Falcon 170 Six (Gen 1)

STORY

The Falcon was Ford's first compact car. Production began in 1959 and the 1960 model year was the first. Robert McNamara, then Ford's general manager, pushed for a light, cheap car, and it used a unibody with a conventional suspension. The launch engine was a 144 cubic inch inline six rated at 90 hp, a 170 cubic inch six became optional for 1961 and a 260 cubic inch V8 arrived in February 1963. It sold strongly from the start. Bodies included sedans, wagons, hardtops, convertibles, a coupe utility that was the basis of the Ranchero, and a sedan delivery. The 1964 Mustang was based largely on the Falcon. The 1970 model year was the last for the American Falcon; the Maverick arrived in 1969 as Ford's new compact. The Australian Falcon is a different car and has its own entry.