Restored Gas Sipper: 1966 Ford Falcon Futura

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The Falcon was Ford’s first compact car, launched on a unibody platform in 1960. It would go on to sell 2.6 million copies through an abbreviated 1970 model year. It spawned both the Mustang in 1964 and the Maverick in 1969. A third generation arrived in 1966 and included the seller’s Futura, likely a Club Coupe with a higher level of trim (of which 22,000 were made in ’66). It has been restored, though perhaps not recently, and looks sharp for a small, unassuming automobile. Located in Leominster, Massachusetts, this fresh Ford is available here on craigslist for $13,900. Here lies another Tony Primo tip.

From 1966 through 1970, Falcons were based on a shortened mid-size Fairlane platform, and the styling was updated. Due to the success of the Mustang, hardtop and convertible Falcons were no more, which dug into Falcon sales year after year. A 170 cubic inch inline-6 remained as standard in ’66, with the 200 I-6 from the Mustang optional (we’re not sure which of the two is in the seller’s Falcon). An automatic transmission is onboard here rather than a “3-on-the-tree’ manual.

We’re told this is a “highly original” car that has been restored. It’s one or the other, but it really can’t be both. The odometer reads 61,000 miles, hardly enough for the car to have been worn out before all the work was done, unless it wasn’t kept up. Whatever bodywork was needed was taken care of, and the car was repainted in Medium Turquoise Metallic. They got carried away in the process, painting the front and rear bumpers to match instead of re-chroming them, and the gas tank is turquoise now, too.

The interior has been redone, but has a couple of use-related flaws. A period-correct AM radio was installed along with a Bluetooth receiver, which is hidden. Mechanical upgrades include the carburetor, transmission service, suspension and brake components, and various odds and ends. The original owner’s manual is included along with an assortment of spare parts. You’ll even be treated to a set of 1966 Massachusetts license plates that could be reissued. When the day is done, the question will be whether would-be buyers will agree with the asking price.

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Comments

  1. Rw

    Took my driver’s test in my grandpa’s in 1980..

    Like 3
    • PairsNPaint PairsNPaintMember

      Me too! Dad’s brand new metallic blue ’66 Futura. First time I drove it, having learned on my sister’s ’56 Chevy 210. Was afraid I’d screw up the parallel parking but wound up acing it to my father’s surprise (He was hoping his car-crazy son would flunk and stay grounded for a while.)

      Like 2
    • stillrunners stillrunnersMember

      Always thought these were a nice looking car – too bad they were over shadowed by that other Ford car….

      Like 1
  2. Tom Van HoutenMember

    They cheated out on chrome bumpers and painted them. Plus a few other items. $9,900 tops!

    Like 16
    • JDC

      Those can rechromed pretty easily .. though I hate when people take the cheap way out by painting them.

      Like 13
      • Jack M.

        Pretty easily, but not inexpensively.

        Like 17
  3. Jay Bach

    Pretty sure the air cleaner sticker says 170.

    Like 10
  4. Robert Rollins

    I was admiring this fine Ford until I noticed the painted bumpers…to quote ESPN, “C’mon man!!” At least it’s easily correctible

    Like 9
  5. Big C

    Rode back to college in my friends ’69 Falcon six banger. In a bad snowstorm. The 5 hour trip took 7. But the old Ford kept rolling.

    Like 7
  6. ThunderRob

    Owner went full turquoise..you never go full turquoise…

    Like 12
  7. JD Jones

    The second time in my life I’ve seen a 2 door Falcon coupe. (and I’m 75)

    Like 3
  8. hairyolds68Member

    clean falcon. to cheap out on the bumpers is a real shame. they look terrible. 10k car with no chrome bumpers. that may turn a lot of people away.

    Like 7
  9. RichardinMaine

    Extremely optimistic price and stupid painted bumpers aside, everyone who wants to shove a 289/ 4bbl / 4 speed in this and make it a sleeper, RAISE YOUR HANDS!

    Like 0
  10. GOM

    I’m not certain, but I think I see a dual circuit master cylinder, which would not have been original in1966. That is one non-original modification I would never omit. I drove enough old vehicles with single circuit brakes to know that I don’t ever want to experience total service brake loss from a single leak anywhere in the brake system ever again! A relatively small change that could make a huge difference in your day.

    Like 2
  11. skidmarc

    Kudos to the seller for a well presented ad. Good pictures, well described for a $5 ad. Many CL sellers could take a lesson from this guy.

    Like 3
  12. Bunky

    Russ, I think that you may be confusing the Club Coupe, which was Ford’s term for the 2 door sedan body style, and a Sports Coupe. While the Sports Coupe could be had with a 200 6, or a 289, it came standard with bucket seats, carpet, chrome side window and door post trim, and “Sports Coupe” emblazoned on the rear pillar. This car is not that.
    It’s OK, for what it is- and I understand why they painted the bumpers. Chrome is astronomically expensive now. GLWTS

    Like 1
  13. 19sixty5Member

    If this Falcon had some healthy grunt under the hood it could pull off the painted bumpers… it reminds me of the days when we would replace the heavy OEM bumpers with fiberglass replacements. Add some wide steel wheels with the hubcaps and you have the sleeper look for sure.

    Like 3
  14. Fox Owner

    I’d rather see the bumpers painted white if you’re going to go that route. Surprised they didn’t paint the grille too. . Is it strange I’d rather have a Mustang with a six but a Falcon isn’t desirable without an 8?

    Like 1
  15. jvanrell1973@gmail.com Jason V.

    The ads are out of control all of a sudden. Super obnoxious, even playing audio without clicking on them. This is not acceptable for paying users of this site and if it doesn’t get corrected soon, I will drop my subscription. That is a promise.

    Like 3
    • Paul

      I don’t get any pop up ads going into BF on my PC, but if I ever happen to on my phone it is really annoying and ridiculous.

      Like 2
    • Bob P

      I suspect it’s your browser. and not BF. You might want to aim your rants that way.

      Like 3
      • It is NOT my browser. It does appear to be that when logged out I get blasted with ads. That was only the case recently. By the way, when have you made your last payment for membership Bob P?

        Like 1
    • JD Jones

      AdBlock Plus is your friend.

      Like 0
  16. JOE HASKA

    This is a stunning car and a great example of a some what rare Falcon. Whoever decided to paint the bumpers had no idea how stupid that was! The price they want for this car is realatively high, but with painted bumpers it is a deal breaker. Makes you wonder where else stupid things were done and corners cut.

    Like 4
  17. Will (the really old one)

    Yes, chrome plating is expensive now… environmental requirements on the chemicals used.
    What this buggy needs is ivory on the top, bumpers and wheels w/ trim rings. Oh, and “whites”… either narrow or wide stripes or wide. Different but not too.

    Like 1
  18. Mike76

    Mask off the fuel tank and I also agree about the bumpers. The bumpers aren’t huge, so spend the two grand and have them properly rechromed. I’d have used the paint on the bumpers and sprayed the wheels body color too. It’s all personal preference cosmetic things that can be corrected if one chooses, but overall, it looks to be a clean lil’ Falcon.

    Like 1
  19. Azzurra AzzurraMember

    Well, put me in the minority, I like the painted bumpers on this one. Goes well with the blackwalls and hubcaps. And I dig those shiny front door scuff plates. All in all, a striking package that is seldom seen. Congrats to the seller for thinking outside the box.

    Like 2
  20. Paul

    Always liked these little cars. My dad had a new ’69. Overall looks very nice but no excuse for not chroming those bumpers, and save me the cost excuses. If you’re going to do it, do it right.

    Like 0
  21. Troy

    I would gloss black the bumpers and other exterior Chrome parts and just cruise it

    Like 0
  22. t-bone bobMember

    nice

    Like 0
  23. Eric in NC

    Chrome vinyl wrap would be a cheap alternative DYI solution to the bumper problem.

    A not very complex shape on these bumpers would give me confidence to try it.

    🙂

    Like 3
  24. Darryl

    My mom bought a Tan 66. Tan interior, Strait 6 with 3 on the tree. Her 1st new car. I was 8. Loved that little car. I was the
    oldest of 4. Me in the front seat 2 on the back seat and one in the back window. Great memories.

    Like 2

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