Falcon History

The Ford Motor Company produced the Falcon family of vehicles from 1960 through the 1970 model years. Everything from sedans to vans to innovative small trucks could be ordered with the Falcon emblem. Originally envisioned as a compact economy car, Falcons evolved through four distinct body style phases. Of these, model years 1963-1965 are considered to be the most collectible. In the first five years of its existence, the Falcon marque transitioned from bare bones econo-boxes to an array of small cars offering sporty convertibles, as well as exciting V-8 powered cars.

The Falcon truck, called the Ranchero, began its life in 1957 as part of the Fairlane lineup. In 1960, the design was drastically restyled to align itself with the Falcon design family. It continued to be a highly successful part of the Falcon line until 1966, when Ford began to market it separately from the rest of the Falcons. In 1967, this divorce was formalized when the Ranchero rejoined the Fairlanes. It enjoyed great sales success for many years afterwards in that role.

The Falcon marque began to realize its potential when, late in the 1964 model year, Ford introduced the Mustang, another sporty compact car that achieved some (small) amount of popularity. Ford utilized the Falcon's unitized chassis, as well as many elements of the Falcon drive train, to "re-skin" and "re-market" the Mustang. From then on, the Falcon existed in the shadow of its more popular offspring, finally fading away in 1971, a victim of corporate marketing neglect. The success of the Volkswagen and other compacts, along with the Arab oil embargo just a few years later, proved how forward-thinking the original Falcon designers were. Like many good ideas, it peaked just a little too early.

Collectors of these great cars appreciate the compact design, the simplicity of maintenance and operation, and the innovative thinking of its designers. Simply put, they are a lot of fun. If you are looking for a great car to restore and enjoy, consider a classic Ford Falcon or Falcon Ranchero.

Content from from the National Falcon Club page. www.falconclub.com

Two Auto Makers Pick Same Names

But Ford wins Falcon Only Minutes Over Chrysler

The Ford Motor Company won a close race with coincidence.

Both Ford and the Chrysler Corporation, unknown to each other, chose the name Falcon for their new small cars. But because Ford reserved the name with an industry registry only twenty minutes ahead of Chrysler, it won the right to the name.

Ford and Chrysler independently settled on Falcon, but Ford won by notifying the Automobile Manufactures Association of its choice twenty minutes ahead of Chrysler. The association is the official industry arbiter and its Proprietary name File is the trade-name bible for the car makers.

Actually Chrysler was said to have been the first to indicate its interest in the name Falcon, when it asked that a search be made on the availability of the name.

The report was made, but while the Company was making its final decision, Ford called and registered the name, unaware, association officials said, that Chrysler was considering it too.

Falcon is not new to the automobile industry. The roster of 2600 names that have graced the automotive scene in the last sixty years shows that Falcon was used by two other manufacturers. A Falcon passenger car was made in 1922 and a Falcon-Knight was marketed in 1926.

Industry sources noted that it was possible although not likely, for Chrysler and General Motors to shift to other names for their new cars. Ford however appears firmly decided on Falcon.

New York Times 5/21/59

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Falcon Model Year Timeline

1960:
On September 21, 1959, the Ford Motor Company, in an unprecedented event, unveiled its new Falcon to newsmen throughout the country in a closed-circut TV News Conference. It had style, riding comfort, room for six adults, and, above all, a service network of over 4000 dealers. Initially Falcon was to be an unembellished basic car. Only a 2-Door and a 4-Door Sedan were offered and the upgrading Options were limited. By January however, the Station Wagon and Ranchero were added to the line and choice was widened. The most significant was the Fordomatic automatic transmission.

1961:
A new optional engine appeared, providing 101 hp, the 170 Six, in place of the standard 85 hp Falcon Six. A new Sedan Delivery as well as Deluxe Body Trim for a new emphasis on "Deluxe" as a sales aid. About 1 million Falcons were now on the road.

1962:
New styling and some new models, new luxury interior choices, new fuel oand oil savings in improved versions of the Falcon Six, and some new all-around economies included a new 30,000 mile radiator coolant. New models included the Squire Wagon, a new Station Bus and Club Wagon, and the Futura, an upgraded two-door sedan with standard bucket seats and a center console. In February, the '62 Falcon line was again revised with the addition of a Futura Sports Sedan with a roofline based on Thunderbird styling.

1963:
The Futura in both 2-door and 4-door models was introduced, but the Futura Convertible as well as the Futura Sports Convertible followed shortly by the Sprint Convertible with the Falcon 170 Special Six engine, bucket seats, tachometer, and 4-speed manual transmission all standard.

1963 1/2:
In January of '63, the addition of the Fairlane 260 cu in engine as a Falcon option was announced as part of the Company's 1963 1/2 Product line. This engine became standard in the Sprint Hardtop and Convertible replacing the big Six and rendering those earlier six-cylinder Sprints rare indeed.

1964:
The body style changed from the "round" body to a "square" design. A new 200 cu in Six in addition to the three engines offered in 1963. Little changed in the model lineup.

1965:
The 289 cu in V8 option replaced both the Challenger and the Sprint versions of earlier 260 V-8. Sprint became a less meaningful package and was now merely an emblem and bucket seat addition to the convertible. The Futura Sports Coupe and Sports Convertible were dropped although bucket seats were available in Futura Hardtops and Convertible. 1965 was the last year of aggressive marketing for the Falcon line and marked the end of the line's most interesting period.

1966-70:
Falcons were now limited to 2-door and 4-door models. Hardtops, Convertibles, and Squire models were dropped. 1966 was also the last year for the Ranchero as a Falcon model. Little would change from 1968 to early 1970. Only data plate numerical revisions seemed to constitue Falcon's progress.

1970 1/2:
An interesting event occured as the Falcon line was coming to an end. Production terminated entirely on January 1, 1970. For a brief time thereafter, the "1970 1/2" Falcon was offered. The 4-door and Station Wagon were re-badged Fairlanes, with Falcon specific chrome, but the 2-door was unique to the Falcon line. The Torino and Fairlane lineup had 2-door vehicles, but they were fastbacks and hardtops. The Falcon was the only one offered with a 2-door sedan (it has a b-pillar behind the driver door glass). The Falcon line did not offer fastbacks or hardtops. Interestingly enough, this '70 1/2 Falcon had seven engine choices up to an awesome 370 hp 429 cu in Cobra Jet Ram-Air V-8. The '70 1/2 Falcon was a stop gap measure to hold the market until the Maverick was ready for production. Thus ended the Falcon line.

Information from: www.falconregistry.com

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