What is the difference between a 1964 and a 1965 Ford Falcon?
The Ford Falcon, a compact car produced by Ford from 1960 to 1970, underwent several changes throughout its production years. The 1964 and 1965 models, while similar in many ways, have distinct differences that set them apart. In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between these two model years, focusing on design, features, and performance.
Exterior Design Changes
One of the most noticeable differences between the 1964 and 1965 Ford Falcon models lies in their exterior design. Ford made subtle updates to refresh the car's appearance for 1965:
- Grille Design: The 1964 Falcon featured a horizontal bar grille with a clean, simple look. In 1965, Ford introduced a new grille design with a more intricate pattern, giving the car a slightly more modern and aggressive appearance.
- Tail Lights: The tail lights on the 1964 model were round and relatively plain. For 1965, Ford updated the tail lights to a more squared-off design, aligning with the styling trends of the mid-1960s.
- Trim Details: The 1965 Falcon received updated trim options, including new chrome accents and badges, which helped differentiate it from the previous year’s model.
These exterior updates gave the 1965 Falcon a refreshed look while maintaining the compact and practical design that made the Falcon popular.
Interior Updates
Inside the cabin, Ford made several updates to improve comfort and functionality in the 1965 Falcon:
- Dashboard Design: The 1964 Falcon had a simpler dashboard layout, while the 1965 model introduced a more modern design with updated gauges and controls.
- Seat Materials: Ford offered new upholstery options in 1965, providing buyers with more choices for customizing their vehicle’s interior.
- Safety Features: The 1965 model included optional front seat belts as part of Ford’s push to improve vehicle safety during this era.
These interior changes made the 1965 Falcon more appealing to buyers looking for a comfortable and stylish compact car.
Performance and Mechanical Differences
While the 1964 and 1965 Falcons shared many mechanical components, there were some updates under the hood for the 1965 model:
- Engine Options: Both models offered a range of inline-six and V8 engines, but the 1965 Falcon introduced slight improvements in engine tuning for better performance and fuel efficiency.
- Suspension Updates: Ford made minor adjustments to the suspension system in 1965, improving ride quality and handling.
- Transmission Options: The 1965 Falcon offered an updated automatic transmission option, providing smoother shifting compared to the 1964 model.
These mechanical updates ensured that the 1965 Falcon remained competitive in the compact car market, offering improved performance and driving dynamics.
Conclusion
While the 1964 and 1965 Ford Falcons share a common foundation, the updates made for the 1965 model year—particularly in exterior styling, interior features, and mechanical improvements—helped keep the Falcon fresh and appealing to buyers. Whether you prefer the classic simplicity of the 1964 model or the updated look and feel of the 1965 version, both cars remain iconic examples of Ford’s compact car legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What motor came in a 1965 Ford Falcon?
The 289 engine in stock form had 200 horsepower. The Cruise-O-Matic offered 3 forward automatic gears for the first time in a Falcon. The Falcon Sprints and Convertibles were produced in lesser numbers this year. Only 300 Sprint Convertibles and 2,806 Sprint Hardtops were sold in 1965.
What color was the engine in a 1965 Mustang?
The 1965 "proper" models brought about some subtle but important changes to the scheme when compared to the 1964 1/2 models. The switch to using solely Ford Corporate Blue paint on the motors gave the engine bay a distinctive signature look...and made things much easier and less expensive at the factory.
What is a 1965 Ford Falcon worth today?
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.
How can you tell the difference between a 1964.5 and a 1965 Mustang?
1964.5 vs 1965 Mustang Differences: Interior
The easiest thing to check is whether or not the passenger side seat is adjustable. In '64, Ford bolted the passenger seat straight to the floor instead of adding the mechanics to allow for fore/aft adjustments. Fortunately, this was fixed by '65.
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.
How much is a 1964 Falcon worth?
The value of a 1964 Ford Falcon can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $11,483 for a 1964 Ford Falcon in good condition with average spec.
What 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 motor came in a 1964 Ford Falcon?
Engine choices included the 85-hp 144-cu.in. Falcon Six, standard in the base model and Futura hardtop and sedans; the 101-hp 170-cu.in. Special Six, standard in the Futura convertible, optional in others; the extra-cost 116-hp 200-cu.in. Special Six; and the optional 164-hp 260-cu.in.
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 special about a 1964.5 Mustang?
The 1964.5 Mustangs are therefore much rarer and also hold the distinction of being the first production run of the world's most successful car. The special features of the "early” Mustangs include the fact that only the hardtop and convertible models were available.
