Replete with “Total Performance” bravado, the Falcon returned for 1964 with a mature and contemporary redesign. The Falcon kept its 109.5-inch wheelbase but marginally grew in length, width and weight, with chiseled features and a slanted grille. “The economy that made Falcon famous . . . plus new style, comfort and the plushest ride ever built into a compact car!” All told, there were 17 Falcon models, five engines, and four transmissions – something for just about every consumer.

The 1964 Ford Falcon two- and four-door sedans continued to represent Ford utility in true form, displaying squared-off rooflines and little ornamentation. The Deluxe (sometimes listed in literature as the Convenience Package) offered much of the same trim upgrades as before albeit for the new-gen model.

As usual, the Futura series offered even more glitz, with chrome trim running along the side contours, rear fender chevrons, and rear panel trim, plus full carpeting and more luxurious seating surfaces. The Futura convertible received the Special Six upgrade as standard. Futura Sports Coupe and Sports Convertible models continued to include lush bucket seats and console, but in several months the Mustang would take that formula and give America something new and different.

At the top was the Ford Falcon Sprint, making a return for its first full-fledged model year. “Full-width 3-passenger front seat, sports-type steering wheel, all-vinyl trim, wire-style wheel covers are standard highlights,” said the brochure, suggesting that bucket seats and tachometer were no longer standard. The 260 V-8 continued to be the only available engine. For the 1964 Ford Falcon wagons, it was business as usual – Standard (still offering a two-door), Deluxe and Squire. The 170 Special Six was standard for all wagons.

Falcon’s tried-and-true Falcon Six with 85 horsepower continued to march on, as did the 101-horse 170 Special Six. Optional for any model and an increasingly popular choice was the 164-horse 260 V-8. What was new was a 200 Special Six with 116 horsepower, which was optional for all models save the Sprint. Standard for the two smaller sixes was a 3-speed manual, but a new Synchro-Smooth Drive (a fully synchronized 3-speed) was standard for the V-8 and not available for any of the sizes. The 200 Special Six was only available with Fordomatic, which was optional for all other engines save the Falcon Six. The 4-speed was restricted to the 170 Special Six or the V-8.

Despite the redesign, Falcon continued its sales decline, with 318,961 built. Thanks to the Mustang, Americans had a new idea of what a compact could be.