Automotive history has repeatedly demonstrated that timing can be everything. Manufacturers that get it right taste sales success, while those that get it wrong typically face showroom disappointment. Such was the case with the Ford Falcon Sprint. It never achieved the results envisaged, and Ford discontinued the badge after only two years. This 1964 Convertible is a beauty, with no apparent needs. These classics were rare in drop-top form, letting the buyer slip behind the wheel of a genuinely special car. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Sprint listed here on Craigslist in Redmond, Washington. The seller listed it for $34,950.
Ford introduced its Second Generation Falcon range for the 1964 model year. Although it remained largely unchanged beneath the surface, the body featured more aggressive styling. The company added the sporting Sprint variant in 1964, available exclusively as a Hardtop or Convertible. Our featured Sprint is the latter, presenting superbly in Wimbledon White. Its overall condition is unsurprising, with the seller confirming that its previous owner performed a thorough restoration between 2015 and 2018. This included a bare-shell repaint in its original shade, new weather seals throughout, new wire wheel covers, and powdercoating the wheels in Teal to match the interior trim. The results justified the effort, and since it has been garage-kept ever since, the Sprint remains rust-free. The seller recently replaced the power-top motor, which operates perfectly. The bright trim looks excellent for a driver-grade vehicle of this vintage, and the glass is clear.
Lifting the hood reveals what set the Sprint apart from other vehicles in the Falcon range. It was V8-only territory, with this car featuring the 260ci powerplant. It sends a factory-quoted 164hp and 258 ft/lbs of torque to an 8″ rear end with 3.25 gears via a two-speed automatic transmission. Power steering should make life behind the wheel less strenuous, letting the driver truly enjoy this classic. During the restoration, the previous owner rebuilt the transmission, installed a new dual exhaust, a new radiator, and a new oil pan and pickup screen. They also rebuilt the carburetor and the front end. The seller became the car’s custodian in 2021 and has only clocked 500 miles in five years. The Sprint runs and drives well, and is a turnkey proposition.
This Sprint is nothing if not consistent, with its two-tone Teal interior presenting impressively. The carpet fit over the transmission tunnel is slightly odd, but I believe that the buyer would have no trouble stretching it into shape. Otherwise, there is little inside this classic deserving criticism. The vinyl looks superb, the dash and painted surfaces look crisp, and the bright trim is excellent. It is also nicely equipped, featuring bucket seats, a factory console, a sports wheel, a pushbutton radio, and the desirable “Eye-Level” tachometer mounted atop the dash.
The Falcon Sprint was on a hiding to nothing when released in 1964. There was nothing inherently wrong with the car that gave Ford’s compact range sporting credentials. However, it competed head-to-head with the Mustang, meaning it was virtually doomed from the start. Only 18,108 examples rolled off the line that year, compared to 121,538 Mustangs during the badge’s shortened 1964 production run. This Sprint is 1-of-4,278 Convertibles released that year, making it a relatively rare classic. It may have played second fiddle to the Mustang in 1964, but the Sprint Convertible has become very desirable. The seller’s price looks realistic for a car of this caliber, and I believe that it will find a new home. It will be fascinating to discover whether we have any readers who might consider pursuing it further.
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