The 1964 Ford Falcon Sprint Convertible 2dr, stick shift, V-8 standard.
A little red convertible with V-8 power
This was Fords competition to the Chevrolet Corvair. It beat the Corvair, hands down. It was not much bigger than a Honda, but with V-8 power and a wider wheel base.
In the mid-1960s, the revolutionary Ford Mustang stole the automotive hearts of Americans. More than 126,000 were sold following the car’s introduction in April 1964.
During the same model year, another good-looking Ford wore new sheet metal and, unfortunately, had to play second fiddle to the wildly popular Mustang.
The Ford Falcon reflected the “Total Performance” image in Ford’s new styling. In 1964, the car took on an aggressive stance with an angled grille. The highly sculptured body sides gave the ’64 Falcons a somewhat racy look, while at the same time providing the bodies more rigidity. A convex feature line started on the fenders, but sloped ever so slightly and increased in width until it met the tail lamps.
As in years past, the Falcon retained its single headlamp setup. Like most cars in the 1960s, there were inexpensive base models and pricey top-of-the-line series. In 1964, the premier variation of the Falcon was the Sprint convertible, of which just 4,278 were built out of a total production of 18,108, according to Ford records.
The Sprints were built with V-8 engines only, the smallest being the 260-cu.in. version with 164hp, fed by a two-barrel Holley carburetor; there were optional V-8s available. The Sprint included special door panels, exterior trim upgrade, chromed engine accessories and a padded dash.
There were only three gauges, though: a horizontal speedometer reading to 120 mph, a fuel gauge with “E” and “F,” and a temperature gauge that was actually an idiot lamp, with “C” for cold and “H” for hot. A tachometer could be ordered.
The ’64 Sprint was part of the aforementioned Total Performance campaign, because Ford wanted various models in all types of competition events, from drag racing and NASCAR to Formula One and Le Mans. For example, there were three Sprints entered in the 1963 edition of the Monte Carlo Rally which had been prepared by Holman-Moody.
One of the three was disqualified, and the other two placed 35th and 43rd respectively, but that was good enough to convince Ford to try again at Monte Carlo in 1964, with the new restyled car. Ford entered eight new Sprints with 305hp, 289-cu.in. V-8s and fiberglass exterior panels for the race.
Despite these efforts, which cost Ford a boatload of money, interest in the Falcon diminished in the racing efforts. In part, the smashing success of the Mustang hurt the Falcon. In 1966, when the Falcon was again redesigned, there were no convertibles or Sprint models available.
But that’s the beauty of the car when it comes to investing in a 1964 Sprint convertible. It is quite rare, but not as expensive as a Mustang convertible, and many parts are still available.
The original base price of a Sprint convertible listed at $2,660, and incredibly, after 10 years, we found one for sale in a 1974 issue of Hemmings Motor News for $2,500. These cars slowly crept up the investment ladder and really took off within the past few years, as collectors may have tired of having just another Mustang. These cars offer better comfort, the same power and easier entry and exit. They are worth taking a look at and are certainly less expensive than a comparable Mustang.
It was President Kennedy’s Secretary of Defense (Robert McNamara) who developed the first Ford Falcon. He came from the administrative offices of Ford before he went to the White House.
By the way, I would prefer this Ford Falcon Sprint Convertible over a Mustang any day, especially with the large V-8.
>64… this is about the time I gave up on cars. Everything was getting really boxy and square and moving from the late 50's look towards that 'Dodge Dart' style that it seemed like everything had until you get into the early 70's Novas…This car is in great shape. I wouldn't own it. If I was going to go for an American car from the 60's I'd be hitting up early Impalas. Of course, if I was going to own an Impala it'd be a 59, but I'd settle for a 61. 🙂
>beautiful Tom! This reminds me of the Malibu, along the same lines. I think my husband owned a 59 Impala… we've owned so many different cars I've lost track…
>Wow, Tom. Everyone of these pictures brings back soooo many memories. A fellow I dated had a red Impala convertable. Love at the car hop.
>Such a little car, such a big engine and wide stance, it was a joy to drive. Wish I had it today.