1963 Ford Falcon Futura

The Ford Falcon was produced from 1959 to 1970 across three generations. The first generation, produced from 1960 through 1963, came standard with a 144 cubic-inch Mileage Maker straight-6 engine breathing through a single-barrel carburetor and offering nearly 100 horsepower. The unibody construction had coil springs in the front with leaf springs at the rear. Drum brakes at all four corners provided the stopping power. A three-speed manual column shift was standard, and a two-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic was available as optional equipment. Body styles included a two- and four-door sedan, two- or four-door station wagons, and the Ranchero pickup.

Changes continued over the years and by 1963, the standard Falcon consisted of a 2- and four-door sedan. The Deluxe models of 1962 were replaced by the Futura models for 1963 and included the addition of a convertible and a two-door hardtop. A V-8 engine was offered for the first time in the series' history. The standard engine was an overhead valve, 144 cubic-inch six-cylinder unit offering 85 horsepower at 4200 RPM. Another overhead valve, 170 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine was available, offering just over 100 horsepower. The wheelbase measured 109.5 inches and had a length of 181.1 inches.

The top trim level on the Falcon line was the Futura series, and came with a chrome horn ring, two horns, Futura wheel covers, round 'Futura' symbol on the top 'C' pillar, and ashtrays and armrests. Chrome was used on the window moldings, windshield, rear window, side window, a horizontal strip located between the taillights, and an arrow-style strip on the bodyside.

The body styles included a 2- and 4-door sedan, hardtop coupe, sport hardtop, and two convertibles. Prices ranged from just over $2,100 to nearly $2,600.

The Sprint trim levels came with a 260 cubic-inch V8 engine in hardtop and convertible body styles. Prices ranged from $2,600 to $2,800. These Sprint cars would become the basis for the 1964½ Mustangs released by Ford one year later. Much of the chassis, suspension, drivetrain, and interior were sourced from those used on the 1964½ Mustangs released by Ford one year later. In many respects, the 1963½ Falcon Sprint was identical to the 1964½ Mustang, apart from the aesthetical difference.

The base Falcon trim level sold well, with nearly 133,000 examples sold. 118,442 examples of the Futura Series were built and 15,081 were Sprint V-8 models. In total, 266,518 Falcons were built in 1963.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2020