1965 Ford Falcon Sprint

While the Falcon is an icon in the Australian car market, it's almost an afterthought in the US, only lasting a decade. What started out as Ford's 'import-fighter' for 1960 had grown beyond its economy roots and, by early 1964, had developed a performance niche, via the 'Sprint' package, just prior to the launch of the Mustang. The launch turned out to be more of a stampede, and one of the first casualties was the Falcon Sprint. From almost 20,000 hardtops and convertibles built in 1964, demand plummeted to just over 3,000 Sprints for 1965 - the year of our feature car. You'd think such scarcity would make them highly collectable today, but the Falcon has been largely overlooked by Blue Oval enthusiasts in favour of Galaxies, Thunderbirds, Torinos and - of course - Mustangs. A closer look will reveal that our feature car is no ordinary orphan Sprint, though.

If the beefy twin exhausts aren't a giveaway, then the even beefier cowl induction fibreglass bonnet certainly should be! A 289ci V8 was standard fitment on the '65 Falcon Sprint, but this particular car has been treated to a new 302ci V8 crate motor with Ford Racing alloy heads, Edelbrock hi-rise inlet manifold, Holley 4 barrel 750 CFM double pumper carby, alloy radiator, twin (mandrel-bent) exhausts, top loader and mini spool rear. If that's not enough, NOS nitrous oxide has also been plumbed in. With all that muscle on tap, it should come as no surprise that the previous owner (a GoodGuys Rod & Custom Association member in the US) used this Pro Street beast on the dragstrip. Its quarter mile times are unknown, but vendors, Geezers Classic Garage are confident the engine package can put out 380+hp without tuning, or tapping the nitrous.

Exterior-wise, the Weld wheels look good, while the smoothness of the (very) dark blue exterior points to a very straight and rust free body. Since it's been in their possession, Geezers have added a new rear seat, retrimmed the front bucket seats, and recarpeted the boot. The combination of Monster tacho, Summit triple gauge cluster and Hurst shifter with comfort features like the standard seat belts and comprehensive Kenwood CD sound system shows that our feature car was built as a streeter, although it's not one you'd want to be using for your daily commute! As the name suggests, this would be a great car for a sprint up - or down - to your nearest drag strip for a few runs on the quarter mile. This baby's been loaded up to the gunwales with performance goodies, so it makes sense to use them to their best advantage. Unloved. Unwanted. It breaks my heart to see a machine with so much potential without a new owner!

So, if you're looking for a Falcon with a difference, or a performance Ford that offers more grunt than a similar-spec Mustang for a LOT less money, then this car is worthy of closer attention. Contact Geezers for full specs - and a test drive - because this Sprint isn't for the faint-hearted!
Mike Ryan

WHAT, WHERE, WHEN & HOW MUCH
Model: Ford Falcon Sprint
Year: 1965
Dealer: Geezers Classic Garage
14 Hinde St,
Ashmore, QLD, 4214
Ph: 07 5528 2801
Price: $28,000
0-100 kph: about 5 seconds (with NOS)
Best point: Power a-plenty
Worst point: Can you handle it?
Recommendation: Awesome weekend weapon!

Trivia: In order to give themselves every possible chance of winning the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally, Ford fielded no fewer than EIGHT Falcon Sprints. The result? 2nd - ouch!