There were two Ford Falcons during the 1970 model year. First, was the wind-down of the original compact at the end of calendar 1969. Second, the 1970.5 Falcon that was a mid-size stripper version of the redesigned Fairlane/Torino. It was as basic as they came and found few buyers while the other nameplates flourished. The seller has one of 26,000 2-door sedans, which are seldom seen now, but it has been beefed up under the hood. This army green sleeper is in Massapequa, New York, and is available here on eBay, where the reserve is unmet at $18,600.
The Falcon debuted in 1960 but had run out of steam by 1969 after the new Maverick had been proven a winner. A 1970 version of the compact was sold for a few months before the plug was pulled. The 1970 ½ Falcon replaced it and searched briefly for a market that apparently wasn’t there, as it wouldn’t return in 1971. The 1970 ½ edition was bare bones with little bling and rubber floor coverings. An inline-6 was standard, but the rest of the Ford engine inventory was at its disposal.
Ford managed to build 67,000 1970 ½ Falcon sedans (2 and 4-door) and wagons, so it was hardly a sales failure. This example left the factory with a 302 cubic inch V8 with a 3-speed manual transmission, but both have been replaced. The current motor displaces 306 CI but produces 350 hp according to the dyno, significantly greater than the 302. With the accessories, someone built this car to run and included a 5-speed manual tranny.
Despite these changes, the car has only clocked 52,000 miles, and the drab green paint and interior are from the factory. It’s not perfect with a few little dings and scratches, which don’t seem to be detractors. The front brakes are discs, but there is no power assist. Oversized rims are at each point, but the poverty wheel covers are still used to help the car blend into traffic. 1970 Fairlanes and Torinos are hard to find compared to Chevelles of the same era, but these mid-year Falcons are elusive. Offers will be considered.
Kind of an odd decision to place the Falcon name on a base Torino, for a half-year. I guess it was part of the at-the-time transitions including the demise of the (compact) Falcon, the success of the Maverick– but before its four-door arrived, and the attractive restyle of the Torino. I do remember seeing one or two at my dealer, back in the day.
Our family had a low-option 1970 Torino, which my dad ordered in spring 1970. In hindsight, I wonder why he didn’t order a Fairlane 500. Or even a Falcon, given low cost was a main factor in his decisions.
Looks like a clean stripper-look car. Thanks Russ.
These are very cool!! You could have ordered a CobraJet powertrain in these sleepers also!!
These will not blend into any traffic in today’s automotive landscape! You’ll stick out like the Jolly Green Giant, with today’s grey, white and black pod mobiles.
Looks like a nice car with some smart, well executed upgrades. It will be interesting to see where the bidding ends.
Steve R
Looks like what a county building inspector would drive, circa 1970. So wild that it survived.
Really grooving on this particular car, basic but man what a dose of style (IMO)