Did Ford make a Falcon truck?
When it comes to classic vehicles, Ford's Falcon series is often remembered for its compact cars and station wagons. However, many enthusiasts and collectors wonder whether Ford ever ventured into the truck market with the Falcon name. The answer is yes, Ford did produce a Falcon truck, but it might not be what you expect.
The Ford Falcon Ranchero: A Unique Blend of Car and Truck
Ford's Falcon truck was not a traditional pickup truck but rather a car-based utility vehicle known as the Ford Falcon Ranchero. Introduced in 1960, the Falcon Ranchero was based on the compact Ford Falcon platform, combining the practicality of a truck with the comfort and styling of a car. This innovative design made it a versatile choice for drivers who needed a vehicle for both work and leisure.
Key Features of the Ford Falcon Ranchero
The Falcon Ranchero stood out for its unique design and functionality. Here are some of its key features:
- Compact Size: Built on the Falcon's compact platform, the Ranchero was smaller and more maneuverable than traditional trucks of the era.
- Car-Like Comfort: The Ranchero offered the interior comfort and ride quality of a car, making it a popular choice for daily driving.
- Truck Bed: Despite its car-like appearance, the Ranchero featured a functional truck bed capable of hauling light loads.
- Engine Options: The Falcon Ranchero came with a range of engine options, from economical inline-six engines to more powerful V8s in later models.
Why the Falcon Ranchero Was Significant
The Falcon Ranchero was part of a broader trend in the 1960s where automakers experimented with car-based utility vehicles. It appealed to a niche market of buyers who wanted the utility of a truck without sacrificing the comfort and style of a car. The Ranchero's success also paved the way for similar vehicles, such as the Chevrolet El Camino.
The Legacy of the Falcon Ranchero
Although the Falcon Ranchero was discontinued in the late 1960s, its legacy lives on among classic car enthusiasts and collectors. Its unique blend of car and truck characteristics makes it a standout in automotive history, and well-preserved models are highly sought after today.
In conclusion, while Ford did not produce a traditional Falcon-branded pickup truck, the Falcon Ranchero remains a fascinating chapter in the Falcon's history. It showcased Ford's ability to innovate and adapt to changing market demands, leaving a lasting impression on the automotive world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 1965 Ford Falcon worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $10,500 for a 1965 Ford Falcon in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1965 Ford Falcon? The highest selling price of a 1965 Ford Falcon at auction over the last three years was $21,000.
Is a Ford Falcon rare?
Ford made eight different models of the Ford Falcon in 1963 (not counting Mercury's sibling Comet) for a total production of 328,339 units. For the purposes of building a hot rod, however, the model that carries the highest value by far is the Ford Falcon Futura Sprint hardtop coupe, of which only 10,479 were built.
What year is the most valuable Ford Falcon?
1971
Topping the list – not surprisingly – is the 1971 Falcon GTHO Phase III, a car revered as the world's fastest four-door sedan in its day and one that went on to dominate Bathurst and other racetracks around the country.
What is the difference between a 1964 and a 1965 Ford Falcon?
The 1965 Falcons retained the same basic body styles as the 1964 models. Exterior trim treatments and other minor revisions were the basic visual changes. One noteworthy difference on the Futura models in '65 was the use of stainless steel side trim.
Did Ford make a Falcon pickup?
1961 Ford Falcon Ranchero. When Ford released its compact Ford Falcon line of cars in 1960, it immediately supplied an open-bed pickup body and called it the Ford Falcon Ranchero. At the same time, it began dropping this body style and name from its lineup of full-size cars.
What engine did a 1960 Ford Falcon have?
First generation (1960–1963)
| First generation | |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 144 cu in (2.4 L) Mileage Maker inline six-cylinder (I6) 170 cu in (2.8 L) Mileage Maker I6 260 cu in (4.3 L) Challenger V8 (after 1962) |
| Transmission | 2-speed automatic 3-speed manual 4-speed manual |
| Dimensions |
How much is a 1960 Ford Falcon worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $8,040 for a 1960 Ford Falcon in good condition with average spec.
How much is a 1964 Ford Falcon worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $11,483 for a 1964 Ford Falcon in good condition with average spec.
What year did Ford stop making the Falcon?
2016
Under this plan, Falcon's indirect replacements are the fourth-generation Mondeo from Europe and the sixth-generation Mustang from North America, the latter to retain Ford's Australian V8 heritage. The final Ford Falcon, a blue XR6, rolled off the production line on 7 October 2016.
How many miles per gallon does a 1962 Ford Falcon get?
The fuel economy was good, a claimed 30 mpg‑US (7.8 L/100 km; 36 mpg‑imp), compared to other American cars at the time. The 1962 model year had a Squire model of the four-door station wagon with faux wood trim on the sides.
