Mustang Dry Run? 1963 Ford Falcon Futura

Disclosure: This site may receive compensation from some link clicks and purchases.

For its first three model years, the Ford’s compact Falcon would get by with six-cylinder power under the hood. But that would change in the middle of the 1963 model year when a 260 cubic inch “Windsor” V8 would be available as an option in the Futura and standard in the new Sprint. There is some confusion as to whether there was a 1963 ½ Falcon and it’s true in the case of the Sprint, which was considered a new model. This Futura has a later model small-block but no transmission and needs considerable cosmetic work. Located in Pleasanton, California, this Falcon is available here on craigslist for $6,500.

Falcon production for 1963 would total 327,979 cars, including 87,250 Futura’s and 18,273 Sprints. As 2-door hardtops with 260 engines, there weren’t many differences between them. Both could be considered dry runs for the Falcon-based Mustang that would emerge a little more than a year later. One way to tell the Futura and Sprint apart was that the series lettering would adorn the trunk lid of the car. In this case, it says F-U-T-U-R-A. Also, Sprints had that name on the front fenders where this one just says 260 V8.

This Futura looks to have led a tough life, especially evident in the interior which has badly deteriorated and the bucket seats are broken. The paint is worn, one fender is a different color, and rust is present. The photos show a progression from the inside of a barn or garage where it sat for some time to the back of a trailer moving from points A to B.

Besides the engine not being original, the car’s automatic transmission has flown the coop. This looks like a project not for the faint of heart, but the seller offers some flexibility to help. He will assist with delivery (for an extra charge no doubt) and he will accept payment in cryptocurrency. The odometer reads 2,000, but the seller acknowledges that it’s flipped over. A Futura might be a less expensive alternative to a Mustang, but in this condition, either one would take the same money to restore.

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. DanaPointJohn

    This needs a full body-off restoration, a new engine and transmission, interior, tires, and probably brakes and electrical system. Someone will buy this for what reason?

    Like 3
    • That AMC Guy

      It’s unibody, can’t separate the body from the frame rails.

      Like 7
  2. Jerry Vosika

    That’s what torch’s are for. No

    Like 0
  3. Dave

    With so much of the original gone or in sad shape, this seems like an ideal candidate for a restomod. Then drive it every day.

    Like 2
    • Bill Hall

      This looks like a good candidate for a transplant to later model engine and trans. Since the interior isn’t so hot might as well put newer buckets and redo the back to match. This won’t be a money making project but will be fun and if done right a nice driving show stopper.

      Like 4
  4. charles kretsinger

    would you sell the bucket seats 1963 falcon

    Like 0

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.

Barn Finds