Vehicle Description
6532 1963 Ford Falcon Futura Convertible
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.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
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