Ford jumped into the compact car game in 1960, along with GM and Chrysler. AMC and Studebaker had already paved the way with their American and Lark models. The smaller Falcon platform would be used many times over for other FOMOCO product launches, like the Mercury Comet, and Ford Mustang, and Maverick. The seller has two 1960 2-door wagons for sale as a package deal. One is a parts car that could be used to complete the other one, which is in better condition and runs. Located in Wray, Colorado, they’re available here on craigslist for $8,500. Our thanks to Barn Finder Gunter Kramer for this tip!
The Falcon was a scaled-down Fairlane/Galaxie, so similar styling cues were present from the beginning. Ford went with unibody construction for the little car and – despite their size – could accommodate up to six passengers, not a feat you could accomplish today with a car this size. In addition to sedans and wagons, the Ranchero pickup was shifted to the Falcon platform, too. In Canada, the car was sold by Mercury as the Frontenac, essentially a rebadged Falcon. It was a one-year wonder and would be replaced by the Comet in 1961.
There was only one powerplant offered in 1960, the 144 cubic inch I-6 that produced just 95 hp. With a 3-speed manual or 2-speed automatic, the Falcon wasn’t going to win any stoplight drag races. Ford built more than 435,000 Falcons in its first year, so that had to make the bean-counters happy. Of that number, 27,552 were 2-door wagons, like the seller’s 2-for-1. For all practical purposes, these two Falcons are twins. Same body style, the same number of doors, and same color. How it is that twins could come together in the same field would be interesting.
It may be that the better of the two cars were already in the seller’s possession and he got the other one for parts, which is how he’s presenting them for sale here. The better one is a running wagon with new tires, a fuel pump, a battery, and a tune-up. We’re told it sounds strong as a runner, but it’s going to need brake work before going out on the road. And it comes with a title. But it’s said to have rust in places, so enter the parts car to serve as a donor for sheet metal.
The parts wagon has been picked over, with most of the front clip missing. But its quarter panels are said to be good and the VIN tag is still attached. The seller doesn’t mention if it, too, has a title. The seller is motivated to get these two cars gone and will even deliver them if needed. We assume there are mileage boundaries for those services. Hagerty says one of these wagons in top condition won’t reach $20,000, so the seller’s asking price doesn’t leave a lot of room for transportation, merging the two wagons into one, and painting and re-upholstering the survivor.
No Wray,,and here come the “Colorado smokin’ jokes”. The 2 door Falcon wagon is an odd one. One that maybe 3 people in the world may want. You can’t blame these folks, why work when we can live off our classic cars for years. More like $800 for both, but that’s me. I always wonder how they come up with these numbers?
Howard, I think by and large, sellers pull their sales prices out of a certain orifice. No logic, nothing from any price guide, just desire.
And you’re right of course. There isn’t anything worth $8500 here at all.
Now the other side of the coin. The `60 Falcon 2dr. wagons, while not high on any collector’s list they are rather scarce. Being first-year model does add to the ‘unusual’ factor. In Chicago, a guy restored one to showroom specs–white with red interior. It turned out great, and turns heads wherever he shows it. He’s probably the only person to have ever restored one of these!
Two door wagons are among some of the most sought after wagons of the 1950’s and 60’s. Even though they may not as useful as a 4 door, but they are great as parts haulers and swapmeet cruisers where the rear seat rarely if ever holds a passenger. These Falcon wagons would be a great foundation for a project, but not at this price. I always wanted a 2dr 64 or 65 Chevelle wagon, the problem was, even in the early-1980’s they cost as much or more than a used muscle cars in similar condition, that made the choice for me.
Steve R
Steve is spot on. 2 door wagons are sought after. That said, the price is way, way too high. These are unibodies, and a performance restomod can be done but it takes work. Mustang II front end? Cut out those shock towers. Big 302 or 347 in place of the 144? Find a new rear end and add subframe connectors. It’s all doable, but no meat on the bone at all at this price. I’d give $1500 were I in the market. Maybe he can get $2 because of rarity. If it ran and drove, he’d get $4-5 easy. If not rusted while running and driving, then I bet $7-10. Concours isn’t worth doing except as a labor of love. Personally, I’d get it going and just go the bigger inline 6 route or a 302 with Mustang II front end if I wanted to get to more modern handling.
NEAT,but hardly worth that…….2,000 would be way adequate a price in these conditions,and you would wait a spell to get a buyer even that high.
One too many zeros in the asking price but way cool.
Mom had one of these in a 4 door same drive train, at 40k I had to overhaul the motor , 144 ci/ 2speed auto what a load , 65 mph was pushing it , glad it only lasted a few years .
Got passed by an Amishman going up a hill in Ohio back in the mid 60s.
all ways wanted to turbo that lill 2.3. Only go up to 10 or less lb to run, draw thru carb, no fancy intercooler…
This one could panelize the rear windows (like sedan delivery which was offered) cut a lill peep hole in pass side for on-coming traffic view…
I would enjoy it, don’t need the 2nd. 2 – 4K$’n stop. Too hi at that price but got $ and that much desire. B my last rest0mod/DD~
I have a seized 1961 5.5 Evinrude I was thinking of offering for $7000, then I noted “no personal attacks,” and decided nobody else needed a cheap dock ornament. I know what I have. Reserve is…..
I had a 61 (… I think) metallic blue Ranch Wagon. It had a brown interior with little ranching motifs on it. It had the little 6 in it, with 3 on the tree, and when the oil pump drive broke, I wound up putting a “big” 6 in it. Two neighboring gear head kids did the swap for $100.
I really liked that little wagon.