
In 1961, the Econoline and Sedan Delivery models were added to the Falcon line. The Econolines were developed to compete against similar offerings by Volkswagen.
The Sedan Delivery model was based on the 2-door wagon. At the time, it was the only sedan delivery vehicle produced in the US. The structural components of the sedan delivery were the same as those used in the 2-Door Wagon.
The Ranchero changed very little from the previous year. A new grille was the main distinguishing change from the previous year.
The Futura 2-Door Sedan was offered for the first time. Ford was stunned by the new sporty Corvair and introduced the Futura as a mid-year model as a “Monza” fighter.
Copied from the Sonoma County Falcons for Fun Chapter Website A. Aiello
Standard Equipment:
- Falcon 144 Six Engine
- 3-speed Manual Transmission
- Full-Flow Oil Filter
- Aluminized Muffler
- 54-plate 40-amp-hr Battery
- Dual Turn Signals Parking Lights, designed into Double-Life Bright Metal Grille
- Windshield Wipers, parallel-action, vacuum-operated
- Deep Suction Bumpers require no guards
- Roll-down rear window on Station Wagons
- Diamond Lustre Finish
- Stainless Steel Hub Covers
- Lifeguard Double-Grip Door Locks
- Double-Life Bright Metal
- License Plate Light
- Foam Padded Front Seat (rear seat also on Wagons)
- Black Sof-Tred Rubber Floor Mat
- Black Rubber Loadspace Mat on Station Wagons
- Front Arm Rests and Glove Compartment
- Instrument Panel Ash Tray and Rearview Mirror
- Two Sun Visors
- Coat Hooks
- Dome Light controlled by main light switch
Deluxe Trim Features:
- Deluxe upholstery selection
- Full-length, bright-metal body side moldings
- Bright-metal side window moldings (tailgate also on wagons)
- Tail light trim rings
- White steering wheel with chrome horn ring
- Cigarette lighter
- Front door courtesy switches for automatic operation of dome light
- Rear seat ash tray
- Rear seat arm rests
Optional Equipment:
- Falcon 170 Special Six Engine……………………………………………………$37.40
- Fordomatic Transmission…………………………………………………………$163.10
- Fresh Air Heater-Defroster………………………………………………………..$73.40
- Manual Radio………………………………………………………………………….$54.05
- Pushbutton Radio…………………………………………………………………….$58.45
- Deluxe Trim and Ornamentation Package (standard on Futura)…………$78.30
- Two-Tone Paint……………………………………………………………………….$19.40
- Front Safety Seat Belts………………………………………………………………$20.60
- PolarAire Conditioner………………………………………………………………$262.00
(not factory installed; plus dealer installation charge) - Windshield Washer……………………………………………………………………$13.70
- Padded Instrument Panel and Sun Visors……………………………………….$21.80
- White Wall Tires……………………………………………………………………….$29.90
(narrow band white wall tires are optional on Futura) - Wagon Top Luggage Rack………………………………………………………….$35.10
- Power Tailgate Window……………………………………………………………..$29.75
- Wheel Covers…………………………………………………………………………..$16.60
(Deluxe vented wheel covers are standard on Futura) - Backup Lights…………………………………………………………………………..$10.70
- Heavy Duty Battery……………………………………………………………………..$7.60
- Electric Windshield Wipers……………………………………………………………$9.70
- Tinted Windshield………………………………………………………………………$12.80
Falcon specifications:
- Wheel base—109.5″
- Over-all length (Sedan)-181.2″
- Over-all length (Wagon)-189.0″
- Over-all height (Sedan) —54.5″
- Over-all height (Wagon) —55.1″
- Over-all width —70.6″
- Effective legroom — 44.6″
- Effective headroom — 38.9″
- Water capacity (with heater) —9.3 quarts
- Fuel capacity — 14 gallons