Ford Falcon
ENGINE 4727cc/V8/OHV POWER 200bhp@4400rpm TORQUE 282lb ft@2400rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 113mph 0-60MPH 8.2sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 14-19mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT April 2018 ODOMETER 67,705 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
This Falcon Futura Sprint 289 is effectively a Ford Mustang with a different body. The big V8 comes to life easily enough, even from cold. Ample reserves of power come on stream seamlessly when accelerating, accompanied by a wall of V8 rumble. It feels expertly tuned, but less self-assured in the corners, but this is a model quirk rather than a problem with this particular example. The power-assisted brakes have been upgraded to front discs and are sharp and effective. Changing gear requires the clutch pedal to be depressed almost to its limit, with reverse a little tricky to select until you’ve got used to finding it. The stick is smooth through its other four ratios, though.
BODYWORK CHECK
They body is all in largely superb order, from the Rangoon Red paintwork, to the chrome and prominent American Racing 15in Torq Thrust II alloy wheels. The central white flashes line up well on both sides and are testament to the panel fit. Scrutinising the body reveals a few minute paint bubbles on the offside rear roof pillar, but it looks to be more application than any problems underneath. The Goodrich Radial TA tyres all have plenty of life left in them. Undersealing has been carried out underneath.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
There’s plenty of red in here, including on the vinyl seats, doorcards, carpets and dashboard. It is all in very good condition, with discernible light patina limited to the plastic ‘chrome’ dashboard insert. Lap belts are fitted due to the pillarless construction. The large chrome rev counter on top of the steering column obstructs the strip speedometer, so a new owner will probably want to relocate it. The original integrated radio doesn’t seem to be working; neither is the dash temperature gauge, but the one in the middle row of three auxiliary dials does the job instead.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine bay, which is dominated by a rather convoluted-looking tubular cross-brace and huge Cobra air filter housing (which in turn shelters the Holley four-barrel carburettor beneath), is pretty much to show standard. A little elbow grease to remove some of the light grime currently visible on the inner wings – which hide it well, because they’re painted black – would make things even better. Idle when warm is a stable 750rpm, with good oil pressure. There have been some suspension and chassis upgrades; it’s believed that the car was raced in the US before becoming part of a Canadian collection.
THE CCW VIEW
This is a rare find in the UK and makes an interesting alternative to the more common Mustang, with which it shares much of its platform. It’s incredibly eye- (and ear-) catching, and everything seems up to scratch cosmetically and mechanically. If you’re looking for an old school US monster, then this blunt, but also rather stunning instrument has lots of appeal. You’d struggle to find a better one this side of The Pond.