By the beginning of the 1960s, U.S.-built compact cars were starting to pop up everywhere. Ford’s entry was the Falcon which enjoyed an 11-year run from 1960 to 1970 (the name was briefly applied to a bare-bones Fairlane in 1970 1/2). After a great launch, the Falcon changed little from the prior year except for a new grille that was no longer concave. This 4-door sedan is a running project that doesn’t excel in the looks department but could be fixed up while you drive it. Located in Denver, Colorado, this Ford mini-me is available here on craigslist for $2,300 OBO. Thanks to Barn Finder Mike F. for a tip for “the world’s most successful new car” (Ford’s 1961 Falcon advertisement).

Ford and Chevrolet remained the top two best-selling automobile brands in the U.S. in 1960. Both got into the compact car space that year. While the Chevy Corvair was unorthodox by comparison (rear-mounted, air-cooled engine), the Ford Falcon followed conventional wisdom. A meager 144 cubic inch I-6 engine rode up front along with a radiator because it was water-cooled like every other Ford. Both cars sold well, but the Falcon did just a little better.

The Falcon left a footprint for many other FOMOCO cars to follow. The Comet (Mercury), Mustang, and Maverick all had a variation of the underpinnings of the successful Falcon. The seller’s 1961 sedan doesn’t seem to be loaded with options as the 170 inline-6 might have been the only extra ($37.40 more). It has a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission, which is likely how many of these cars were sold in the name of low price and fuel economy.

This Ford once had shiny red paint, but that’s mostly a memory now. And we hope rust hasn’t become a problem in this unibody automobile. We’re told the mileage is 35,000, but that could very well be 135,000 since odometers started over at 100k back then. The seller says this Falcon runs and drives, but not how well although some parts like the carburetor, alternator (wouldn’t that be a generator?), and starter are new or newer. Since the seller says to bring a tow truck, the car may only be reliable enough for trips around the block. Remember when cars like this were commonplace everywhere? Not an electric convenience, backup camera, or GPS in sight!