What were the options for the 1964 Ford Falcon?
The 1964 Ford Falcon offered a compact but flexible lineup with multiple trims, powertrains, and body styles to suit practical buyers and those seeking a touch of sportiness. In essence, you could choose among trim levels, engines, transmissions, and body configurations, plus a range of optional equipment.
Below is a detailed look at how buyers could configure a 1964 Falcon, organized by category: trims and variants, powertrains, transmissions, body styles and interior finishes, and optional equipment. This overview reflects the common options offered in the 1964 model year, with notes where markets or specific build sheets varied.
Model lineup and trim levels
The Falcon family in 1964 was available in a few distinct trims, balancing value with features and style. The primary options were arranged to give buyers a base model with practical equipment and higher-end trims with upgraded interiors and added styling cues.
- Falcon (base): The entry level, focused on economy and practicality with essential features.
- Falcon Deluxe: A stepped-up interior and equipment package offering more comfort and convenience.
- Falcon Futura: The sportier, more premium trim with upgraded trim materials, styling accents, and often enhanced seating.
These trim levels provided a progression in equipment and styling, allowing buyers to prioritize economy, comfort, or a more stylish presentation without moving to a larger, more expensive model.
Powertrain options
Engine choices for the 1964 Falcon covered a range of economical inline-sixes, with a V8 option available on higher trims for added performance. The available powerplants could be paired with different transmissions to suit driving preferences.
- Inline-six engines: 144 cu in (base), 170 cu in, and 200 cu in variants were commonly offered across the Falcon lineup.
- V8 option: A 260 cu in V8 was available on higher trims, providing a noticeable boost in power for drivers seeking more performance.
The emphasis across the Falcon line was efficiency and practicality, with the V8 option serving as a performance upgrade rather than the baseline choice.
Transmission and drive options
Transmission choices complemented the powertrain lineup, giving buyers manual and automatic options to match their driving style and budget. The Falcon offered traditional manuals as well as Ford’s automatic shifting options of the era.
- 3-speed manual transmissions: Available with various gear-shift configurations, including column or floor-mounted shifters, depending on the engine and trim.
- 4-speed manual transmissions: Optional on certain configurations, typically paired with higher-performance setups or V8 powertrains.
- Fordomatic (2-speed automatic): A commonly available automated option across many Falcon models.
- Cruise-O-Matic (3-speed automatic): A more advanced automatic transmission option that could be selected on many engines/trims for easier cruising.
Automatic transmissions were favored by buyers seeking convenience in daily driving, while manual options remained attractive for cost savings and a more involved driving experience.
Body styles and interior options
Body configuration and interior choices allowed for practical family use, cargo versatility, or a touch more style on premium trims. Availability could vary by body style and market, but several common configurations were standard in the 1964 Falcon lineup.
- Body styles: 2-door sedan, 4-door sedan, and 4-door wagon were widely offered, with occasional sporty or hardtop variations in certain trims.
- Convertible option: Select trims and markets offered a convertible variant, typically on the higher-end lines or special order.
- Interior finishes: A range of seating fabrics and vinyl upholstery, with bucket-seat configurations more common on Futura or higher-trim models; carpeting and upgraded trim were available on Deluxe and Futura.
- Options and accessories: Radios (AM), heaters, and various comfort items; power steering and power brakes were available as add-ons, with air conditioning offered in select packages or markets.
Buyer choices here emphasized practicality for daily use, with some trims leaning into a sportier or more comfortable interior experience, depending on the selected package.
Notable packages and optional equipment
Beyond base equipment, several option packages and individual features allowed buyers to tailor the Falcon to their preferences, from convenience to styling and performance accents.
- Futura packages: Styling and interior upgrades that enhanced the look and feel of the cabin and exterior trim.
- Performance-oriented touches: Available seating and trim configurations that gave some Falcon models a sportier character, particularly in Futura lines.
- Convenience and comfort options: Radio selections, heater, and, on some builds, power steering or power brakes for easier daily use.
- Climate and electronics: Air conditioning was offered in limited configurations or markets, often as part of a more comprehensive option bundle.
These options allowed buyers to move from a basic transport appliance to a more refined or personalized vehicle without stepping up to a larger Ford model.
Summary
The 1964 Ford Falcon blended economy with optional upgrades, giving buyers a range of trims (Falcon, Deluxe, and Futura), multiple inline-six engines plus a 260 cu in V8 on higher trims, manual and automatic transmissions, and several body styles with interior and equipment options. The result was a compact car that could be configured for straightforward daily driving or a slightly more premium, stylish package, depending on budget and needs.
In a lot of markets, these configurations helped the Falcon compete as a practical choice in the compact category, offering a balance of efficiency, versatility, and a touch of sophistication through the Futura and Deluxe trims. Buyers could select from a combination of engines, transmissions, body styles, and options to tailor the car to their specific preferences.
What was special about the 1964 Ford Falcon?
For the 1964 year, Ford added a Sprint Package, which gave the Falcon the Fairlane's 260 V8, a stiffer suspension, and a louder exhaust.
What engine 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.
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.
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