During its first three years (1960-62), the Ford Falcon was largely just an econobox. But the car “grew up” in 1963 with the addition of hardtops, convertibles, and a V8 engine (previously just inline sixes were available). The seller has a ’63 convertible, likely a Futura, and it has a V8 engine, but no mention is made of whether it’s a ’63 ½ Sprint. Located in Dallas, Oregon, this drop-top may need attention, but the seller is short on words. This little Ford is available here on craigslist for $8,000.
The Falcon was Ford’s first time at the compact car dance. It was a unibody sedan or wagon that looked sort of like the big Fords, but smaller. It was in production for 11 model years and is noted for spawning the Mercury Comet, Ford Mustang, and Ford Maverick. With competition around every corner, the Falcon stepped up and gained a 260 cubic inch V8 in 1963 (1/2) that output 164 hp. It was usually found in the new Sprint models, but about any Falcon could have one after mid-year.
There is no mention of Sprint in the listing or what V8 is in the car, much less is it a 260. The seller provides a limited number of photos that don’t help the automobile’s cause. We’re told it has an automatic transmission, so perhaps a 2-speed Ford-O-Matic? The odometer reads 9,000 miles, but it has turned over (remember those days?), so 109,000 is more probable. We’re also told it drives, but not how well.
The paint looks to be black or blue satin, so we doubt the finish is original. And blankets adorn the interior, so we don’t know the true condition of the upholstery. No bucket seats are in sight, a tell-tale sign of a Sprint. The bench seat suggests this is a Futura that may have been ordered with a V8 but without the rest of the Sprint package. Also, the car is tagged (how important is that?). This could be a nice find if the seller gave us more info and pics. Our thanks to “Curvette” for the tip.
Definitely needs a repaint. That matte finish just makes this car look unfinished. Could be enjoyed in the meantime. The style didn’t change all that much between sixty and sixty three. My Dad had the sixty two door sedan and the front and back ends look the same.
This would be an excellent car to drive across Route 66, or the Lincoln Highway. But not maybe in the dead of summer.
strikes me as a relative bargain. restoration wouldn’t be like that of a 6.9.
Love what little there is to see. Engine bay pics could help answer many questions. Fair price for a V8 Falcon. Glad it’s on the wrong coast.
It is not a sprint. No buckets and no sprint emblem on front genders, amoung other things.
Nice car, and those drive fun and fantastic.
Seems like a good deal…..
Another Pacific Northwest vehicle that I would check out if it were on my side of the country. The seller sure didn’t go overboard with the pictures.
Seller is a man of few words.
Doing himself no favors, but maybe he’s focused on his Mustang.
The early (pre ’65) 260/289s used a smaller 5 bolt bell housing. Back in the day these were sought after for swaps into smaller cars (like hot rods and sports cars) where foot room was limited. Shelby used these in the early AC Cobras. I had one I put into a CJ5 Jeep. :-) Terry J
No V8 emblem on front fenders. Not Sprint, no buckets, or emblem. I got back from South East asia in 1967 and my dad gave me his old 2 door post falcon. The cheap on with 3 on the tree. Dorne it for about 6 months and gave it to a friend in need. Bought used MGA and went to co;;ege. Great years even with the service from which my last 4 months were in the hospital in Japan. Now 79 and still working till next thursday. Retiring I think.
Good luck on your retirement! I started with 3 month vacation. Did a few track days and ended up spending the last 6 years building a new house and shop. So I now DON’T feel retired! But, almost done and I can get back into retirement mode. Which is spending as much time as possible building hot rod Ford Rangers. And hopefully build another track day car. (going through racetrack withdrawal)
Just because it had a V8 didn’t mean it was a Futura. And just because it was a V8 didn’t mean it was a 260 or 289. My first car was a ‘63 white over red Falcon convertible with a 221 ci V8 with the 2 speed Ford-o-matic. I remember we tightened a valve too tight adjusting them and had to buy a piston. That’s when we discovered the cubic inches. I sold it because the engine wasn’t big enough. I wish I would’ve kept it.
The 221 was never offered in the Falcon, so if yours had one it was swapped in. Only the Fairlane, Meteor and Comet had the 221 from the factory.
Reminds me of my black ’63 Falcon I had in my college days as my winter car. If this was closer, I’d be looking it over in person. Some nastalgic things stick with you a long time.
Not that hard to figure out. It says “Futura” on the back. It does not say “Sprint” on the fender. Contrary to popular belief, the 289 did find its way into a few late ‘63 1/2 Falcons- but that too would be emblazoned on the front fender. So 260 powered Futura…. Neat little car.
No, the 289 was not offered in late ’63 1/2 Falcons. The only Falcons to get the 289 before the 1965 model year were the handful of specially prepped rally cars.
My second car was a 63 Falcon convertible 260with a 4 speed. Pulled the 260 and put a 289 in it
It clearly has Futura lettering on the decklid.if seller had been smart enough to post engine pics, it would have helped with any V8 questions. More than likely it was originally a 260. Would still love to have this car, but its too far away from me on the West coast.
A neat car. This has potential. Finished units can be had for considerably less than the investment required here. Nice enough unit!
FUTURA spelled out on the rear panel clearly calls out this Falcon’s model status. Definitely NOT a Sprint.
The two chrome exhaust tips suggest a V-8 but lack of a 260 badge on front fender suggest car born with a straight six.
Nice little ’63 Falcon convertible but it’ll take a lot to restore..
Solid 8k. Comparable to 283 Nova
Now we have black back up light lenses. Nuts ! Seller has high hopes to get $8,000 K
nice
I like the ’round bodies’ (’60/3). I’d B tempted to strip the emblems, trunk and side spears. Too much ‘It’s this”; “Its that.” so might allow folk to enjoy together.
The vert just adds to the enjoyment. Never needed a ‘big car’ (had mostly 90 inch WB cars as I entered ownership, driving, rest0, moddin, sales). For this I’d like that rally (as wrd as used above) vehicle. Had it planned out yrs ago w/the frame stiffeners, bout 1 inch drop, disc up frnt, shelby drop, 15 inch up grade @ spindles, yada, yada. Use the 200 ThriftPower with this:
https://www.vintageinlines.com/product-page/deposit-only-aluminum-head-package
keep it to 300 HP or less, no spec gas, etc. May B a fit tech… (ideally drill out the preformed bosses on the runners for a SFI but I’d have ta find some 1 for that so if it got pooched they’s buy me a new one…
I’d like this even better for the round body Chero. But the vert or wagon’n B fine 8^ )