Vehicle Description
1964 Ford Falcon Sprint Convertible
Historically, the "Big Three" auto manufacturers, (GM, Ford and
Chrysler), focused purely on the larger and more profitable
vehicles in the US and Canadian markets. Towards the mid-1950s, all
three manufacturers realized that this strategy would no longer
work. Large automobiles were becoming increasingly expensive,
making smaller cars such as Fiats, Renaults, Toyotas, and
Volkswagens increasingly attractive. Furthermore, many American
families were now in the market for a second car, and market
research showed women especially thought the full-size car had
grown too large and cumbersome. Hence the project which became the
Falcon was started and sponsored by Ford General Manager Robert S.
McNamara, who commissioned a team to create what by American
standards of the time would be a small car but elsewhere in the
world considered a mid-size. McNamara, who was promoted to Group
Vice President of Cars and Trucks by the time the Falcon was
launched, was intimately involved in development, insisting on
keeping the costs and weight of the car as low as possible.
For consignment, a result of much market research that aimed at
women, a second car for families, and a smaller car that was less
cumbersome and expensive. We give you the first edition of the
second generation in a 1964 Ford Falcon. This racy beauty is
somewhat rare with this Sprint convertible being one of a mere
4,278 out of a total of 18,108 Falcons built for 1964. This was the
high end of the Falcon line.
Exterior
In typical 60s Detroit fashion, Ford's second generation debut
Falcon, adorned with curved surfaces and creases that stretch from
stem to stern, which are incredibly hard to make straight once it's
been overhauled or reworked. Fortunately, the metal on this compact
coupe has been benefited by low mileage and usage over the years,
so good panel alignment and an astute attention to detail remains.
The car's classic flanks were made very straight, prior to the
Dynasty Geen respray being laid on its solid and sculpted body.
Those body's gaps are better than average, featuring doors that
operate with precision, vertical components that are centered in
their respective openings. And overall, this pint-size cruiser
carries every indication that its high quality original condition
turned into a well-kept effort to create a timeless compact car
which looks good on the road and great in the parking lot! A
paperclip trim spear adorns the sides, and is the telling feature
of this 64 bird of prey. With a nice white convertible top it oozes
an early 60's mantra. The shaver chromed styled in-swept grille,
with a single headlight on either corner and shiny bumper below
leads the way. For the corners let's throw in some snappy 14-inch
chromed wire wheel covers with faux spinners all wrapped in
205/75R14 rubber all from the 48th week of 2014.
Interior
This cool Ford's correct and tasteful interior is a classy reminder
of the days when style and appeal were the central focus of
automotive design. At the front of the car is an original dash in
medium turquoise hung with pristine silver instrument cluster,
utilizing the horizontal speedo and a circular deep bezel on either
side. Much like the Mustang of the day, making ample use of chrome
surrounds and horizontal trim pieces. On the dash top now resides a
factory option tachometer, not oft seen. In front of that dash are
2 pristine fully restored low back wide buckets. They are in 2 tone
light turquoise smooth bolsters and slightly darker, (nearer to
blue), tuck and roll inserts made of vinyl. Some light turquoise
piping adds to the allure, as does a center console with chromed
central single ribbed highlighted turquoise glovebox and surround.
Below those seats, fade-free carpet in turquoise is looking like
new covering the floors. At the edges of that carpet, great looking
door panels wrap like-new smooth turquoise vinyl and mix it with
some aqua-blue painted metal uppers and sills. In the center is a
silver padded smooth fabric covering looking much like Chuck
Yeager's ride when he broke the barrier. This wonderful shiny trim
works with the dash wraps entirely around the interior panels and
is just beautifully done. Note is a matching wide rear bench. Also
in front of the driver, an impressive original wood rimmed factory
Ford steering wheel turns the front tires. A curved shifter reached
for the driver in the hump. All very nicely done and a standing O
for this early 60's interior. Clap Clap Clap!
Drivetrain
With a car of this restoration caliper, one would almost expect
something special to be under the hood, and opening it your
wandering eyes will just say WHAAAAAAAT? Yes there it is in the
flesh, our should I say blue oval blue painted block with chromed
valve coverings and a 260 badged round open air cleaner. It is the
quintessential 260ci V8 as were all Sprints adorned with making a
respectable 164hp. Topping the intake is a 2-barrel carburetor. In
back is a 4-speed manual Toploader. Way back a Ford 8 inch 3.25
geared pumpkin. All beautifully put together and I cannot wait to
drive it.
Undercarriage
Underneath we note as expected a solid undercarriage with no
surface rust, and some overspray of undercoating. Solid as a rock
with dual Flowmaster mufflers and like new stainless exhaust.
Simple is the word of the day, with an independent coil spring
front suspension, and for the back we see traditional leaf spring.
Drum brakes are all around, and all like new.
Drive-Ability
Even now and again we get an unexpected surprise and this car
provided it. After a quick turn of the ignition and initial fire
up, it was off to the test track where this car had surprising
acceleration, smooth cruising, and great handling. This car is full
of pleasant surprises, and I was duly impressed. Interior is near
perfect with all working controls, although the radio turned on but
did not play anything, the speedometer reads a touch slow, and the
fuel gauge stops moving at 1/4 tank. A great ride, and surprisingly
powerful. I checked under the hood to see if it was actually a
260ci V8 under there, and there was!
As close to truly wonderful as one can get for this '64 example
with an appreciation for early 60's color motif. A simple yet
beautifully designed compact with performance that is super
impressive, as is the case with this entire automobile. Awesome
restoration work, this Falcon swoops into our Hallowed Halls and
has nested into the west wing. Definitely worth a gander.
4H14F108548
4-1964
H-Lorain, OH Assy Plant
14-Falcon Sprint Convertible
F-260ci V8 2bbl 164hp
108548-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY TAG
BODY 76D-Falcon Sprint Convertible
PAINT D-Dynasty Green
TRIM 87-Light & Medium Turquoise Crush Vinyl
DATE 02K-October 2nd
DSO 65-Oklahoma City
AXLE 4-Ford 8" 3.25 Conventional
TRANS 5-4 Speed Manual
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.
