The advent of the Volkswagen Bug shoved the North American auto industry into downsizing mode. While the 1950s were an era of continual bloat, the consumer was gravitating inexorably to small imports. Terrified of being left out, car makers shifted gears toward the compact niche. The Valiant from Plymouth, the Corvair from Chevrolet, and of course the little Rambler – all crowded the field where the Falcon had been launched in 1960. Originally intended to be an economy car, the Falcon’s evolution brought loads of body styles, engine options, and trim levels. It became a car for all reasons – until Ford stole its own thunder with the hugely successful Mustang. Despite the eventual demise of the Falcon nameplate in 1970, the cars have collected a dedicated fan base. If you, too, aspire to be a Falcon owner, here on eBay is a 1968 Ford Falcon coupe wearing a heavily patina’d paint coat and bid to just $530, reserve not met. The car can be driven home from Spartanburg, South Carolina.
In 1968, two Thrift-Master straight sixes were available, at 170, and 200 cu. in. Horsepower ranged from 105 to 115. This motor has been refreshed, repainted, and re-accessorized with a new aluminum radiator, new gas tank, new exhaust, new belts, and new hoses. All this is complemented by a rebuilt Select-Shift Cruise-o-Matic. The tires are new as are the plugs and wires. Falcon’s were spritely performers despite the focus on thrift, thanks to a modest curb weight. And of course, motor swaps are ubiquitous; this engine bay can accept a variety of engines.
The seller indicates that the interior was refurbished. Parts of it do look new-ish including the headliner, but that steering wheel needs attention. If you’re going for the rat rod look throughout, maybe that dash is okay. All the gauges work, and a few seals have been replaced. The seller advises that the car still needs door-to-window seals. A new Bluetooth radio is installed.
More than 3 million Falcons were sold, so parts are easy to find. Some items are nonetheless expensive, including trim, the grille, and bumpers. Our Falcon’s body is beset by rust, enough to cause a few holes; and the occasional dent confronts us. The factory white paint has been patina’d to within an inch of its remaining life, and the whole result clear-coated. In its “devil may care” way, this car has some appeal – in fact, it feels underbid at the moment. Still, these later body styles are longer and plainer than the pre-1966 cars, and the six-cylinder/automatic combination is not going to inspire many hearts. What do you think is a fair price for this Falcon?
What do I think is a fair price for this Falcon? … well, to be totally honest? I think $500 would be generous.
I know, I know, in today’s market… blah, blah, blah… I know it’ll probably fetch a lot more than that, but I can remember when you couldn’t give away a car like this one.
I’m thinking the same thing, it’s at its peak right now. If they let the paint get this bad, how bad did they neglect the rest of the car?
But, it would be an open slate to build a killer sleeper. Falcons share a lot of the Mustang underpinning, so a disc brake swap should be easy, as well as adding sway bars. A tried and true small block will bolt right in for more power. A good coat of white paint would finish the outside nicely. It could be a cool inexpensive project if you have some parts laying around, but I think anything over $500 is too much to start with.
MY GOODNESS…stop living in the past! I used to get a cold pepsi and a candybar for 35 cents also…..geez check into reality!
I remember in high school (1969 – 1973) when smokers were griping about a pack of smokes going from 50 cents to 75 cents. If they’re still alive today they’re probably wheezing and coughing about the price going over $7.00 per pack.
I also think $500.00 is a fair price. Without the Bluetooth, it would be considerably less?
I don’t understand a feasible reason why someone would buy a gallon of clearcoat and a quart of activator just to preserve this look?
It cost practically the same amount of money and labor to restore a 1968 Falcon as it would a 1968 Charger?
Perhaps, if you have always wanted a 1968 Falcon for some unknown reason, then buy this one and just drive it like it is? We’re all different, and that’s a good thing.
I do enjoy the sometimes controversial post that I find on BF.
Good post Michelle.
Just my oponion!
If this was a 69 and blue it would be the first car I ever owned. Sure wish it was a little closer.
Patinas just want to have fun!
Sure it’s a piece of junk, but hey it’s got Bluetooth!!! Priorities!
Good job Michelle, the Australian peer, the 68 XT Falcon (4 doors only made) in good condition would go for 20,000 to 30,000 US dollars equivalent.
Very similar vehicles, tail lights different. Had 221 Cid or 302.
Really doesn’t look like junk. More than anything else it needs a good paint job. Everything else looks like it’s in pretty good shape.
I prefer Girls Gone Wild to this fiasco
Michelle, Thrift-masters were Chevy stovebolts; had to look up on Wiki, Thriftpower was Ford’s name for their inline sixes of the Falcon, Maverick, Fairmont generations.
Drove to college a couple times in my friends ’68 coupe. Once through a blizzard. 400 miles, no problems. These Falcon’s were as exciting as white bread. But were solid transportation.
302, 4 speed, disc brakes , nice sounding exhaust, make sure the wiring, brake and fuel line check and wheels and tires and this is ready for Power Tour. Paint it later. Right now, this looks like a bargain.
That’s a lot of work. Ford 6 cylinder is not sexy but they run forever. Steering wheel,maybe paint.
Barra transplant. Repaint in original white. I would be more than happy!
What your calling patina I call needs paint add says they have $2400 in receipts trying to get it drivable I guess so you know the reserve price is at least that. For me I think something like this would be kinda fun to buy a Harbor freight paint gun and what ever color paint you want and test your skills
Up to 1275 now , not too much time left. I’m curious what the reserve is. Not my favorite year , but it’s cool. Desperitly needs paint \body work.
F.ound O.n R.oadside D.ead , appears to be in good shape for the shape it’s in.
Ended , $2550.00 and reserve not met
You never get back the money you put into it.
Consider the time and money put into a project such as this. Then consider the amount.
Bottom line the car belongs to him he can sell it whatever he wishs