Oppo-inions on the '66 Falcon?

"JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7" (jayzayeighty)
03/29/2014 at 19:34 • Filed to: opinion, falcon, ford, mustang

If you're looking for an entry-level American classic, the '66 Falcon is quite possibly the way to go. Sure, it was an economy car; but, one with (comparatively) a bevvy of powertrain options as well as some neat trim levels. Overshadowed by its predecessor, it's been described as stubby due to the minimal overhang, and boring for its generally asthmatic but efficient Thriftpower sixes. But, we can't forget how closely linked these things are to the Mustang: 289/4spd available with a largely Mustang-based chassis. I also think that they can be pretty neat with unique interior and exterior touches on the Futura models. There's a driving slushbox/I6 Futura down the street rusting and just pleading for better treatment (the shrink said that should stop soon with the new pills). So, what do you guys think about the forgotten (ironically-named) Ford?

This one looks particular sporting. Dog dish hubcaps with body colored borders really do it for me.

DISCUSSION (23)

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 19:37

The Falcon is a great car, I've always liked how it looks. Put a tuned 351 in it and you have a monster :)

Howdy Harrell > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 19:41

I think its definitely a unique car and not for everyone. A stock one wont impress your friends, but with some work done these can be SWEEEEEET. I personally would dig a NASCAR or TransAm look.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
03/29/2014 at 19:43

Now you're talking! Tell me how to get the funds now, haha.

evil2win > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 19:44

I've always liked the Falcon. My parents owned several when I was a little kid. A friend in high school had a 66 that we thrashed on the gravel roads of the Rocky Mountains. We beat the crap out of that thing and just kept on going. I like the stylistic rockets on the sides ending in the glowing red tail light rocket engines. As far as I'm concerned they were great little cars. Another favorite of mine are Falcon based Rancheros.

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 19:44

I wish I could... I have a dream myself... AMC Javelin with a brutal twincharged engine under the hood :)

camaroboy68ss > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 19:48

The Mustang actually is falcon based. the 64-66 mustang was designed on the already in place falcon frame.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > camaroboy68ss
03/29/2014 at 19:50

I know, I just figured it would make more sense to say Mustang based because the improvements on the original Falcon in the original Mustang were carried over to the second-gen Falcon. Sorry if that was unclear.

desertdog5051 > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 19:51

My first car was a 60 Falcon. They kept improving them over the years and in 64 and later produced a "decent" performance car. About equal to the Mustang of the time. Being beat out by the Mustang, they were edged out in 1970 in favor of the other cars that were more popular. I called mine the "Comet Vomit" as they were similar to the Mercury version.

Kinja'd!!!

lone_liberal > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 19:58

Relatively small, can take a V8, and can be made to handle using aftermarket Mustang parts, what's not to like? It's not the sexiest car around, but who cares when it can plaster a smile on your face.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 20:07

I don't know much about them, but that one pictured looks unbelievable.

Oh, I do know they were pretty successful in BTCC back in the 60s. I've seen a couple race at Brand Hatch Historics and they were excellent. Easily twice the size of the other cars, but just as quick :)

Kinja'd!!!

jariten1781 > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 20:08

My only experience with the Falcon was the fact that on my grandparents farm in the 90s there was a barn where a Jeep Scrambler and a 3 door Falcon wagon sat being totally neglected. I rescued the Scrambler and got it back on the road, but the barn collapsed around 97 or so before I got the poor Falcon pulled out. I have no clue if it's still sitting out there under the rubble.

awe46m3zcp > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 20:10

My sister had a 65 as her first car. I've always had soft spot for them.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > desertdog5051
03/29/2014 at 20:17

That's awesome! Really neat looking cars, those first-gens. I think Ford should have named them Comet Vomits to begin with.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires
03/29/2014 at 20:19

Neat! I'd forgotten that Falcons were in England. They do look pretty nice in racing form.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > jariten1781
03/29/2014 at 20:20

Whoa, that's really something. It's good that you got that Scrambler out, but I think most Falcons are gone by now.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > lone_liberal
03/29/2014 at 20:22

That sums them up pretty well! A classic's a classic, sexy or not.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Howdy Harrell
03/29/2014 at 20:27

They definitely look best in racing guise. A good alternative to the Nova or Dart for sure.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 20:31

I'm not sure they sold that many of them. I've only really heard of them in touring cars.

Kickass cars though. From a European perspective it's baffling that they were considered economy cars though. They're about double the size of anything else on the track!

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires
03/29/2014 at 20:45

Kinja'd!!!

That's America, for you! The last RWD De Ville was considered extremely downsized. This was after the oil crisis, too.

shop-teacher > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 20:46

I've always dug the Falcons and the Falcon based Rancheros.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 21:13

Jesus that's a Hilux behind it isn't it? It's huge :)

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires
03/29/2014 at 21:19

The car behind it would dwarf a Hilux! It looks like your Hilux but it's a Nissan Titan. Here's one dwarfing a big, boaty CVPI.

Kinja'd!!!

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
03/29/2014 at 21:25

...mind blown.

I want to try driving that Caddy around the UK :)