The Falcon Sprint was introduced in mid-1963 as a sporty compact with bucket seats and a V8 engine. That gave the little car more guts when needed for a hasty getaway. But the Sprint was outflanked in 1965 by the sportier new Mustang and Ford retired the model after that. This ’65 Sprint is one of only 2,806 built as a Sport Coupe but has been neutered by the addition of an inline-6 where the 289 V8 once was. It’s in Nedrow, New York, and is available here on eBay for at least $6,210.
When the Sprint was first introduced as a mid-year release in 1963, it was a faster version of the Futura hardtop and convertible. The Falcon finally got a V8 in the form of one displacing 260 cubic inches. Later in 1964, that would be superseded by the new 289. When you ordered the Sprint package in 1965, you got the 200 hp motor (2-barrel carburetor), fancy interior, and a console as an option on the hardtop (standard on the convertible; wonder why?). But since the Mustang (with Falcon engineering) was selling like hotcakes by the end of the 1965 model year, Ford decided to pull the plug on the Sprint.
As best we can tell, this Sprint is being offered by its third owner with his/her predecessor having had the car for more than 30 years. The Falcon’s 289 had a problem way back when, so its then-owner dropped in an inline-6 (170 cubic inches?) which has been there ever since. Unfortunately, that change turned this Sprint into pretty much a regular Falcon. But it runs and drives fine as-is with an automatic transmission. The original 289 is long gone.
More recent work on this Ford includes new tires, shocks, and brakes (including the master cylinder). The paint (which may or may not be original) is starting to show its age, but looks okay in the photos (BTW, landscape pictures of cars work much better than low-resolution portraits). The chrome and glass come across well enough and the interior will need some attention (the upholstery is giving up in a few places). As this is a vintage car from New York it comes from a NY transferable registration rather than a title. If you got your hands on this Sprint, would you put a V8 back in it?
Good starting point to build what you want out of her
You can’t see the badging clear enough to tell if it’s a true sprint . Being a hardtop is a good base for a restomod project . I had a 64 sprint when l was in high school. I’ve always look for the falcon sprint
Oh! This has Coyote V8 with 5 speed & 9-incher rear written all over it!
Google this:
Here’s What Makes The 1965 Ford Falcon The Easiest Muscle Car To Maintain
Just imagine this as a Coyote powered Falcon. Would drive.
Coyote power you say!
Or check out:
http://www.falconfever.com/
This thing would crank with a SBC old school or LS..
Just no !!!!
I get it, you’re really a chevy guy but you can’t find one good looking enough or not all rusted out. Only reason I can think of for putting a bootie in a nice Ford like this.
Aw hell no!
Who cares ???
Like the early Mustangs, V8 cars were a totally different animal. 5 lug instead of 4, heavier hubs, brakes, springs, rear differential, etc. 5 lug rims testify that this is in fact a V8 car, and someone had a brain cramp and put a 170 in a V8 car.
I know that the prevailing opinion is that 289s were not available until ‘64- but in fact, a few 63 1/2s slipped out with the larger engine. I’m old enough to have seen one back in the day. Bone stock, fender flags and all. I even recall a Ford magazine advertisement showing a ‘63 1/2 with the caption “Put away your boring bar! 289 is now available…” Oh how times have changed.
The “boring bar” ad promoted the introduction of the 271 hp “Hi-Po” 289 and in ’63 1/2 was offered only in the Fairlane.
Truly a superb engine !
Swapping out a v8 for a 6 cylinder? Isn’t that going in the wrong direction? Being a mopar guy I still always liked this year falcon boxy looking. Shoehorn a big block in it and hang on. Just saying.
“Isn’t that going in the wrong direction?”
That engine install saved the car from the Crusher !
You’ve got a good point there!
The article says the car was neutered with install of six cylinder, the guy that did that should be neutered.
Perhaps he already was.
Back in the early 1970s my older brother replaced a very tired 389 in his 66 GTO with a 326. I thought it was a terrible decision but there likely were cost, availability and timing considerations that came into play. (The 326 turned out to be equally tired and then got replaced with a decent 350 from a Firebird.)
When I read the headline about the former V8 car, my first thought was hey, it’s been upgraded to a V12. Nope! It lost two cylinders instead of gaining four.
I returned from Viet Nam in October of 1964. Got out early. I moved to Spokane, Washington and went into the Ford Dealership. They tried to sell me a Mustang but the seats were like riding on a hard board and then way out back I found a 1965 Ford Falcon 2 door Futura Hard Top Sprint with 4 on the floor and the 289 V-8. Bought it for $2,495 cash. The seats were very plush and it drove like a dream. Candy Apple Red. I have a photo of my new wife and I standing beside it. Oh how I wish I had that car today and the last 58 years. Finally sold it in 1972 when we moved to Europe for a few years. I never had a problem with the 289 V-8. Not sure what they are talking about. It is sad to see this car in the horrible shape it is in. It will take $50 K to restore it to pristine condition. The wife is still pristine to me and we are looking for many more years. BTW we are and have been looking for our car in hopes we can find it and buy it back. Or one like it.
Good luck to you! My advice would be to limit your search to a specific time limit, then start looking for any Falcon you both like. Based on your mention of 1964, I’m guessing your age and we both know we are playing in the 4th Quarter and the game clock is running. Go for it! And thank you for your service.
I just happen to have a 260 V8 from a 1964 Fairlane.
Sure made my Tiger fly, back in ’68 – ’69.
Of the near 100 cars I’ve owned, that Tiger is the one I most regret selling.
Anyone here have an extra roller cam 302 engine, 1987 or newer?
That would certainly make the Sprint sprint much faster.😁
yes, with a 5-speed
347 5 sp….drops right in
My first new car was 1965 Falcon Sprint . It was this same color, Ivy Green, and I’ve been looking for another ever since.
Looks like you just found one. Good luck with it.
I had a 64 Sprint with a 260 V8 and a 3-on-the-tree that someone changed to a floor shift. It ended up being backwards. First was up by the dash and reverse was by your knee while 2nd was down where 3rd should be and 3rd was up and out where 2nd should have been. Actually stopped someone from stealing it in a bar parking lot. Couldn’t find reverse in time and friends who knew it wasn’t his car were able to stop him. It had the same wheels, size and all. In medium blue metallic.(no idea actually what color of blue) but it sure looked good. The 64 Sprint has the chrome going in a v shape down the sides. I like that much more than just the one going through the middle. I know most people would frown on it but first, I didn’t put it in but I really liked the his and hers sunroof. For those of you who don’t know, the his and hers was the sunroof with a light bar going through the middle of it. I really liked the way the whole car looked but being young and dumb, I let it go. If this wasn’t clear across the country,I would take a closer look and yes I just happen to have a his and hers sunroof rattholed away in the garage. Good luck to the new owner.
I remember in 65 going to drive I and seeing a fully cobraisded 65 it t was badness I’m 75 and I still remember it great car just like comets
The, ’65 Comet was also very cool. The big difference was that the Cyclone came with a 4 barrel carb and was rated at 225 horsepower while the Sprint only came with a 2 barrel and was rated at 200 horsepower. I fixed that by ordering a 4 bbl manifold and carb. I then regularly kicked ass on Comets and Mustangs. I think that the Falcon must have been lighter.
Happy Labor Day weekend
Travel Safely
And hope that everyone else does too,
My brother bought a 631/2 Sprint with 260 and four in the floor brand new .I sure liked that little car. Pretty fast it was, remember kicking the 283 Chevys to the curb. Fun times. Yeah I am old!!
Must not have been racing any of the Corvettes.
Yeah right !?!
Nice Falcon!
Great project for slipping any readily available 351w under the hood after some freshening up.
Would be a great daily driver for this old sport.
Too much weight. Even then, the Cleveland is a much better choice.
Not really Joe. The Windsor motor is much easier to find, much less expensive to upgrade and you can run full tilt with out worry as opposed to any previous 351 Cleveland. An great motor no doubt but a bit to rare and ‘precious’ these days. You can still pick up a running 351 Windsor for $500 easy these days. Try finding a running Cleveland that easy, and cheap.
I’m a Chevy and Dodge guy.I would rather see a empty engine bay then a 6 cylinder where a v8 rested. Poor car.Massage those front shock supports and 351 Cleveland with a 5 speed.
I was the owner of a !968 Dodge Dart GTS with the 340. Never did fear those 351 Mustangs. Just did them in red light to red light like everybody else.
I like this car and agree a great starting point no matter which (Ford) motor you want to go with.
It should be noted this seller has a prior sale negative review, citing undisclosed frame damage. Anyone serious about this car should inspect it personally or have someone reliable do it for them. FYI
Condition:
UsedUsed
Ended: Sep 04, 2023 10:51:03 PDT
Winning bid:
US $7,600.00
A lot of Fords in the 60’s range ended up with frames rusted into. Form trucks had the same problem. And the Ford boys talk about rusted Camaros. They all rust.
I meant to say Ford trucks.
I had a 64 Fairlane with factory high performance 289 4 speed 9 in rear it was a
real sleeper 2dr dog dish hubcaps very fast
why would anyone put a 6 back in ?
“why would anyone put a 6 back in ?”
That engine install saved the car from the Crusher !
Compliments to the person who saved that Falcon.
Boss 302 and leave it sleeper looking
My brother had what we thought was a ’65 Mustang. Complete with an orange 170 six and non synchro 3 speed. Went to change steering wheel to Grant wood unit and voila! under the Mustang horn button it said Falcon Sprint.