During the 1960s, Ford battled Chevrolet for domination in the compact car field. Chevy usually won because they had two entries (the Corvair and Chevy II) versus one (the Falcon). In 1963, the Falcon was in its fourth year and was little changed. The seller’s coupe looks like a Futura model because of the extra exterior bling, but it’s a project somewhere between a regular econobox and a race car. Located in Abbotsford, British Columbia, this little car comes with two of many things and is available here on craigslist for $3,900 (USD?).
From the photos provided, we’re not sure of the status of this project. Some show the car with no rear end installed and wearing aftermarket wheels. The others portray it in completely stock form with poverty hubcaps. The seller was planning to replace the inline-6 (144 or 170 cubic inches?) with a 289 V8. And ditch the 2-speed automatic for a C4. The newer stuff came out of a Mustang, and the seller will send them along with the car in case the buyer wants to do a transplant. Changes in the seller’s health have prevented him/her from turning the Falcon into a racer of sorts.
Some work has already been done. The Ford has an 8-inch rear end with posi-traction (perhaps also from the Mustang). A high-ratio steering box is also now in place, along with a new fuel tank and a rebuilt heater. Some body work may be needed as the seller is also including the sheet metal needed to handle a couple of repairs in the back half of the car.
A bit of interior work also seems to have been accomplished, as the seat covers look new. And you’ll be treated to a couple of boxes of new interior pieces like window cranks and dashboard chrome. So, you’ll have to decide whether to stick to the seller’s course or go with a restored econocar and sell off the extra powertrain. Kudos for the tip, “Curvette”,
It doesn’t make financial sense to finish turning this into a race car. None of the components that come with it will work in their current form for anything other than a stock or slightly modified street car. Anyone that has spent time at a track will regularly see 10 or 11 second turn key cars that are actively being raced selling for well under $15,000, often under $10,000. This Falcon will cost significantly more, so unless it’s someone’s specific dream to have a 1963 2dr sedan Falcon race car, they should pass.
Steve R