I don’t think of a Ford Falcon as a compact car, but that’s what Ford marketed them as. They weren’t the first for an American car maker, as the Rambler American was first, but for the big three, the Ford Falcon was the first. This 1963 Ford Falcon Futura is posted here on craigslist in Port Orchard, Washington, and the seller is asking $6,800 or best offer. Here is the original listing.
This car appears to be in nice shape, despite the faded paint showing in most of the photos. The seller says that this car was repainted at some point in the 1980s but is otherwise original – other than replacing wear parts and other maintenance items, of course. Well, and the engine has been replaced with a bigger one. So it isn’t mostly original, but it looks great to me and who doesn’t want some extra boost?
The Falcon was made from 1959 for the first model year of 1960 and they continued through 1970. I’ve always wondered why it rarely comes up that they were the basis for the Ford Mustang, yet when there’s a Cadillac Seville shown it’s always, “It’s just a gussied-up Nova!” Or, a Mustang II, “That’s just a Pinto!” or similar comments like that?
The seller mentions some rust in the floorboards and previous rust repairs on the body, so this one isn’t perfect by any means. The interior looks good in the photos, but again, it isn’t perfect. The trunk looks good and kudos to the seller for including such a wide range of good photos, that’s very rare for a craigslist ad. There are a ton of new parts on this Falcon, please read the listing for everything that has been updated. Yes, that’s a clutch pedal and it’s for the three-speed column-shifted manual transmission.
The air cleaner cover is 30-cu.in. misleading, as the original 170 six has been changed to a 200-cu.in. inline-six and it had all new gaskets before being installed, a very nice touch. There’s a new dual-reservoir master cylinder, new shocks, brakes, a new clutch, and more. Hagerty is at $7,000 for a #4 fair-condition Falcon Futura with a 144 engine, so I’m guessing this one with a 200-six would be worth a bit more. What’s your best offer on this Falcon Futura?
I always wanted to see an Aussie-style build of these old Ford Inline-6s. Maybe that can be done to this engine
A bigger 6 is still a 6, I’d put a nice 289 in there and make it fun. Always loved these Falcons, although the 63 Sprint is my favorite.
In response to the writer’s comment, yeah, when there’s a Falcon listed here, there’s not usually any mention of the relationship between it and an early Mustang. But, when there’s an early Mustang listed on here, BAR THE DOOR KATY, the cracks about the relationship between the Mustang and Falcon are through the roof, even though they actually little in common
IDK, looking at this just reminds me of the first car my dad bought. A 1960 Falcon. Granted it was a stripper, six cylinder but with an auto, dad didn’t know how to drive a stick. Long story. Manual windows brakes and steering. I think he would roll over in his grave if he saw what this one is asking.
These can be nifty cars when brought back to good condition. A new paint job is obviously needed; decide how much you want to spend. Any car with a three-speed on the column is fine with me.
Does anyone have any idea what this clown is talking about ????
3 on the tree is best theft prevention you can get these days, oh, the memories
Leave it be, putt around town in it and have fun holding up traffic.
I have the same car in “fair” condition with a 302 and a C4 swap.
I see a race car in this Falcons future.
I’m a GM guy but I’ve always admired these gems. I preferred them to Mustangs. A little Windsor or modified 6 would sing in one of these lightweight missiles……….
I had a ’63 my senior year in high school (which was actually ’91…most kids had no clue what it was)…3 on the tree…but while mine originally had a 260 V8, the previous owner put in a ’64 289…point being, you’re right, thing was like a missile. Ridiculously light, nice chunk of horsepower moving it, great little sleeper.
the 200 isa lill “rever” more for the race than the 250 a ‘stroked’ 200. Of the 6 Thriftpower motors it’s ‘the one’. I put the 250/4.1 ina bronk for this very reason (a ‘lugger’ @ 240tg 1500 revs).
Had a 63 Convertible with 170 and 2spd. auto. Wasn’t the fastest car on the road but not the slug you might think. Actually able to keep up with traffic quite well, even at freeway speeds. Canary yellow with black interior. Beautiful little car. Sad to say, I had to sell it about 10 years ago. Miss that top-down driving.
Looks like an EXPORT Brace was fitted in there
My father had a 63 Falcon wagon. It had 3 on the tree. Hand choke. He used for stripe bass fishing in the 60’s. I recall it was tan. After that he got a 72 Chevy wagon.
Understated and dependable. Properly tuned, 22mpg+ car. That’s a car you can drive and afford. Remember that lowered classless fad that finally keeled over because roads have bumps and holes? Well here’s a car done plain yet always in style. A down to earth real person’s car.
I have a friend that took a 63 falcon and dropped a 460 in it. He was known for doing insane builds like that or like putting a pinto body on 4×4 frame.