1963 or 1964 Ford Falcon?

So I have two sellers who are selling their Falcons, one is a 63 and the other is 64 ( $3,000 and $5,000). The 63 is 5K since the interior, paint and engine looks good, no rust on frames. But the 64 is nice as well, I haven's seen the engine or interior on this one ( only pics). But I was wondering if they are both good prices? And what should I look for when looking at these cars? I'm 24 years old and looking to purchase and maintain my first classic car.

Id try to find an expert of some kind in your area and offer to pay him $50-100 for his opinion.

I know almost nothing except most young people get in over their head when it comes to old cars.

Price in that range is very subjective, usuallly collector cars end up costing more than you can recoup, it's a matter of what you can and are willing to afford for your personal enjoyment.

My gut feeling is if the motors are in driving condition the 3k to 5k price range you really can't go wrong with either. I lean toward the 64's more than the 63's. Probably because my Dad had a 64 with a 260cid, but my favorite late Uncle had a 63 (and a 62 comet), so really I could go either way. The 63's are more of what most people envision when you say Falcon. The 64's have the lines I like that disappeared on the late 66 models.

I would just go with the one you like more - you are mostly likely going to be working on it indefinitely either way.

I've got a '65 Mustang 289 V-8 that has been a great project car over the years - it has been my daily driver at times, but it's always an ongoing project.

For ME it would be the '64, which has more modern, sleeker body lines.
Totally different body style. I have a '63 Ranchero, which is currently stored and waiting for some restoration. Actually, it needs a LOT of restoration.

Both being equal in appearance and quality I would go with the 1964. Same platform as the Mustang and nice looking too. If it is a V8 then for sure buy the 64. Make sure to get the one you choose inspected by a mechanic. These can be real rust buckets, just like the Mustang that shared much of the same mechanical pieces. So you have to check it out carefully (magnet) for rust EVERYWHERE, particularly the floor, the cowel, and suspension mounting areas. Brakes are also poor especially when wet.

You simply can't make a reasonable decision until you test drive and inspect each vehicle in person.

Pricing on classic/vintage car is based on sellers need for the car. They are worth whatever someone is willing to pay for them.

I have Hagerty Insurance, they put together a very complete valuation guide based on their custoomers buying and selling reporting. So Kelly Blue Book may have very few vintage cars to guage.

For example, I jsut sold a vintage Mercedes, and they were able to proivde a very clear suggestion. You don't have to be client, because they'll, want to help you and hope you do once you purchase. And the rates are faaar better than anything else you'll find.

While the Fairlane, Falcon and Comet all shared the same basic platform there were slight differences between them to past the 64 mark.
The 64 was the first year of the redesign and 63 was the last model year for the first design.
If one is a two door, consider it the "more desirable" model. If it was or is a "sprint" so much the better. The 63 hardtop two door won a design award.
Because the 64 uses the same floor pans (for the 2 door and convertible at least) as the early Mustangs as well as unibody components it will be easier to fix rusted panels that are not part of the body.
The use of a magnet to check for bondo can't be over stressed! A lot of rust buckets are given a quick prep and painted. It falls out sooner or later.
By the way check the Hemmings Motor News when looking for parts! They have a site on line and also publish. The subscribers get a few days lead on the news stands and the internet postings. But because what you will need is often found at places like Dennis Carpenter Ford Parts the lead time is not critical.

That old parts are costly they are antiques for sure. Check your state laws, the usage may be restricted, in some states they are. The price is a little low for a 63 in good shape, it is an antique after all. The engine in the Falcon was a sound one and does hold up. I would look for something newer at those prices. BUT IT IS UP TO YOU AND WHAT YOU WANT IN THE END!