m not a Ford guy.I’d put a 4 speed in it if I owned it.
A 4-speed, bigger tires, A/C, modern suspension, custom
sound system and modern seat belts front and back.
Then you’d have $20K in it.
I bought a 65 mustang that had just about all the bells and whistles…V8, auto console PS/PB factory A/C, and everything worked Gave $13K for it. By the time I got through fixing all the “little gripes” I’ve got about $30K in it! When the big things get fixed, the little things get bigger!
Nice cruiser. Not a hot rod- but no slouch. The drivers side shock tower has been repaired. Failure was not uncommon. Ask me how I know. “‘63 1/2” was used in Ford advertising to promote the new semi fastback roofline on the new 2 door hardtops. (Falcon and Comet). This car is a “box top” 2 door post. The “‘63 1/2” moniker was also used to tout the 289 in late ‘63 Falcons. Yes, they did. I’m old enough to have known someone who bought one new.
When I was a teenager a friend of mine had a Ford Falcon. I don’t remember the exact year, but later 60’s?
The emblem on the side of the car said it was a 289.
Nope.
390 dual quad!!
Fastest car that I have ever been in, by far.
He scared the living daylights out of me when he took me for a ride. He had his learners permit, I was the licensed driver.
On a rainy day he hit the gas too hard and blew the engine. What a waste.
Wound up selling it.
It is a fact Ford never called the early Mustangs 64 1/2. I remember when they were new ,the owners were proud of the fact ,that they had a 65 model year in 1964. It was later when car collectors decided they were 64 !/2. I do like the Don Draper reference. My daughter is a creative director in the New York advertising world and I think that explanation makes the most sense.
In PA their title would not say 65 till January of 65. Anything bought new before that had 64 on the title.
A college dorm-mate of mine of mine had a ’62 Falcon , 2 door/6 cylinder/2 speed automatic and a bench seat. He was the only freshman that was allowed to have a car ( it was suggested that his grandparents most likely donated a wing on the libraryAnyway… His name was KEN and He had this Falcon….
It was a Saturday… Ken walks through the lobby of the dorm . Someone calls out “hey ken… are you going into town? ” …
Well’the next thing you know, 5 Linebacker sized guys are following him out to the parking lot. Ken unlocks the car and the 5 guys “Pile in”… with Ken as the driver, thats a total of 6. Talk about 10 pounds of manure in a 5 pound bag!
The car was sitting on the bottum of its suspension.Those little skinny tires (bias belted, no less) straining under the weight. The accelleration was beyond dismal . Starting off from a light , we kept saying “i think i can! I think I can!!) As for Hills: FUGGETTABOUTITTT!
Ken finally says ” the car is feeling a little “funny” today…
I can’t imagine why? Maybe its the 1000- plus pounds of HUMAN BEINGS in the car .Could that possibly have something to do with it?
PS: were the weels on the “base” Falcon 13 inch???
They were “all” 13″
“Talk about 10 pounds of manure in a 5 pound bag!”
Known as a “blivet” I believe…
I like the way this Falcon is, straight up. Maybe a set of wheels and dual exhaust then just drive it to show it off
My dad received one as a loaner when our ‘63 Country Sedan needed attention. I rather liked the car when I rode with dad!
Pops had one same 260 but it was a 3 on the tree loved riding in his Falcon 2door post really miss riding in that little car to small for my family. Would if there wasn’t so many kids 🤔.
I own a 63 Falcon Futura convertible with a 260V8 and 4 speed. Have owned it for over 30 years. It always earns compliments and trophies at car shows. The Falcon club is strong. I would recommend owning one
Just sold a 63 Falcon sedan last Saturday. 289 from a Comet, C4. Viper Red with White top. New red interior. $13500 so this can’t be far off.
A few years ago I was hunting for a genuine V8 – 4 speed Sprint, and finally found a good one to buy. Black on red with buckets, console, factory dash-mounted tach, factory imitation wood steering wheel, etc. It was just under $5000. It also came with another incomplete black 4 speed Sprint “parts car” that was tossed in to the deal. I sold that for about the same price so my Sprint actually cost me $0, and I still own it!
Why is it, some people can fall into a bucket of sh$t, and come out smelling like a rose.
Here is my ’63 1/2 Sprint (with the chrome removed to prep for paint). This car came with a built 302 (instead of orig 260) factory 4 speed, later disc brake conversion and dual exhaust. Its a SoCal no-rust car. Not bad for $0!
Want to sell it?
My first car exactly,except mine was white/blue interior, 170/4 speed. Dad had me drive it home after he bought it and afterwards I told him what a cool hot rod it would. He said, “this will never become a hot rod”. 6 months later, a friend and I had swapped a 289/ 4 speed from a wrecked 1967 Fairlane, along with a junkyard 9 inch rear axle from a 67 Mustang that cost me $35 in 1979. Dad wasn’t impressed until he drove it one day and was genuinely surprised by how quick it was.
What a sweetie peetie,, 63 Ford Falcon. These 260s engines were great small block precursors to the Mustang 289s. And so easy to work on. Other than trim what separates this from the 63 Sprints? Bucket seats and a console? Such an honest American car.
If this falcon was a convertible, it would be worth more…not even close to the reserve. Are sellers just throwing $$$$ against the wall to see what sticks ?
If I owned it the 260 would be wrapped up on a pallet with a video of it running and and the odometer reading when it was pulled, then a nicely built stroker Windsor engine and a built C4 put in it’s place while keeping all the 260 badging and stick on decals where they’re suppose to be. Then make it 4 wheel disc and maybe add some Magnum 500 wheels and white letter tires to it as the only exterior upgrades, then enjoy the looks on the faces of the “Hot Rod Owners” when I swear that it’s my grandmothers car and I was just blowing the carbon out of it for her at the next red light LOL!
I wouldn’t kick it out of my garage for eating crackers.
Wow, how my taste in cars have changed. When I was a kiddo, My librarian neighbor had one of these in a baby blue color. She gave me the grand sum of $2 dollars to wash it every other Saturday. Big money for a kid in the early 70’s. God, I loathed that car and thought it was ugly then. Now I lust for this Futura! Perfect size, T-bird inspired roofline and afterburner tail lights to boot! God rest your soul, Miss Needham, I so get now why you loved that car like you did! If this were available to me and the new fangled Mustang that year at the Ford dealer, it would have come down to which one I got the better deal on. The Mustang will be a passing fad after all he he he
And yes, I know, the Mustang didn’t debut for another year. If I had got this then, would I have suffered buyers remorse? Maybe. Remember back then, payment books (remember them?) had 18 to 24 pages. Not like the up to 96 available today (digital, auto withdrawal, btw). We live in crazy times for sure
I helped a 61 Falcon coupe that had been wrecked get some body work a few years back. It was a clean car with a transplanted 170 inline 6. I was looking for a V8 Falcon so I just cleaned it up and sold it for $7000. I did upgrade it’s pee wee 13″ rims for some 4 lug 15″ rims from Mustangs Unlimited before they went out of business. I hate they went belly up, it was like a man’s candy store.
About 10 years ago, a guy in Hamburg,NY (Buffalo) had two of these. One was a red Futura or Sprint hardtop 260 automatic. Other was a white 4 door, not sure about Futura but it had a 260 with 4 on the floor. Both nice driver condition.