As the owner of a ‘62 Falcon Futura, I’ve encountered a range of opinions from car enthusiasts regarding the significance, or lack thereof, of Ford’s early ’60s compacts. That said, I think most of us would agree that this ‘62 Falcon Wagon would attract a fair amount of positive attention at the local cars and coffee. Available here on craigslist for $16,500 in Gladstone, Oregon, this cute little cruiser came our way via Curvette.
With its skymist blue paint (color code F), faux woodgrain, venetian blinds, and wide whites, this Falcon has nothing basic about it. The VIN tells us the car was built in San Jose originally with 170. The ad doesn’t specify, but we’re guessing that’s the straight six still under the hood. FYI: You have to click “Visit the dealer’s website” to see more photos. While I haven’t personally driven a Falcon with a 170, I have a buddy with one, and he keeps up with traffic fine. Based on my research, this isn’t a “Falcon Squire” wagon (despite the woodgrain) since it doesn’t have birch trim or “71B” in its VIN; instead, it’s a Falcon Fordor Deluxe Wagon with woodgrain added.
While the three-speed column shifter might intimidate some, others would call it part of the “classic” experience. The car isn’t perfect by any means—the trim doesn’t line up in places, and it’s completely missing in at least one spot. The “electric shaver” grille has been compromised on the passenger side. There are chips, scuffs, and the common gas spillage “stain” under the fuel cap on the driver’s rear quarter. For me, these are all characteristics that make a car a better candidate for real driving because there’s less concern about compromising its state of perfection. Not to mention the fact that they’re also negotiating points when it comes time to settle on a reasonable price. Of course, I use the word “reasonable” with caution, since that number depends on who you are, what you do for a living, and where you live.
As is often the case with dealer ads on Craigslist, some key details are missing, so it’s wise to look in person if possible. I’ve also found that a quick Google search will tell you whether the dealer can be trusted. Do your research. While we don’t know the history of this wagon, I could see a future where benign trips to the grocery store become memorable experiences—especially if you’re learning to drive “three on the tree.” Besides, you’re unlikely to get a speeding ticket, and you’ll definitely make a statement in any parking lot nestled between the modern-day gray and white blobs.
I wonder if the seller would give a credit if you left them the wide whitewalls, DiNoc, Venetian blinds and roof rack….
Underneath the frou-frou, this is a pretty neat little wagon. I would call it “attractive” rather than “stylish,” but it surely gets bonus points for reliability and economy.
All in all, I think I’d rather have the green Falcon featured a couple of days ago.
I’m with Ray T on this one. I like it, but I think I would like it better in its more-basic state. Especially, those wide whitewalls don’t do much for me. But overall it’s fine. Love the three-on-the-tree.
As was mentioned on the green Falcon, I consider them to be quite significant cars as the industry evolved into offering models in different sizes.
Good job Curtis.
Looks like someone with bad taste got a hold of a
JC Whitney catalog & went crazy.
Surprised there’s no surfboard on top,or a Winky the Cat
in the back window.
Well Angliagt….. If the ad gets pulled and shows up one week later with a surfboard on the roof rack and a Winky the Cat in the back window…. And a higher price tag……….
We are looking in your direction!!!
Just kidding.
Like I had said about the beautiful green 2 door from the other day, these have great lines. Ford could’ve just done something plain and simpler and probably cheaper to produce, after all, it’s an economy car. But they didn’t. These are very nicely styled. Even the wagons look great.
I’m with all the above, period correct white walls would look good instead. And the wood grain doesn’t look right on this one. I’d just keep it all blue with the white roof.
It’s always reassuring when the dealer dedicates 95% of the ad to their business and 3 lines to the car they are trying to sell.
This car gives off the feeling it was prepared for sale, not necessarily longevity. How long until the vinyl wood grain starts fading?
Steve R
My Texas grandmother had a two door 1964 Falcon in the featured car’s livery. However, hers had a tan interior. It was “loaded” with no power anything, dog dish hubcaps, black sidewall tires, 2 speed automatic, and under dash dealer installed A/C. Great little car! Grandmother loved her Falcons. She had several in her time. I learned to drive in that 1964 model (Mom and Dad didn’t know it as my sister took me out to our grandparents’ farm and taught me😃👍!). That thing was slower than the flow of Maple sap in Maine in January but it was and still is one of the cars in my life that holds fond memories. I hope that this featured little jewel finds a great new home (even if the new owner straps a surfboard to the roof rack and/or puts a Winky Cat on the dash or package shelf).