As smaller cars started becoming attractive alternatives to larger, more mainstream American cars, manufacturers like Renault, Fiat, Toyota, and Volkswagen began to get a foothold in the late 50's and early 60's. Thus, U.S. manufacturers snapped into action and compact versions of larger cars were produced. The Fairmount was scaled down in 1960 to create the Falcon which lasted until 1970 with the first generation ending in 1963.
For consignment, a 1963 Ford Falcon Futura convertible, a stylish ragtop that needs a bit of mechanical TLC. She's tired, but she has good bones and is super clean. More than 300,000 Falcons were built in 1963 and a small percentage are still running and roadworthy. Here's one of them.
Exterior Dozens of names were used for maroon in the 60's and this one is called Brick Red. Although just 181 inches long and coming out the 50's this was indeed smaller than most American cars on the road, but not without style. A bold spear travels the length of the car coming to a broad point on the front quarter panel. The rear bumper conforms to the shape of the round taillights and a bladed detail trim piece spans the decklid. Our front fascia is wonderfully basic with single round headlights flaking a grated grille and topping a straight bumper with embedded turn signals, all topped by fender ornaments and a subtle and non functional hood scoop trimmed in polished metal. The black canvas top is in decent condition save for some tears in the end seam, and its plastic window is slightly hazy. Overall, the paint, gaps, and metal work are not bad. Imperfections noted include some bubbles, chipped paint at a rear wheel opening and body seam, cracks, large chips, and touched up scratches.
Interior A black painted header tops a vinyl door in gray and black panels with metal trim, sporty in their design and a bit loose in their fit. Low back vinyl bucket seats in black with tuck and roll patterned inserts front the cabin in very good condition and the back bench matches colors, patterns, and conditions and backseat occupants have window cranks and ashtrays all to themselves. A Raven Black steering wheel with silver horn ring greets the driver and a simple gauge pod combines a horizontal speedometer and round gauges connected by a band that relays more information through lights, all above a row of ivory knobs and switches for various functions. It all has a bit of patina. The flowing black dashboard includes an ivory buttoned AM radio in the center and a ribbed metal trim detail that spans the dash. A floor mounted shifter fronts a robust, ribbed storage bin lid and all is surrounded by black loop carpet in decent condition as well. Relatively clean, the trunk is lined with a cut to fit plaid mat.
Drivetrain Under the hood, is a clean 260ci V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor and rated at 164 horsepower. A Toploader 4-speed manual transmission sets the car in motion and sends a spinning driveshaft back to the Ford 8" rear with 3.25 gears. Drum brakes are behind each of the 14-inch wheels.
Undercarriage Nicely clean underneath with minimal surface rust, a dry oil and transmission pan, and no build of grease on the steering and suspension components. We note some oil on the rear differential. The dual exhaust flows through a pair of Super Turbo mufflers and then exits out back through angle cut steel pipes. Coil springs are up front for suspension while leaf springs are in the rear.
Drive-Ability A pump of gas and a turn of the key and the V8 fires into action. We first note an audible exhaust leak but head out onto the test loop. Comfortable in an upright 60's kind of way, the car is not the quickest but tracks well and per our consignor, the transmission will pop out of gear when under load. Functionality wise, only the radio did not operate. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Good bones indeed, and relatively clean ones too. It won't take much to bring this car into reliable show car status. As is, it's a pretty cool little car. Charles Shultz was contracted to embellish Falcon advertising and literature with Charlie Brown comics, assuring both the car and the promotional material will put a smile on your face. This one has miles of smiles in its future!
3H15F247751
3-1963 H-Lorain, OH Assy Plant 15-Falcon Futura Convertible F-260ci 2bbl 164hp V8 247751-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 76A-Falcon Futura Convertible COLOR W-Rose Beige TRIM 56A-Black Vinyl DATE 24G-July 24th DSO 24-Jacksonville AXLE 4-Ford 8" 3.25 Conventional TRANS 5-4 Speed Manual
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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