Fordnatics List Archive

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: (email redacted) (Marty Merritt)

The Ford Falcon was introduced as a 1960 model, with 2 and 4 door sedans
and wagons. The Falcon Futura was introduced for the 1961 model year; it
was the "highline" two-door coupe with fancier chrome trim and hubcaps. It
had bucket seats with a center storage console, one of the first
appearances of that feature on an "economy" car. Although it was called a
"sports" model, what that really meant was the two-door body style and the
fancier interior and trim, as it did for many vehicles of the time. I have
no evidence that the Futura had any additional performance features.

The Futura name survived until the 1969 model year. It was revived for the
1978 Fairmont coupe, once again a "highline economy" model with a fancier
grille and brightwork, and remained for the rest of the Fairmont lifespan.

I can find no Ford in the years from 1940 to 1961 with the Futura name. I
assume that it would not be worth the trouble to research prior years;
"Futura" is not characteristic of prewar model names.

How do I know so much? Two wonderful books for car buffs: American Car
Spotter's Guide 1940-1965 and American Car Spotter's Guide 1966-1980, both
by Tad Burness, published by Motorbooks International. *Highly*
recommended. There are other books in the series dealing with trucks,
vans, and imported cars. There may be newer editions out now; I hope
they're not out of print.

Cheers,

Marty Merritt
(email redacted)