The Falcon debuted in 1960 as Ford’s gateway into smaller vehicles. It was an instant hit and was likely #1 in sales for many years before the Mustang (which it was based on) came along. Little changed in 1961; this beautiful example has a few restoration needs, but in the meantime it’s a running, driving Cars & Coffee kind of ride. Located in Gallatin, Tennessee, this California-born mini-Ford is available here on craigslist for $9,250 OBO. Bravo to Zappenduster for yet another cool tip!
There was nothing sexy about an early Falcon, as only sedans and wagons were offered. It wasn’t until 1963 that hardtops, convertibles, and V8 engines came along. In 1961, a 144 cubic inch inline-6 was standard and – with a 2-speed automatic transmission as in the seller’s car – it might get outrun from a traffic light by a snail on steroids. But they were easy to park and good on gas, although the latter wouldn’t be a real issue until a decade later. The easiest way to tell a 1961 Falcon from a 1960 is the change in grille with an outward “Vee” pattern. 475,000 Falcons found buyers in 1961, beating out the Chevy Corvair and Plymouth Valiant.
This Falcon came with deluxe trim, including what may be rare: the two-tone paint job consisting of turquoise and mint green. The paint has been redone (and is showing a little age now), so technically this Ford isn’t a survivor but surely survivor-quality. Rust doesn’t seem to be an issue, though the seller mentions a few pieces of chrome trim are MIA. The Ford has had a recent tune-up, so it runs well, especially considering that its 68,000 miles may be accurate.
The car was built in LAX and lived in California until its recent relocation to Tennessee. Things done by the seller include rebuilding the carburetor and switching the front brakes from drums to discs. That, along with some suspension updates, necessitated the upgrade from 13 to 14-inch wheels, which the seller has kept. New pieces waiting to be installed include a weather-stripping kit. More is needed, like a new headliner and trying to repair the dash where an aftermarket radio installation resulted in some damage. If perfect is not a requirement, this should be a nice pre-Mustang Ford to own.
What a great color scheme.
Shame it doesn’t have a little more power.
Not every car needs to be a muscle car.
Looks like a solid Falcon. Excellent ad, lots of good info. Has had quite a bit of mechanical work, with more that could be done. I didn’t remember these being available from the factory as two-tones, but the brochure notes there were 13 combinations available for the sedan.
Enjoy it for what it is: a very basic, well-executed economy car of its day.
Thanks Russ.
Very nice Falcon. I don’t know if this paint is original or not, or if Falcons came in a two tone from the factory. But if this was done by somebody, they did a great job on it. Great color combination. I’d prefer mine with a 3 speed on the column. Very nice. Like Bob said above enjoy it for what it is, which if it were mine…… I would. .