Ford found itself in a strange position in 1966. Its new Mustang was selling in unprecedented numbers. While styling played a crucial role in its success, the company’s decision to offer something in the range for every taste and budget had a flow-on effect on its Falcon range. Ford sold 607,68 Mustangs in 1966, with the Falcon lagging on 182,669 vehicles across all body styles. One of the rarer variants was the Futura Sports Coupe, with only 20,289 buyers taking one home. Our feature car is one of those vehicles, and it’s a gem. It presents well and is a solid classic that is ready to hit the road. The ace up its sleeve hides under the hood, because its original owner chose an optional V8 to power this classic. If a Mustang is beyond your reach, this Sports Coupe is an affordable alternative. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting this excellent survivor.
Ford’s Third Generation Falcon landed in showrooms for the 1966 model year. The new offering was physically larger than its predecessor, providing improved interior and luggage space. Our feature car is a first-year Futura Sports Coupe that presents well for its age. The first owner combined iconic Candy Apple Red paint with a Black vinyl top to create a striking visual appearance. It recently emerged after almost two decades in storage, and its overall condition suggests the environment must have been virtually ideal. The paint retains a pleasant shine, and while it isn’t a mirror look, it is acceptable for a survivor-grade classic. The vinyl looks excellent, and with no rust for buyers to fret over, this Futura will tick the right boxes for many enthusiasts. The glass looks good for its age, and the car retains its original trim, free from damage. The spinner hubcaps round out the exterior, adding a classy finishing touch.
Lifting the hood reveals the feature that might motivate readers to pursue this Futura further. The first owner ordered this classic with the same C-Code 289ci V8 that buyers could specify in a Mustang. They teamed the V8 with a three-speed automatic transmission and power steering. The C-Code develops 200hp and 282 ft/lbs of torque. The Falcon’s curb weight is over 100 lbs higher than an equivalent Mustang, but its ability to cover the ¼-mile in 16.8 seconds placed it within two-tenths of the iconic pony car. That makes it a viable alternative to a Mustang, and squeezing more from the engine is easy and affordable. The seller indicates this car was stored in 2005, but they worked through a comprehensive revival that returned it to a roadworthy state. The process included a fuel system and fluid flush, a new carburetor, a mountain of new brake components, and a new water pump. The car runs and drives and is ready for a life of adventure with a new owner behind the wheel.
It is sometimes challenging to pick a single highlight with a classic, but this Futura’s interior takes that honor. The first owner ordered it trimmed in Black vinyl with bucket seats and an AM radio. There are no visible aftermarket additions, and the interior’s condition is excellent. The vinyl is spotless, the carpet is clean and free from wear, and the pad hasn’t succumbed to UV exposure. It might not be factory-fresh, but nothing about this interior that would cause the buyer shame.
The seller listed this 1966 Ford Futura Sports Coupe here on Craigslist in Lynnwood, Washington. Its price of $9,995 makes it undeniably affordable and deserves some perspective. It may not possess the cachet of a Mustang, but it does not cost as much. The classic market is awash with First Generation Mustangs, but finding an unmolested and rust-free example with a V8 under the hood for under $10,000 is virtually impossible. This Futura ticks those boxes but adds the versatility of greater interior space for those seeking practicality. It hasn’t been on the market long, and I believe interested parties need to act fast to take it home. Are you tempted?
This is a really nice driver or for low money, swap in a 351 Windsor for a truely thrilling and dependable ride. Old air products makes aftermarket kits so you can ride to the car show in comfort.
I would think that aftermarket gas shocks, sway bars and a disc brake conversion would not be difficult or expensive. I’m a GM guy but have to say this is a nice alternative to the sea of mustangs, Camaros and Chevelles you see out there. Price seems right for the condition.
I knew a guy that put a 351W in one beefed up the suspension an everything to match it’s power yet left looking like a Mama’s car,he sure pissed off a lot people with that sleeper
March to the beat of a different drummer. This Falcon is a perfect way to stand out at the local cars and coffee. Any mods you could do to a Mustang V8 will work on a Falcon. Leave it alone or supercharge it. The possibilities are endless. Kudos for finding this one. I hope someone will snap it up and enjoy it for a long time.
Wow, enormous potential!
Leaving it alone (IMO) is the best thing you could do with it. V8 updates are too common and boring at this point (IMO). A car is a “system” . Messing with one thing in a system affects everything else in a system. This system was not designed for a V8 engine. A V8 will require upgrading the brakes, cooling system, and suspension to balance the system (IMO) . But this is America, so I can have my say and you can have your say and spend your money anyway you see fit. Happy 4th of July in advance!
The car has a V8 from the factory. I agree that putting over strong engines in cars that don’t have enough brakes or adequate suspension is an issue but this car should be fine, more than fine, as is. Though, if I drove it regularly I’d look at disc brakes.
@Walter- Agree. I should have been clearer on upgrading from 200 hp/282 lb-ft torque to some of the swaps suggested.
already done by the factory (ifa bent8 oe). More can B done and as Frank sez “asa unit” or system (1 change 1 place effects all others ).
Not the most desirable generation for Falcon, but it should find a good home. Well deserved.
which ‘generation’ would you like to see more of?
I like the ‘round’ (bodied) 1st gen.
’65/6/7 + lost the horrible double crease (triangle) down the side.
Bought a 1967 Sports Coupe new for 2750.00. The salesman wanted to sell me one off the lot of course, but I wanted the 225HP/289 with the 4-speed and a 3:50 limited slip rear. It took 8 weeks to build from Ford once ordered. These are great little cars, even ran it at the strip, ran hi 14’s mid 15’s. Hard to find now…this one is nice.
And to think Ford replaced it with the decidedly bland and boring Maverick. This 67 was a sharp, tailored looking compact
I think the Maverick had sleeker sportier lines than the grocery getter Falcon.
The Maverick, like many Ford compacts was Falcon based ,and could have easily been the 70 Falcon , but Ford gave it another horse themed name like the Mustang and Pinto . They sold over 500,000 Mavericks in 1970 alone, so I think Ford had the right idea
Too bad it’s on the other side of the country. A good going over, and then I’d be driving it most days when I wasn’t tinkering just for the sake of tinkering.
Have the seller meet you at SeaTac airport fly out and drive it home. You can even drop down to Cali and take route 66 or you can go north and just follow I90 or Hwy 2 would make a fun road trip.
My First car was a 66 falcon Futura with a six cylinder. I had it up to 120 miles an hour a couple of times I’ve traded it for a 66 Mustang 289 and thought I was king of the road. This is a nice car and a great deal.
If this car was closer to Tennessee, Tennessee, I would definitely buy it. Everybody has a Mustang.
Its +/- 2300 miles one way fly out to pain field and drive it home with a co driver you can knock that out in a weekend
First thing people do no matter how bad a car looks they run out an buy a chrome air breather. Cracks me up..
WOW! This is nuts if ONLY! Ad says $9,995, This should be gone by now. I can’t believe I am saying this, If you are lucky enough to own this, leave it alone, it is perfect as is!
Very sharp! Great colors! I had the pleasure of owning a ‘68 Sports Coupe with the same running gear years ago. It was an awesome car! Respectable performance and decent fuel economy. I got rear-ended by a big truck and it was totaled. Sold it to a guy for $200 who drove it around with the trunk smashed in for years. 🤷♂️
Beautiful car, nice lines, but the vinyl roof cheapens the look considerably. Horrible fad.
This looks to be a good buy. Never been a Ford guy but I prefer the ‘64 Falcon Futura two door hardtop over the ‘65 model.
Car will sell itself – who puts all these linc in their ad ?
1964-1965-1966-1967-1968-1969-1970-1963-1962, 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964, 1915 1916 1917 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925, 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935, Fender Hood Trunk Deck Lid Quarter Panel Patch, Engine Transmission Big Small Block BBC SBC, Impala Belair 150 210 Fleetline Styleline Deluxe, Chevele Chevy II Nova Caprice Camaro Corvette, GS Skylark Riviera GTO Lemans Tempest Bonneville, 88 98 F85 442 Cutlass W-30 2+2 Eldorado, Coupe Deville Mustang Torino Cougar Falcon Galaxie, Fairlane Ranchero Thunderbird T-Bird Comet, Monterey XR7 SCJ CJ 428 429 Continental Mark, Belvedere Cuda Barracuda Fury Challenger RT, Charger Coronet Lancer Valiant Duster, A B C E Body Platform Satellite GTX Rotunda, GM General Motors Guide Delco-Remy Mopar, Autolite Motorcraft Bosch Trico Kelsey Hayes OEM, FoMoCo Carter Holley Napa Echlin Shurhit BW, Borg Warner Muncie Saginaw ToploaderMounting Hardware Included:NoSuperseded Part Number:packard wagon fastback dart duster firebird, fury falcon comet, l70 4 speed 3 posi 12 bolt muncie, 1960 1961 1962 1963 corvair corvette fairlane, light monte carlo montego console sedan eight, 442 cutlass riviera buggy van 409 guide, flathead v8 caprice torino deville beetle lemans, 1989 1988 1990 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 honda, 81 82 73 71 72 70 68 69 79 84 85 86 88, display oem stock pro series type cases, fastback hardtop sled van buggy volt stinger track, rpm meter service 1959 1958 1957 1955, scout jeep, fleetmaster stepside styleline, bonneville catalina woody, panel van exterior fulton, pan fulton van exterior chieftain safari peters, jalopy trog mercury rpo tune special automotive gt, 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941, 1942 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954Vintage Part:YesModified Item:NoPlacement on Vehicle:Center Console, Dashboard, set kit tool, under hood, accessory advertising, fender trunk, promo, exterior, Center, exterior display, sign, license plate, hood ornament, engine, transmission, restoration hardware, Ignition Distributor Coil Plug Points Contact Set, Interior Exterior Dash Seats Instrument Gauges, Tach Speedometer Oil Temperature Fuel Gas, Wheel Hubcap Grill Molding Trim Stainless RockerBrand:DelcoType:standard type covers nos sign rare display plugsInterchange Part Number:for rare or street rat rods hot motor sports, dodge ford gm chevy mercury pontiac plymouth ss, buick 195y 1955 1972 1971 mustang shelby gto 442, oldsmobile amc chrysler truck pickup lowrider, 4×4 steering coluum mount firebird ss z28 ls rs gt, skylark cougar gmc roadster coupe convertible, camaro nova impala chevelle super sport 350 400, 302 351 283 454 428 427 390 440 360 v8, hemi classic custom tbird corvette 1958 1959 1960, 1977 1978 1975 1976 1979 plug ignition spark rpm, toyota nissan honda datsun mazda automotive, charger baracuda cuda sateliite dart duster 360, challenger amx gtx javelin cougar belair impala, interior dash chrome lamp indicator knob fairlane, 4×4 blazer off road fire set, 350 f250 superduty powerstroke 5.0 4.6 5.7 6.6 6.7, dash pro street stock scta models, nos duece resto mod pro stock speedster motor gage, duece factoryOE/OEM Part Number:Targa Rumble Seat Barn Find Lacquer 94 97, Appleton Stromberg Trippe Dealer Installed, Billet Belly Pan Bobbed Blown Blower Hiboy, Bored Stroked Bone Stock Boost Bucket Bull Nose, Coach Carson Top Dagmar Crate Digger Duval Flatty, Flathead Fastback Front Clip Four Two Barrel, Gasser Glasspack GOAT Grill Shell Headers Highboy, Igniter Juice Power Brakes Jug Long Short Block, Locker Lakes Leadsled Knock-Off Louvers Lowboy, Lowboy Mag Matching Numbers Merc Moons Mopar, Nail Head Mouse Pancaked Post Pony Car, Pro Street Puffer RPM Restored Rockcrusher Rod, Rocket Roll Pan Running Board Scallop Scoop Shave, Section Sleeper Slingshot Slushbox Smoothy, Split Window Steelies Stovebolt TPI Survivor, Track T Tranny Tri Five Tri-Power Tubbed Tuck Roll, Turnkey Victoria Vicky Vintage VINManufacturer Warranty:Unspecified LengthFeatures:Vintage, Accessory, RPO, Yenko, COPO, Vintage Original Patina Rat Rod Hot Rod Driver, Old School Pre-War Touring Open Closed Cab, L6 Inline Project Straight 8 Cylinder Assembly, Restoration Hardware Rebuild Poly Restore, Traditional Period Correct AACA Car Club Cruise, Deuce Coupe Sedan Convertible Roadster, Fender Skirts Grille Visor Bumper Guard Wing, Art Deco Classic Anniversary Brass Era Spoke, Jalopy Intake 4×2 6×2 Dual Quad Fuel Injection, Chop Channel Stretch Modify Lead OG, Low Sled Turnpike Cruiser Safety AAA Prototype, Front Rear Left Right Upper Lower Top Bottom, Concourse Cabriolet Drag Plate Fordor Tudor, Bonnet Marque Muscle OEM Phaeton WoodyCountry/Region of Manufacture:United States
Who puts all this crap in their ads? Dealers do. They think if you search any of those words their ad will pop up. I don’t know if this guy is a dealer or not but this looks like a great driver to spruce up and enjoy as is. These year falcons never looked good hot rodded to me, but stock they really give off that 60’s grocery getter vibe. I live about 15 minutes from Lynnwood where this car is located. If I had garage space I’d be looking at it today!
I would have to see the time slip on that one , it wasn t faster than a hipo mustang sounds, like Big Story to me ! Have had lots of Fords in 60 years !
My grandparents last new car was a 1966 Falcon 4 door sedan. They will always have a special place in my heart. I would leave this as is. It’s just a nice older car that deserves respect.
Mustang hypo would run the quarter-mile in 15.6
This would go for 10 times that price in Australia. We raced these things at Bathurst with 351s. A mint Ford Falcon XR-XY GT/GT-HO can go for $300k AU.
It’s one of the nicest Falcon designs, IMHO.
That area of the vinyl roof just above the trunk looks suspicious. Seems to be some rust action going on under there. Best attended to ASAP, if indeed it is rust, it will get worse quickly. My 70 Cougar suffered from this same problem, waited too long to repair and it turned out to be far worse than it first appeared.
This brings back some great memories for me. I was turning 16 in ’66, and clawing to get behind the wheel. Dad was teaching me to drive in his ’60 Ford 4-door. One day, just before my birthday, he came home from the dealer’s after trading the old girl for a brand-new ’66 Futura just like this one except in a dark metallic blue. The next day he said, “Let’s go for a ride”. We wound up at the DMV where he handed me the keys and said, “Go get your license.” I had never driven it before, let alone tried parallel parking it, but passed the test on my first try. When we got home, he wound up giving me my sister’s ’56 Chevy 2-door with the 265 V8 when she came home with her first new car, a ’66 Buick Skylark convertible.
Azzura, rust wont get worse if it don’t get wet again. Just don’t rinse/wash this (or most old cars with a hose), let alone a pressure washer.
This gen Falcon must be wider than Mustang, considering the space available on the sides to reach the 8 spark plugs.
I wonder if a big ford motor or even a boss 429 would fit without trimming the shock towers!
To answer your question.. NO I’m not tempted its definitely a nice looking car but I would prefer the larger LTD