On October 3, 1959 Ford introduced the Falcon, a car that was the antithesis of Atomic Age excess. “Here is a car that accomplishes the ‘impossible’: gives you the handling and agility of a sports car . . . and the ride and comfort of a big car,” described a period brochure. Available as a Tudor sedan, Fordor (four-door) sedan, and wagon with either two and four doors, the 1960 Ford Falcon featured unit body construction and rode on a 109.5-inch wheelbase. Overall length was 181.2 inches for the sedan and 189 for the wagon. Sedans offered 23 cubic feet of usable trunk space, while wagons featured 76.2 cubic feet cargo space plus a handy retractable window.

Orthodox to a fault, the Falcon featured dual headlamps mounted inside an aluminum grille, while out back Ford’s trademark round taillights clearly suggested this was a product from Dearborn. Inside, the Falcon was designed to seat six in comfort, just like a Galaxie. Standard was gray vinyl with gray nylon inserts, plus armrests adorning both front doors.

The Deluxe Trim and Ornamentation Package added “convenience and glamor at low cost” with rear arm rests, cigarette lighter, white steering wheel with horn ring, rear ash tray, courtesy switches for the dome light, bright-metal window trim, bright taillight trim, and deluxe upholstery in vinyl with pleated tweed nylon in several colors.

An all-new 144 cid six offered great weight-savings over Ford’s full-size Ford’s Mileage-Maker Six. With a single-barrel carburetor, the inline six easily delivered MPG in the mid-20s. Standard transmission was a column-mounted 3-speed manual with synchronizers in 2nd and 3rd gears. Optional was the two-speed Fordomatic Drive.

Popular options included transistorized radio, full wheel covers, electric wipers, windshield washer, tinted windshield, outside mirror, and more. Power steering and brakes were not available.

By the end of the 1960 Falcon model year, 456,703 Falcons (including 21,027 Ranchero pickups) were built. This was more than the Chevrolet Corvair and Plymouth Valiant combined. Ford had a hit on their hands.