This is a great week for my Friday AutoHunter Picks because three out of the four vehicles are unusual. I always try to show something that’s under the radar, but sometimes AutoHunter is full of humdrum pickups and 1940s Chevys. Not this week, so enjoy!
1964 Ford Falcon Sprint
I have had a bias growing up because I thought any American compact was “cheap.” Of course, it stands to reason, but it also ignores the great styling bestowed on some of them. For the Falcon, it all started mid-year 1963 with the slicker roof, eschewing the previous roofline that was deemed dowdy in comparison.
This 1964 Falcon Futura has the Sprint package, which included a standard 289 V8 and bucket seats (console was optional), bringing the Falcon to another level among sporty compacts. Equipment updates include a 347ci small-block stroker from BluePrint Engines and five-speed manual, giving this Falcon more modern driving manners.
1977 AMC Hornet
Another bias from my childhood: never cared for AMCs. Sure, I saw a Javelin on occasion, but the bulk were Rambler Americans and many models from the 1970-80s. There was never any stigma presented to my young mind, but nothing about AMCs piqued my interest.
That stigma is still missing from my paradigm, but it takes a special AMC to get me excited. This 1977 Hornet normally would be utterly forgettable except when was the last time you saw one like this? Golden Ginger with brown vinyl and green Veracruz fabric reclining bucket seats for the win! That is, as long as you’re alright with the Ford straight-six that’s been installed.
1957 BMW Isetta Convertible
Not many people know this, but the Isetta was an Italian car created by Iso (later of Rivolta and Grifo fame). It was then licensed to several companies around the world, but BMW reengineered the microcar and practically co-opted its existence.
This 1957 BMW Isetta is the 300 version, meaning it is driven by a larger 298cc one-cylinder engine. Features include folding top, four-speed manual, rear luggage rack and U.S.-spec chrome bumpers. If you find your commuter needs local, this Isetta would be infinitely more interesting than a Smart car.
1962 Chevrolet Corvair 95 Corvan
These were not common when I was a kid, but every time I see one, I need to check it out. Seems the Greenbriar Sports Wagon is the family van while the Corvan is the panel van though, among Corvair 95 trucks, I tend to see Rampside pickups most often.
This 1962 Corvan stands out thanks to the two-tone paint scheme and aftermarket American Racing mags. Like all of them, it is powered by an 80-horsepower Turbo Air 145 six backed by optional Powerglide. To make the drive more comfortable, an updated JVC AM/FM/CD stereo and custom vinyl seats grace the interior.
Nice Falcon, but I think it’s a 64. Grill and side trim different on a 65.
That is a ’64, you can tell by the chrome side trim. In ’65 the trim was a single straight piece in the same location. That burgundy paint was called “vintage burgundy” by Ford. I had a ’64 Futura model, unfortunately a 4 door, that came with a 170 ci and “3 on the tree” later to be replaced by a 289 ci (hey, yeah it was a junk yard engine…my go to parts store back in the day but it got the job done!)
You are correct.
I myself only recognize it to be a 1964-65 without knowing the nuances with the grille and trim. The seller had it listed as a ’65 so we went with that, though a quick look at the data plate shows it to be a ’64. Then, in the auction, the seller indicated the car was listed as a ’65 in the title, which is a mistake.
I agree that this is a ‘64. The’65 was essentially the same but with different chrome trim on the sides and a different grill with a vertical bar in the middle. My first car was a used ‘64 Falcon. It was the entry level two-door sedan. A very simple car that was sadly underpowered, but it got me around for three years. It’s nicest feature was the color — Prairie Bronze.
P.S. Is that ’64 Falcon Sprint for sale? Where?
Click on the link in the story.
Seller is claiming it’s a ’65 but it seems the grille (and data plate) shows it to be a ’64.
I’d be very interested in this 64 Falcon Sprint. Is it possible to get any info on it?
All the info is there in the links you need to click.
My hubby had red 64. His car in high school 70’s. Gave it to oldest son in 1996 when he turned 16. Still has it to this day. .