What was the last year of the Ford Falcon in the USA?
The Ford Falcon was a beloved compact car that played a significant role in American automotive history. Known for its affordability, reliability, and versatility, the Falcon was a staple in Ford's lineup for many years. However, like all good things, its production eventually came to an end. In this article, we’ll explore the final year of the Ford Falcon in the United States and its legacy in the automotive world.
A Brief History of the Ford Falcon
Introduced in 1960, the Ford Falcon was designed to meet the growing demand for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. It quickly gained popularity due to its practicality and affordability, making it a favorite among families and young drivers alike. Over the years, the Falcon evolved through various body styles, including sedans, wagons, and even a sporty coupe.
The Final Year: 1970
The last year of the Ford Falcon in the United States was 1970. By this time, the Falcon had faced increasing competition from other compact cars and shifting consumer preferences. Ford decided to discontinue the Falcon in favor of newer models that better aligned with the changing market demands, such as the Ford Maverick, which was introduced as its replacement.
Why the Ford Falcon Was Discontinued
Several factors contributed to the discontinuation of the Ford Falcon:
- Market Competition: The compact car market had become increasingly competitive, with rivals like the Chevrolet Nova and Plymouth Valiant gaining traction.
- Changing Consumer Preferences: By the late 1960s, consumers were gravitating toward more modern designs and features, which the Falcon struggled to keep up with.
- Introduction of the Ford Maverick: Ford introduced the Maverick in 1970 as a more contemporary and stylish alternative to the Falcon, effectively replacing it in the lineup.
These factors, combined with the natural lifecycle of automotive models, led to the Falcon's retirement after the 1970 model year.
The Legacy of the Ford Falcon
Although the Ford Falcon is no longer in production, its impact on the automotive industry remains significant. It paved the way for compact cars in the United States and demonstrated that smaller vehicles could be both practical and desirable. Today, the Falcon is remembered fondly by enthusiasts and collectors, with many vintage models still gracing car shows and private collections.
The Ford Falcon's legacy lives on as a testament to Ford's ability to innovate and adapt to the needs of its customers. While its time on the road may have ended, its place in automotive history is firmly secured.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Ford Falcon in the US?
Ford Falcon Ute
Ford is about to bring a small, unibody pickup back to its American range with the introduction of the Maverick. If you want to get an alternative, possibly slightly more authentic take on this segment, then the Ford Falcon XH ute becomes legal to import into the US in 2021.
How much is a 1960 Ford Falcon worth today?
In the last three years there have been 1 1960 Ford Falcons sold at public auction. What is the price of the most recent 1960 Ford Falcon sale? The most recent auction sale of a 1960 Ford Falcon was $4,450 on November 10, 2022 by Clasiq.
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 |
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.
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.
Why doesn't Ford sell the Falcon in the US?
For 1971, Ford adopted the Torino nameplate across its entire intermediate model line, leading to the retirement of both the Falcon and Fairlane nameplates in North America.
Is it legal to own a Falcon in the US?
Because all raptors are protected by state, federal, and international law, all potential falconers must obtain the necessary permits and licenses before acquiring a hawk or practicing falconry. This can take quite a while, since it includes taking a written falconry exam and getting the appropriate signatures.
Why was the Ford Falcon discontinued?
In May 2013, Ford Australia announced the end of local production, which consisted of Falcon and its closely related Territory crossover SUV, by October 2016. This decision was attributable to Ford Motor Company's "One Ford" product development plan introduced in 2008 to rationalise its global range.
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.
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.
