1963 Ford Falcon Sprint V8 Convertible (RHD)

Ford based the legendary Mustang on the little known Falcon Sprint, a compact sold in either hardtop or convertible guise between 1963 and 1965, with plenty of performance on tap thanks to the introduction of a powerful new small-block V8. The 260-cid engine was the only power option for the 1963 Sprint although buyers could choose from three different transmissions, including a three-speed column-shift manual, four-speed floor-mounted manual or two-speed auto. Built on a Falcon platform revised to handle the extra power, there was also heavy-duty suspension, beefed-up 10-inch drums along with additional exterior brightwork and unique 'Sprint' lettering. The interior featured a centre-mounted 6,000rpm tacho, unique 16-inch woodgrain steering wheel, deluxe bucket seats up front along with a centre console housing a neat storage compartment. A team of Falcon Sprints were sent to Europe, prepared for rallying by Alan Mann's shop in England and put on a fine showing during the 1963 season much to the surprise of the local opposition. In fact, if it hadn't been for the introduction of the Mustang mid-way through 1964 in an attempt to bolster sales, the Falcon Sprint would have enjoyed a much higher profile today and is nonetheless regarded as the genuinely collectible in Ford circles, partly due to the small production run. Just 4,602 Sprint convertibles were produced in 1963, tiny numbers by Ford standards, and few survive in such good order.