Nice evening sunset on a January Texas day...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Swvams5bwMQ
This little hardtop has quite a story. I have had it just since 2007; the first owner was in CA and he kept every shred of paper on the car, thoroughly documenting the Sprint options and status...window sticker, first CA black plates, registration and everything else! The guys who bought it from his family took it to AZ where it was stored and although not restored, did get some new seat covers in the original style.
Ford built 15,081 Falcon Sprints for 1963:
- 10,479 hardtops
- 4602 convertibles
It is a great driving car, now lowered on AirRide and some American Racing Salt Flat wheels. What I like best about it is that it is not 'restored' but a survivor car that has been well cared for over its 45 yrs.
The power is a small 260 V8, rebuilt to OE specs and trim.
The Shockwaves were installed up front.
AirOverLeaf installed out back after removing a few leaf springs.
The AirPod fits nicely in the trunk and greatly simplifies the AirRide installation. 4 airlines, a control cable and 3 electrical leads are all that is needed.
The molded cover looks just right and tucks nicely under the fender.
A little "before" the wheels and suspension picture here, note that all modifications were only made if reversible back to stock, that was a key item of importance. No cutting was required and the history of the car remains.
Handling, appearance, car control and cool factor were all improved by the changes. I carefully choose the parts in order to bring interest for the younger hot rodders and at the same time make the traditionalist 60's car guys look twice.. at least I hope that is the result!!
The American Racing Salt Flat wheels suit the car perfectly. The wheels are 17x7 custom backspaced and the tires are BfGoodrich KDW2's, sized 215/45-17. These are as big a wheel and tire I could fit under the round body without rubbing and without making any cuts, trims, or modifications to the body.
The Door Tag has been decoded to verify the options, trim, engine, rear axle ration as well as the color and other mechanical items are correct for the car.
The AirRide ECU is controlled by the unit. The remote key fob allows sitting the ride height to one of the 3 presets from outside the car. The AirRide programmer automatically sets the car to Ride Height #2 when you turn on the key.
The Window Sticker, the real deal not a copy, a bit tattered on the edges but it is from 1963!!
The CA Black Plate..
What is a "California Black Plate car?"
This phrase is used a lot regarding classic cars. What it means is that the car STILL bears its original black and yellow California license plate.
Initiated in 1962 to replace the yellow plates that were used from 1956, the Black Plate is the first license plate in California history not required to be surrendered to the DMV for the next issue plates.
The very desirable Black Plate will only be on cars that were registered in California between the years of 1962 and 1970. The original California car that proudly wears the Black Plate is coveted by hobbyists and collectors the world over.
The CA Black Plate series began in 1963 (when ALL vehicles were issued the new plates) and ended in 1969. Contrary to popular belief, a black plate can NOT be LEGALLY applied to a car that it was not originally issued to. The California black plates add a very nice touch of history and provenance.
This plate is the original plate issued to this 1963 Ford Falcon Sprint, verified by records on file beginning on the date of purchase, July 9th, 1963.
This is another plate issued to the Falcon Sprint, during its time in AZ. It is gold in color.
