For its first three model years, the Ford’s compact Falcon would get by with six-cylinder power under the hood. But that would change in the middle of the 1963 model year when a 260 cubic inch “Windsor” V8 would be available as an option in the Futura and standard in the new Sprint. There is some confusion as to whether there was a 1963 ½ Falcon and it’s true in the case of the Sprint, which was considered a new model. This Futura has a later model small-block but no transmission and needs considerable cosmetic work. Located in Pleasanton, California, this Falcon is available here on craigslist for $6,500.

Falcon production for 1963 would total 327,979 cars, including 87,250 Futura’s and 18,273 Sprints. As 2-door hardtops with 260 engines, there weren’t many differences between them. Both could be considered dry runs for the Falcon-based Mustang that would emerge a little more than a year later. One way to tell the Futura and Sprint apart was that the series lettering would adorn the trunk lid of the car. In this case, it says F-U-T-U-R-A. Also, Sprints had that name on the front fenders where this one just says 260 V8.

This Futura looks to have led a tough life, especially evident in the interior which has badly deteriorated and the bucket seats are broken. The paint is worn, one fender is a different color, and rust is present. The photos show a progression from the inside of a barn or garage where it sat for some time to the back of a trailer moving from points A to B.

Besides the engine not being original, the car’s automatic transmission has flown the coop. This looks like a project not for the faint of heart, but the seller offers some flexibility to help. He will assist with delivery (for an extra charge no doubt) and he will accept payment in cryptocurrency. The odometer reads 2,000, but the seller acknowledges that it’s flipped over. A Futura might be a less expensive alternative to a Mustang, but in this condition, either one would take the same money to restore.