The 1963 Ford Falcon continued its trajectory as a compact that could be all things to all people. After the refresh for 1962, the Falcon received a few mild-yet-distinctive styling tweaks, such as a new grille pattern, reshuffled trim, and optional back-up lights centered in the taillights.

The standard Falcon continued to demonstrate “the great fun there is in saving money.” The compact held the all-time Mobil Economy Run record and twice-a-year maintenance were two big things backing up its economy credentials. Deluxe trim experienced its yearly shuffling, which now included a longitudinal spear that started from the taillight to the Falcon logo on the front fender.

The Futura series went through a few changes for 1963. The Futura merely became a premium trim level identified by special side trim including a spear culminating to a prominent arrowhead on the front fender. Inside, vinyl and cloth trim was standard, with several choices of pleated vinyl available as an option. And for the convertible, a power top and the 170 Special Six were standard.

The pleated bucket seats and console that were a signature of the initial Futura series was now reincarnated as the two-door Falcon Futura Sports Sedan and Falcon Futura Sports Convertible.

Falcon wagons continued their popularity, demonstrating the same combination of competencies of the sedans but with extra room out back. A counterbalanced tailgate was now a standard feature. The Falcon Squire continued to play the role of classy hauler for the practical-minded, and Ford even made the suggestion that “If you want to make your Squire a sports wagon … try the lively combination of 170 Special Six and floor-mounted 4-speed stick shift.”

The biggest news of all came mid-year with the 1963 Ford Falcon Sprint. Think of it as a Futura Sports hardtop with a slick “scatback” roofline and standard V-8 – both Falcon firsts. “The Sprint proved itself in the world’s fastest company by flashing over 2,600 miles” in the Monte Carlo Rallye, Ford bragged. The V-8 was Ford’s 164-horsepower 260 2-barrel. Small-block (with chrome dress-up kit) paired with the 4-speed. Also included in the Sprint was front fender identification, wire wheel covers, instrument panel-mounted tachometer, and woodgrain steering wheel.

Best of all, the hardtop was also available as a regular Futura coupe and Futura Sports Coupe, and the V-8 could be ordered for any Falcon.

Sales fell again, to 347,910, but the Falcon remained a strong presence in the Ford portfolio.