Vehicle Description
The first-generation Ford Falcon, introduced in the fall of 1959
for the 1960 model year, has many claims to fame, including being
one of the highest selling new cars in history - until the Mustang
came out 4� years later. While the Falcon certainly was not the
first modern American "compact car," it was Ford's first American
compact.
Ford knew that the new "compact" car had to be much cheaper to
build than the "normal" sized cars, so they minimized the weight of
the car by engineering a new unit-construction body and a
short-stroke inline six of only 144 cubic inches. The engine
weighed so little that a healthy man could actually lift it, yet it
produced 90 horsepower, more than twice that of the Volkswagen of
the day.
The public loved the Falcon, partly because the interior was
purposely designed to be as expansive as a full sized, "normal"
Ford family car. In addition, because the car was so inexpensive to
produce, the interior trim could be just a tad nicer than what GM
put in their competitor, the Corvair.
Ford improved the Falcon for 1961 with the addition of a slightly
longer stroke, 170 cubic-inch six that produced 101 horsepower; the
144 inch engine was more honestly rated at 85 horsepower. More
importantly, torque capabilities were improved with the slightly
larger engine. A sportier Futura trim line was also introduced, and
Falcon sales continued to do far better than the Corvair for a
second near-record year.
This 1962 model is a nice, straight Arizona car. All suspension
parts have been replaced. Installed shoulder and lap belts in front
and lap belts rear. New brakes, tires, windows, upholstery,
carpeting and much much more. Pictures don't do the paint job
justice, which cost $4,000 less than a year ago and the
undercarriage of the car is just as clean.
Sure, this is a 6 cylinder car, but it runs perfectly and is a
great way to get in to the classic car hobby - either as a tinkerer
who can proudly display this car at local car shows and meet-ups or
as a young person who wants something reliable, retro, and
affordable.
