The Story

This 1962 Ford Falcon Futura rolled off the Lorain, Ohio assembly line on October 4, 1961, wearing its original Sandshell Beige paint over a Pearl Beige interior. Under the hood was a 170ci inline-six paired with a 2-speed Fordomatic automatic and a 7.5-inch axle with 3.50:1 gears. The factory engine and transmission have been upgraded to a healthy 302 and C4. The Futura represented Ford's upscale answer to the compact car market it had created just two years earlier. Introduced in 1960 as Ford's entry into the growing small car segment, the Falcon was an immediate success, selling over 417,000 units in its first year.

By 1962, Ford had refined the formula with the Futura trim level, which added bucket seats, deluxe interior appointments, and sleeker styling to differentiate it from the utilitarian base models. The Futura was positioned as a sporty, economical alternative to larger cars, and its success helped establish the template that would evolve into the legendary Mustang just two years later. The compact 109.5-inch wheelbase, simple mechanicals, and lightweight unibody construction made the Falcon an ideal platform for modification and hot rodding.

The seller purchased this Falcon from a neighbor who had acquired it as his first classic car, hoping to immerse himself in the hobby and learn restoration. However, family and business obligations put that dream on hold, and the car sat idle for 10 months. When the seller purchased it, the Falcon was not running due to wiring issues, which have since been corrected and upgraded. The car now runs and drives with a healthy 302 V8 swap replacing the original inline-six.

The Falcon holds a clean California title in the seller's name. There is a reserve that needs to be met in order for it to sell.

What You Get

Drivetrain & Chassis:
The engine is a healthy 302 V8 with iron heads, replacing the original inline-six. It features an Edelbrock Performer intake, street/strip cam, Quick Fuel carburetor, and stock exhaust manifolds. The distributor has been converted with a Pertronix unit and blocked vacuum advance. The prior owner reportedly said it was a stroker of larger displacement, but no documentation exists to confirm this. Dual exhaust with turndowns before the axle produces a raspy, deep sound. The fuel line to the carburetor includes a fuel pressure regulator and gauge. Cooling is handled by an electric fan with thermostatic relay and override switch, maintaining excellent temperatures in the 160-170 degree range. The battery has been relocated to the trunk and is mounted in a steel box, grounded to both body and engine. The transmission is a 3-speed automatic C4. The factory 7.5-inch axle is in place. Included is an 8-inch housing from a 1965 Mustang that will need to be narrowed, plus a freshly rebuilt pumpkin with 2.80:1 gears and open differential.

The stance is lower than stock due to nearly flat rear leaf springs and unknown front coil springs, which may have been cut. Air shocks have been added in the rear and are functioning. The ride is firm but not bone-jarring. The 13-inch steel wheels are deep dish and estimated to be 6 to 6.5 inches wide. An additional set of 13-inch steel wheels with a 5-lug pattern are included.

Body & Frame:
The body is solid and straight with no visible metal issues. The paint has some chips and remnants of tape where the trim goes. The doors, hood, and trunk all open and close very well. The car is currently painted in its original shade of Sandshell Beige. All body trim is included. The frame is clean and free of rust. A car cover is included.

Interior & Floors:
The dash appears to have the original paint and knobs. The gauge cluster is in excellent condition and may have been replaced. The steering wheel is an aftermarket wood-rimmed style. Aftermarket gauges include a column-mounted AutoMeter tachometer and underdash-mounted Equus fuel gauge, oil pressure, voltage, and water temperature. There is an ignition activation button under the dash that needs to be pressed to start the car. Additional insulation padding has been added under the carpet and can be seen in various places. The shifter was moved from the column to the floor and does not currently have a cover, but the seller has made a fiberglass cover that will be covered in black vinyl. The upholstery has been redone in non-factory colors and shows a few flaws.

The floors appear rust free with factory undercoating throughout. The subframes are in good condition.

What You Need

Drivetrain & Chassis:
The oil pan has a dent and needs replacement. A replacement cast aluminum oil pan is included. The transmission is not shifting into third gear. It is believed to be something minor like the modulator after a quick check and drive by a transmission mechanic. The rear suspension needs leveling due to flat leaf springs. The front suspension likely has cut springs and should be addressed for proper ride height and handling. The tires are approximately 20 years old and need replacement.

Body & Frame:
The side trim needs reinstallation. There is some old body work on the passenger fender under the headlight and on the bumper filler panel. All weather stripping is dry and cracked and should be replaced. The bumpers can be painted or re-chromed. Nothing is needed for the frame.

Interior & Floors:
The upholstery is in good condition with only a small seam separation on the driver seat and the passenger rear door panel. The front door panels do not sit flush and some areas are not tucked into the trim. The headliner is missing. The wiring under the dash works but could use tidying.