The Falcon was Ford’s first foray into the compact sector. It launched in 1960 and its platform would spin-off other popular cars, such as the Mustang and Maverick. The Futura was the top-line model until the Sprint arrived mid-year in 1963. The drop-top Futura has been under wraps for at least the last three years and looks good for its age – but we’re told there are problems with structural integrity. Needing someone with knowledge in that area, this Falcon can be found in Weyers Cave, Virginia where the bidding here on eBay has reached $2,950.
American car builders took notice of the dent that the VW Beetle and a few other imports had put in the U.S. market in the late 1950s. They deduced there was a need for more cars sized between the Bug and the full-size automobile. Studebaker and AMC came first with the Lark and the Rambler American, respectively, and by 1960 the Big 3 were in the game. The Falcon was well-received, sold broadly, and remained largely unchanged through 1963. If you wanted a convertible that year, you got the Futura model which came with a nicer level of trim. Ford built nearly 19,000 Futura convertibles in ‘63 and 12,250 came with bucket seats like the seller’s car.
This ’63 Futura was parked in a garage due to a stuck brake caliper. It’s likely been there since 2018 or earlier and the gas has soured, but the engine does turn over. The VIN indicates that the Falcon came with a 170 cubic inch I-6 when new, but there’s a later 200 sitting there now. Everything is said to work properly though one wiper spring is broken. The tires are old but hold air and rotate. The interior presents nicely though the seller says it all looks original and there is some crinkling from age.
While they are a few chips and rust bubbles in places, the body looks good. The problem lies with the chassis, which the seller says is in poor condition. A couple of photos provided do show some crustiness, but a rise on a lift would help get at the problem – assuming it can be lifted. The seller is forthcoming in saying this isn’t a project for those who don’t know how to correct such things or don’t have someone on speed-dial who does. And this car is of unibody construction, which poses a whole another set of challenges. We assume this car was sitting outdoors somewhere and Mother Nature started working on it from the inside out.
Looking at the pictures close up, you can see that the previous restorer was not afraid to use bondo…and lots of it…at least the seller is upfront with the condition…kind of sad to see this car in this condition…
Inner rockers and they made tin covers in a lame attempt to cover. Common on falcon and rustang convertibles. The drain for the top goes into the inner rocker and voila! Rust bucket with no more longitudal strength. First sign of troubles are sticking doors as its starting to break in half. Replacable, yea and they make the correct ones for the falcon now; When I did my 65 falcon conv I had to modify rustang inners. You must dismantle the whole body to do this. Good luck and know what you are buying.
Cheers
GPC
Could you point me in the right direction as to who makes the Falcon convertible replacement rockers?
https://www.dennis-carpenter.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tVXeaO7cTc
Calipers???
I learned to drive on one of these. 4 snow tires, Manual everything and 3 on the tree. A true sled.
Put away due to stuck caliper? Sounds fishy. These things came with drum brakes, unless this was converted to disks, which is usually only done if the I6 was replaced with an V8.
You might think someone trying to sell a car would at least vacuum the carpet for the photo.
I’m with Jerry. Calipers? Drum brakes on the vehicle guaranteed.
no breaks is ok too,
still same car…
Put front disk brakes on two 6 cylinder 1965 Falcons.
Did that so I could use 5 lug wheels :-)
I put Granada disc brakes on front on both my 1965 V8 Futura and my 1965 I6 sedan delivery, then bolted in a Maverick rear axle.
We all need good brakes.
More than likely frozen drums, not stuck caliper. Anyone serious enough would go and inspect underneath problems in person. Cool little Falcon and love the console and interior. Dollar to doughnuts its all still 4 lugs with the 6 cylinder.
Doughnuts cost more than a Dollar :=(