The History of Falcons

[jaybee]

I found this sort of interesting. It's the history of Ford's Falcon chassis, possibly the first platform-based range of cars. Falcon-based cars were sold in the USA from 1960-1980, but the cars lived on in Australia. The article claims the Falcon never got a clean sheet of paper before its demise after 2016. I'm not sure if that's really true, but I found a picture of the underhood of a 1997 Australian Falcon. It shows the same familiar and intrusive shock towers.
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/automotive-histories/automotive-history-fords-falcon-platform-from-falcon-to-versailles-in-18-different-wheelbase-lengthtrack-width-variations/

[kb426]

I always looked at the Falcon as a cheap way to build a car. Years later when I discovered that the Mustang was the same chassis, I was hurt. Enduring design.

[idrivejunk]

I agree it ought to be called the Falcon platform. Just an adjustable sheetmetal box, called upon to house way more engine than what was intended. Extremely versatile but not real sturdy. A good read.

[jaybee]

That's all true. The good news is that between Shelby cars, big block shock tower reinforcements, the Boss 302 stiffening of the lower frame rails and lower control arm pickup points, and the various parts added to the convertibles you can dramatically increase the structural integrity of any of these cars without a massive increase in weight or the hefty price tag of an aftermarket frame. A lot of it can be done with bolt ons or in pieces.

[Crosley.In.AZ]

My 1962 Falcon was a base level car with inline 6...  A friend looked at the Falcon for me. He had built several Mustangs that ran in the high 7s in the 1/4 mile.  His cars had tubes under the car that tied together the unibody from the rockers , front and rear suspension points.  basically an exoskeleton under the car, plus his full spec roll cage.  He offered help when and if I added a bunch of power to the Falcon(not 7 sec power)   

But: I sold the Falcon  and cancer took my friend about 6 years ago.

 

[chimp koose]

I have a buddy with a 64 falcon sedan delivery . He has had it for about 40 years , He will be starting to get it on the road soon . injected5L/5spd going into it