The year 1965 was an odd one for the Ford Falcon because the company put its attention on other models like the redesigned full-size series and the ultra-successful Mustang. Available Falcon models declined by four to 13 overall, and they received only small detail changes thanks to being a relatively fresh design. Conspicuous updates included a grille with a new horizontal pattern, and side trim that was now stainless steel instead of anodized aluminum.

Not much changed for the standard 1965 Ford Falcon aside from the Falcon badge being moved up to the contour on the front fender. The Deluxe/Convenience Package continued to be the popular way to have a touch of class while pinching pennies.

The Falcon Futura sedans were “the compacts most like big cars. There’s roomy comfort for six passengers with a surprisingly spacious trunk. The ride is the plushest in the compact world.” With fancier interior choices and color-keyed full carpeting, the ’65 Falcon Futura was the best of all worlds.

The sleek Futura hardtop and convertible continued to be the style leaders, although the Futura Sports series was no longer available. Nonetheless, bucket seats and buckets/console were available as independent options. The Falcon Sprint was now relegated to an option a package that included standard V-8 and bucket seats, but the console was standard only on the convertible. All the other neat stuff that previously was included in Sprint models was optional.

Little was changed with the Falcon wagons. The same four basic models (standard two-door and four-door, Deluxe four-door, and Falcon Squire four-door) were available, while the commercial-grade sedan delivery made its last appearance. The brochure proclaimed, “Of course, all the ’65 new Falcon features are here as well. Like the alternator and the longer-lived battery.”

In engine news, the 170 Special Six was now standard, fresh from a horsepower bump to 105, although confusingly renamed Falcon Six. Likewise, the former 200 Special Six, which was now known as the Fairlane Six, also receiving a bump to 120 horses. The 260 cid V-8 was replaced by a 200-horse 289. Four transmissions continued to be available but Ford’s 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic Drive (available for all engines) replaced the 2-speed Fordomatic.

Despite the obvious decline in Falcon excitement (thanks, Mustang!) there was one noteworthy special edition. It is estimated that seven Falcons received the 271-horsepower 289 High-Performance engine, all produced in Canada for the Canadian market. Equipment like 4-speed, 9-inch rear, and dual exhausts were all part of the package. In the States, if you wanted a Hi-Po compact that wasn’t a Mustang, you’d have to move to the Mercury Comet.

The market was evolving rapidly, and the 1965 Ford Falcon seemed to be on the short end on the stick. Total production fell drastically to 233,641. Considering the Mustang was an evolution of the Futura Sports and Sprint, Ford could remain content that sales were just fine.