What was the first Ford Falcon?
The first Ford Falcon was Ford's first mass‑market compact car, the 1960 Ford Falcon, introduced for the 1960 model year in the United States.
What began as Ford’s answer to the growing demand for economical, family-friendly transportation in the early 1960s quickly grew into a multi-generational lineage. The Falcon not only redefined Ford’s American lineup, but its influence also extended across the globe, shaping Ford’s products for decades and helping pave the way for one of the company’s most enduring models, the Mustang, which drew on Falcon engineering and markets for its own development.
Origins and Launch
The Falcon was born in a period when Ford needed a modern, economical car to compete in the rising compact-car segment after the Edsel program and shifting market dynamics. Unveiled in the United States for the 1960 model year, the Falcon was designed as a smaller, lighter alternative to Ford’s larger family sedans, with a focus on affordability and practicality. It launched in several body styles and would evolve through many generations over the years.
First-generation body styles
To illustrate the range available when the Falcon debuted, consider the typical options in the early years:
- Two‑door and four‑door sedans
- Station wagon variants
- Entry-level economy trimmed models alongside nicer, more feature-rich variants
These configurations helped the Falcon reach a broad audience, from cost-conscious buyers to those seeking a practical family car, and the formula would inform Ford’s approach to small and mid-size cars for years to come.
Legacy and Global Reach
Beyond the United States, Ford’s international operations developed their own Falcon programs. In Australia, for example, Ford launched a local Falcon in 1960, and the Australian Falcon developed into a distinct lineage that endured far beyond the U.S. Falcon’s lifecycle, becoming a staple of Australian roads and Ford’s local lineup.
Australian Falcon: a distinct lineage
In Australia, the Falcon grew into a long-running family of vehicles, adapting to local tastes and conditions with multiple generations, body styles, and special variants. The Australian Falcon line persisted for decades, contributing to Ford Australia’s market leadership and becoming a cultural icon in its own right.
- 1960 marked the start of local Falcon production in Australia, beginning a separate but parallel evolution from the U.S. model
- Over the years, the Falcon in Australia expanded to sedans, wagons, and utility variants (utes), among others
- The Australian Falcon line remained in production in various forms well into the 2010s, illustrating its lasting appeal
Overall, the first Ford Falcon set in motion a broad family of cars whose influence extended far beyond a single model year. Its emphasis on economy, practicality, and adaptable design helped Ford navigate the shifting automotive landscape of the 1960s and beyond.
Summary
In short, the first Ford Falcon was the 1960 model-year Falcon from Ford USA—the company’s inaugural modern compact car. Its success prompted a long-running family of vehicles in the United States and a distinct Falcon lineage in Australia, shaping Ford’s approach to small and mid-size cars for decades and contributing to the development of the legendary Mustang.
What was the first year for Ford Falcon?
The Ford Falcon first came out in 1959 as a 1960 model year car, officially introduced on September 2, 1959. It went on sale to the public shortly after, on October 3, 1959, and was an instant success, with dealers selling out their initial production run quickly, as shown in this Facebook post.
- Introduction: The car was introduced by Henry Ford II on September 2, 1959.
- Public Debut: It was first available to the public on October 3, 1959.
- Initial Success: The Falcon was an immediate hit, with its initial production run of 97,000 cars selling out by October 9, 1959.
What is the rarest Ford Falcon?
The 6- door 1970 Falcon is a one-off vehicle manufactured in 1970 it is the only 6 door XY Falcon ever created. The vehicle is even rarer than one of 3 surviving Ford GTHO phase IVs.
What was the first falcon?
The Ford Falcon (XK) is a mid-sized car that was produced by Ford Australia between 1960 and 1962. It was the first of seven generations of the Falcon, produced until 2016.
How much is a 1964 Ford Falcon worth?
The value of a 1964 Ford Falcon varies significantly, but in good condition with average specs, it's typically around $12,025. Prices can range from a low of around $3,300 for a project car to over $45,000 for a rare, high-quality example like a Sprint model, and are heavily dependent on factors like condition, specific trim (like a Sprint or Futura), and modifications.
Factors influencing value
- Condition: A car in excellent, well-maintained condition with low mileage will be worth more than one needing significant restoration.
- Trim level: Higher-end models like the Sprint, which came with a V8 engine and performance upgrades, are generally more valuable than base models.
- Body style: Convertibles and hardtops often command higher prices than sedans or wagons.
- Modifications: Desirable or well-executed modifications can increase value, while poorly done ones can decrease it.
- Originality: A car with its original engine and other factory components can be more desirable to collectors.
Typical price ranges
- Average condition: Around $12,025 for a standard model, according to Hagerty.
- Project car: As low as $3,300, according to Hagerty.
- High-end/rare: Over $45,000 for a pristine example with desirable features, with some auction prices reaching higher, notes Cars.com and Classic.com.
- For sale listings: Prices on sites like Classics on Autotrader and eBay can vary from about $6,500 to over $42,500.
