If the hipster aesthetic was initially based around reappropriating squareness and feigning frugality, I suppose it makes sense that this would be the four-wheeled poster child (though I wonder if anyone non-enthusiast ever thought much about it). Ironically enough–and luckily for Ford–Chrysler would screw it up with their intermediates’ similarly sparse 1971 replacements, ceding that higher-profit margin segment to Dearborn’s bloat-mobiles. That car, in sedan form, didn’t exactly define glamour in the intermediate class take away all the trim which distinguished it as a more expensive car, along with some length, and you’re left with this big, empty box. It’s unusual, too, given that Ford’s interiors were often more lavishly trimmed than the competition’s, but it’s likely related to the fact that the Falcon sedan shared its central section with the Fairlane, with undeniable similarities in the roofline. It’s possibly an unfair comparison to yesterday’s Dart, which was both partially restored and slightly upmarket in comparison, but I’d still argue that even the most basic Valiant was more appealing place to spend time than the cheapest Falcon. You can see here why some drivers might have spurned the Falcon in the late ’60s there’s little about this interior which is charming relative to contemporary compacts, though I concede it’s not completely original or well preserved. When you start renaming your cars without truly altering their technology or mission, you clearly have an image problem, and it shows that by the end of its life, Falcon must have been decidedly un-hip to American drivers (sort of like a 1994 Ford Tempo imagine one of those used as a fashion statement in 2039). While the Chevy II model name was quickly phased out by the higher-trim Nova nameplate as applied to its wide-body replacement, the similarly conceived Falcon was completely recast as the smaller Maverick, severing any topical association with its forebear. That quality, which makes it popular with a certain demographic today, was a liability by 1969 and the nameplate was retired by 1971. This Falcon makes an excellent counterpoint to yesterday’s Dart it really was the most lo-fi compact of its time. Who should I find was the owner of this car, but the middle-aged founder of a local indie record label who I’d seen an hour earlier while sifting through records: basically, the sort of person who could be casually, and carelessly, passed off as the prototypical hipster (though in actuality, an outgoing guy with a great sense of humor). I saw this from about a half-mile away during a walk home from the record store yesterday afternoon and knew I’d be putting it up on CC, despite being yet another white find. It’s likely many of you can also guess the sort of person who drives this sort of car around these days. ![]() When it comes to cars built and sold before my time, any accuracy in judging people based on their consumptive patterns is naturally lesser, but some models, like this 1969 Falcon have acquired new cultural significance in their old age. The timestamp is only as accurate as the clock in the camera, and it may be completely wrong.People have often remarked on my uncanny ability to stereotype people I’d argue this dubious skill was sharpened through my observation and love of the automobile. If the file has been modified from its original state, some details such as the timestamp may not fully reflect those of the original file. This file contains additional information such as Exif metadata which may have been added by the digital camera, scanner, or software program used to create or digitize it. View this and other nearby images on: OpenStreetMap Sedan Standard, 500, Futura, Fairmont, GT and GTHO And the GS (Grand Sport) options package was introducedĪn even higher performance GT was made available, the limited edition GTHO, to make sure it won the race at Bathurst, it missed out in 1969 but won in 1970.Įngines 188 or 221 6s and 302 or 351 V8s Windsor (later Cleveland) The Futura model was brought back to life. It got a new bold looking grille, the tail lights were now square and it got a new dash. ![]() Every exterior panel was restyled, except for the doors. The XW Falcon was built from June 1969- October 1970Īn extensive facelift on the XT Ford wanted the XW to be a more aggressive, more macho car.
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