Restored Gas Sipper: 1966 Ford Falcon Futura

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.