- Seller: Frank P
- Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Mileage: 52,568 Shown
- Chassis #: 5H24T187523
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 200-Inline 6-Cylinder
- Transmission: Automatic
There are many reasons why a classic car might find itself in hibernation, some more complex than others. This 1965 Ford Falcon Station Wagon succumbed to a simple brake issue, which has seen it spend the past forty-three years in this garage. It is a two-owner classic that is rock-solid and begging for a chance to return to its rightful place on our roads. The seller feels it deserves this and has listed the Falcon with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
The seller’s father is this Falcon’s second owner, purchasing the Wagon as a second car. He spent money at a local shop to eliminate rust, using the vehicle until the brake master cylinder failed in 1981. He purchased another master cylinder but never managed to install it. Therefore, the Ford has spent the past four decades occupying its current spot. Below the dust hides Code Y Silver Blue paint that looks consistent across the exterior. It hasn’t seen much UV exposure since the time in the shop, meaning that it would be worth washing and polishing this classic to see how it presents. It is possible that adopting that strategy may return its appearance to an acceptable state for a driver-grade vehicle. It appears that the rust repairs were performed to a high standard because no significant issues are visible in the excellent array of supplied images. The trim is all present and in good condition, and the glass shows no evidence of major problems beneath the dust layer.
Powering this Wagon is Ford’s venerable 200ci six-cylinder engine, teamed with a three-speed automatic transmission. The six would have produced 120hp and 190 ft/lbs of torque in its prime. That was enough to satisfy most owners, making this a competent performer that would have effortlessly transported a family of six. The seller’s father used the vehicle regularly until the master cylinder issue reared its head. The parts are included to address the problem, and the robust nature of the drivetrain components means that a mechanical revival may not be difficult or expensive. Therefore, returning the Wagon to its rightful place on our roads could be an achievable short-term goal. It is worth noting that the odometer shows a genuine 52,568 miles, which is extraordinarily low for a classic of this vintage.
One aspect of this Wagon’s revival that won’t require much attention is its interior. The first owner’s decision to trim the interior in two-tone Blue vinyl perfectly complements the exterior paint shade. The overall condition is consistent with the odometer reading, with no evidence of wear or physical damage. The painted surfaces look crisp and tidy, the gauges feature clear lenses, and the bright trim is in good order. The photos suggest that treating the interior to a deep clean would be worthwhile because it will yield positive results. It is one aspect of this classic that requires more time than money to return to its best.
Ford sold 185,927 examples of the 1965 Falcon across all variants, but only 14,911 buyers selected the Station Wagon. That makes this a relatively rare vehicle from a “big picture” perspective, and with cars from this era often treated as disposable items, it is unclear how many remain. This one looks like a real gem that deserves to return to active service. It is a practical and potentially affordable proposition for enthusiasts with a young family because it will allow the entire tribe to participate in the ownership experience. Forty-three years is too long for any classic to hibernate, and submitting a bid will be the first step in liberating this Falcon so that it can be enjoyed as its creators intended.
Looks pretty solid but everything that could leak, did. Appears the birds, mice and spiders have taken residence up here many years ago. The seller probably could get higher bids if he/she had taken the time to roll it out and hose it down and under. Man that’s a lot of spider eggs. And what’s up with that front bumper….green? Good luck with the auction as this is a worthy car to restore but with my arachnophobia, I couldn’t get within100′ of it.
Wait- I thought that I read in the comments on another post that your daily driver was a Porsche Spyder…
HAHAHAHA! Good one.
So often, I wonder if sellers are really so lazy or if they can’t afford a bucket and a sponge.
I love mid-’60s compact wagons. Clean it up, get it running, and use it as your practical “20-foot” classic. I have a ’65 Dart wagon for just that purpose.
I really do like this little wagon, will definitely be recommending it to a friend.
The carb here is a 1bbl which would indicate it’s the 170 cu in version of that straight six. That’s a 105 hp engine instead of the 120 hp version with a 2 bbl, a not insignificant difference.
My dad had one of these. I drove it regularly since it was reliable and useful. His had the 289 V8, white exterior and this very same interior. If it had the 289 I would probably be all over this one, but that 1bbl six just doesn’t have enough ooomph.
While we all love seeing cars in their “found” condition and location, you then pull it outside and clean it after documenting it’s found state. I’m not sure if sellers think they’ll actually get more for it by leaving it in it’s found condition (?). Quite the contrary. Without seeing it cleaned, how would one know what condition the paint is in? If it needs paint, if a paint correction will resurrect it, etc. It’s rather unfortunate.
The write up should also provide basic mechanical info, for several reasons. It should be stated if the engine is free and if the transmission goes into neutral.
I too love 60’s compact wagons, especially the Falcon and I’ve wanted one. I’m not too far away, but not close enough to go take a look in person either. This could potentially be a good one, just wish we could get a clearer/ cleaner picture. Literally.
Was it completely repainted following the rust repairs?
ci? anything can happen in 50, 60 yrs.
Make sure the motor, as all 4 sm i6s (2 big six, no) look very similar (count H2O pump bolts, frz plugs, look for “T” on down draft tube’s pad). But no matter all drive close to modern (cept the 2.3/144). ’65 = 1st yr able to upgrade ignit/carb to late 70s +.
For body style I like the round body (’60/3) rather than these ‘square bodies’. At 111 inch WB a lill more comfortable drivin than the 3rd gen GM 3rd in B body on today’s cover page. Id daily it as I do it’s brother (4WD falcon called ‘bronco’) and grandson (fox-bodied LTD waggy). Not possible now but Id luv nother brother, the chero done up in SCCS livery (R&P, lowered, x-flow head, discs, trick suspension, etc). I understand that model was made on this one’s pan.
weird. has an antenna. but no radio
Radio is low on the dash in the middle. What, no A/C?
Absolutely agree re. the dirty pics. A paint job is a major expense and I don’t want to get in the game without knowing if a car needs one. I’m fine with a ten-footer, but this could be a disaster as it sits now.
With five days left is there any chance BF can get some pics of a hosed off car? You might find a lot more players in the game.
Precisely.
Or, without knowing if it needs an engine.
There needs to be minimum requirements for auction listings. I always want to ask the sellers; would YOU buy a car with your hard earned money based on the info provided?
I wouldn’t mind having this car but the driver’s side dog leg and rocker panel look like they may have a lot of filler in them. Not bad considering overall condition.
I think this is really cool, I wish it wasn’t 2500+/- miles away that makes it a little hard to get it home and justify the purchase considering what it’s going to cost for me to get it back on the road.
Motor Trend did a video on building the Ford 200 ci engine for performance. Fascinating viewing. When they were done they were putting out the power of a 5.0 engine in a straight six. That’s what I would do here. Leave the rest alone. Clean it up and enjoy it.