Description

It shouldn't be a surprise that the Ford Falcon makes a pretty decent performance car. But take a closer look at this 1965 Falcon Futura, which combines a slick blacked-out look with a cackling 331 cubic inch small block to create a Mustang-beater at half the price.

Even at a glance you can tell this Falcon means business. Maybe it's the satin black bumpers or the bright neon green stripe in the trim, but they didn't make any pretense of keeping it stock when this one went together. Finish quality is quite good throughout, and the sleek hardtop body has the dimensions of a Mustang and the look of a Galaxie, so it's muscular any way you look at it. Nothing was shaved, deleted, or trimmed during the makeover, but they did focus on getting it straight enough to wear that black paint with pride. That long side trim doesn't let you off easy, either, so plenty of time went into getting the gaps tight and all the panels lined up just right, so it fits together quite well. The trim that remains is shiny and in good condition and somehow the car looks even racier with some of the brightwork left intact instead of totally blacked-out. Nice!

The interior keeps it pretty stock, too, including the factory bench seats fore and aft. Recent seat covers and carpets certainly help and it looks like the door panels were replaced at the same time. Falcon instrument panels didn't offer a lot of information, so the usual Auto Meter gauges were fitted down low, right next to the AM/FM/CD stereo head unit, which allows the original AM radio to remain in the dash. You can ignore that column shifter, because it's been superseded by a B&M shifter linked to the 3-speed automatic underneath. And if those features aren't enough to convince you that this Falcon is more than a mere "nice cruiser," just have a look in the trunk where you'll find a relocated battery (to make room for the oversized small block up front) and a big blue bottle of nitrous oxide that will do some very interesting things in the horsepower department.

That small block is a Ford Racing 331 cubic inch V8, and it fits so well that you'd almost think that it was designed that way. In truth, almost any small V8 is a tidy fit, but with a few well-chosen components this one looks and acts far more ferocious than any 289. Framed by a custom shock tower brace, the satin black engine looks mean before you even turn the key. A big Holley 4-barrel and a set of Canfield aluminum heads make the power feel effortless, and it has been fitted with the accessory drive from a Fox Mustang 5.0 (well, some of it, anyway) so it's reliable, too. A big aluminum radiator with electric fan keeps it cool with ease, and long-tube headers feed a Flowmaster dual exhaust system with turn-downs just ahead of the rear axle. Flashy chrome American Racing Torque Thrust wheels complete the look and wear 205/60/15 front and 225/60/15 rear Cooper radials.

This Falcon is a neat cruiser that makes plenty of power to humble the big guys, all for a bargain price. Call today!