1964 Ford Falcon Sedan

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 in 4 door sedan form.  This racy beauty was treated to a comprehensive restoration from 1999-2001 by Eddie's Auto Body in Erma, NJ and was garage kept ever since.  Originally purchased by Bell Systems as a manager's fleet car and then purchased by the manager in the 70's then was used for short trips until the 1980's and the car has only accrued a mere 84,164 actual verified miles in it's 59 years on the road.  Some may call it stodgy and pedestrian, but it is simply sexy and speaks volumes about the willingness of the designer's to put a more modern muscle take on even the baseline rocket age cars.

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 sedan has been benefited by low mileage and usage over the years along with a 2 year restoration.  Naturally this has led to good panel alignment and an astute attention to detail remains.  The car's classic flanks were made very straight, prior to the Vintage Burgundy respray being laid on its solid and sculpted body.  Those body's gaps are better than average, featuring doors that operate with precision and vertical components that are centered in their respective openings.  Overall, this pint-size cruiser carries every indication that its high quality 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 has been filled with a wonderfully contrasting Wimbedon White, and is the telling feature of this 64 bird of prey.  With the crystal clear glass, polished surrounds and like new chrome it's hard to get your eyes focused on any of the intricate particulars this design has to offer.  The shaver chromed styled in-swept grille, with a single headlight on either corner and shiny bumper below leading the way is this writer's favorite view.  For the corners let's throw in some snappy 13-inch chromed wire wheel covers with faux spinners all wrapped in like new thin whitewalls in 175/70R13 format and it's time to move to the interior.

Interior
This cool Fords 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 camel tan hung with a pristine silver instrument cluster surrounds, utilizing the black 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.  The chrome heater slides share the center of the dash with the factory AM radio and in front of that dash is a pristine fully restored low back bench seat.  This is in more camel tan with smooth bolsters and tuck and roll inserts made of vinyl.  Some tan piping adds to the allure, as does the black rib highlighted tan glovebox and silver surround in front of the passenger.  Below those seats, fade-free carpet in tan is looking like new covering the floors.  At the edges of that carpet, great looking door panels wrap like-new smooth tan vinyl and mix it with some tan horizontal stitching and painted metal uppers and sills.  In the center is a ribbed chrome insert for just a little extra wow and this wonderful shiny trim wraps entirely around the interior panels and is just beautifully done.  Note there is a matching wide rear bench.  Also in front of the driver, an impressive thick rimmed tan factory Ford steering wheel turns the front tires.  A curved shifter reached for the driver from the column and all is very nicely done and a standing ovation 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 black painted block with a red scalloped valve covering as well as a red round air cleaner.  It is the quintessential 170ci inline 6 cylinder making a respectable 101hp.  Topping the intake is a 1-barrel carburetor and in back is a 2-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission.  Way back a Ford 7 1/4 inch 3.20 conventional geared pumpkin.  All beautifully put together and I cannot wait to drive it.

Undercarriage
Underneath we note as expected a fairly solid undercarriage with slight patina and surface rust, and some overspray of undercoating.  Solid as a rock stock replacement single exhaust is on and runs past the simple independent coil spring front suspension and traditional rear leaf spring.  Drum brakes are all around, and all like new.  We note a few areas of flooring repair in the trunk floor in front of the fuel tank as well as some flooring repairs in the front wells outboard of the unibody along with a small spray foam repair performed to cover rust on the driver's inner heel/toe board.

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.  The interior is near perfect with all working controls, although the horn wouldn't toot and the front brakes felt like they were dragging, it was a great ride, and surprisingly powerful.  I checked under the hood to see if it was actually a 170ci I6 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.

4T16U103704

4-1964
T-Metuchen, NJ Assy Plant
16-Falcon Futura 4 Door Sedan
U-170ci 1bbl I6
103704-Sequential Unit Number

WARRANTY PLATE

BODY 54B-Falcon 4 Door Sedan
COLOR J-Rangoon Red
TRIM 65-Red Vinyl
DATE 02K-October 2nd
DSO 23-Philadelphia
AXLE 3-Ford 7.25" 3.20 Conventional
TRANS 3-2 Speed Ford O Matic

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.