Full details & bid : bringatrailer.com
This unique 1963.5 Ford Falcon Sprint is a compelling blend of vintage American muscle and European rally flair. Originally a California black plate car, it underwent a significant transformation around 2014 at the hands of vintage race car specialists Dralle Engineering. The result is a well-sorted and potent machine that has seen track days, rally-style events, and even the Copperstate 1000. Later acquired and further refined by Bring a Trailer co-founder Randy Nonnenberg in 2022, this Falcon Sprint is now offered on dealer consignment with a comprehensive history and a clean California title, ready for its next enthusiast owner.
Rally-Inspired Transformation: The Falcon’s aesthetic is distinctly rally-inspired, reminiscent of Ford France entries from the mid-1960s. The Corinthian White paintwork serves as a backdrop for an offset blue racing stripe and Ecurie Ford France graphics. Adding to the rally theme are functional Marchal and Hella driving lamps mounted at the front, along with a Lucas rear fog light. A “Rally Geneve” hood decal and a replica front French license plate complete the European rally look, giving this American classic a unique and eye-catching presence.
Upgraded Brakes and Suspension by Dralle Engineering: The performance of this Falcon Sprint is underpinned by a meticulously engineered braking and suspension system developed by Dralle Engineering. The car features Koni shocks at all four corners, paired with 550lb Progress Technology front springs and custom Dralle/Competition Engineering narrow width rear leaf springs. Handling is further enhanced by a Shelby-style upper control arm relocation, a Competition Engineering control arm package, and a 1″ front sway bar, complemented by a Maier Racing panhard bar. Competition Engineering big spindles and heavy-duty tie rods contribute to precise steering. Braking is significantly upgraded with four-piston Lincoln front brake calipers clamping down on 11.75″ Competition Engineering rotors, while the rear features 10.5″ ventilated disc brakes. An adjustable brake proportioning valve and braided brake lines front and rear allow for fine-tuning of braking performance. The steering is also improved with a Ford 16:1 quick-ratio steering box. Recent maintenance includes chassis lubrication and replacement of the lower right-front ball joint in preparation for the sale.
Wheels, Tires, and Interior Enhancements: The Falcon rides on satin black 15″ steel wheels, mounted over spacers, and wrapped in 205/60 BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires, providing a classic rally look and good grip. Inside, Dralle Engineering fabricated a GT350-style bolt-in roll bar and a custom aluminum package tray, enhancing safety and practicality. Dynamat sound deadening was applied to the floor and trunk before the installation of black carpeting, improving cabin comfort. The Cobra bucket seats are trimmed in striking red leather, matching the factory door panels. Additional safety features include Crow harnesses for both driver and passenger and a fire extinguisher.
Instrumentation and Interior Details: The factory gauge cluster remains, providing essential vehicle information, while a wood-rim MotoLita steering wheel offers a sporty feel. A prominent 8k-rpm Smiths tachometer is mounted in the driver’s line of sight, essential for performance driving. Three Stewart Warner auxiliary gauges are neatly situated beneath the dashboard, next to the adjustable brake bias adjuster, allowing monitoring of critical engine parameters. The five-digit odometer currently shows approximately 16,000 miles, although the total mileage of the chassis is unknown.
Potent 331ci V8 Engine: Powering this Falcon Sprint is a balanced, blueprinted, and built 331ci Ford small block engine, assembled by Jim Dralle using a robust Mexican 289 block. The engine features a 9.5:1 compression ratio and is equipped with a Dralle-spec roller camshaft, an Eagle crankshaft, Eagle H-beam connecting rods, and Mahle forged pistons, ensuring durability and performance. Hand-ported Edelbrock aluminum cylinder heads and an Edelbrock Aluminum Air Gap RPM Performer intake manifold optimize airflow. Doug Thorley headers facilitate exhaust flow, leading to an exhaust system with bypass valves, allowing the driver to choose between straight side pipes for a more aggressive sound and muffled rear exits for quieter cruising. Ignition is handled by an MSD coil and 6AL control unit. The engine also features an LCS aluminum flywheel, a Centerforce clutch for reliable power transfer, and an Avaid Road Race seven-quart oil pan, ensuring adequate lubrication during spirited driving. Cooling is managed by a two-row aluminum radiator.
Reinforced Chassis and Driveline Upgrades: The chassis of this Falcon has been significantly reinforced for improved handling and durability. A custom Falcon export brace allows for the use of a dual master cylinder, and the shock towers have been reinforced. A Falcon Monte Carlo bar further stiffens the front end. The driveline consists of a smooth-shifting five-speed Tremec TKO manual transmission, a custom-fabricated driveshaft, and a narrowed Ford 9″ rear end fitted with Currie axle shafts and a 3.50 Truetrac limited-slip differential, providing excellent traction. A Competition Engineering cross member bar supports the engine mounts and lower shock towers, and full-length sub-frame connectors are also installed, enhancing chassis rigidity. The factory fuel tank has been replaced with a safer 16-gallon Fuel Safe fuel cell, and the battery has been relocated to the trunk for better weight distribution. While the factory external fuel filler cap remains in the rear taillight panel, the fuel cell is accessed for filling inside the trunk. Notably, the car exhibits a vibration from the rear end at speeds of 85mph and higher, and while the driveshaft was rebuilt and balanced in 2024, this issue persists. The last oil change was performed by Randy Nonnenberg in late 2024 using Valvoline VR1 20W-50 oil.
Documentation and Title: The car is titled by the California assigned VIN 3A17F173315, which matches the stamping on the front inner fender. It is noted that the riveted driver door option tag was removed at some point in the car’s history. The windshield has a stone chip and a slight passenger wiper scratch. This unique and well-documented 1963.5 Ford Falcon Sprint offers a thrilling driving experience with its potent V8, upgraded suspension and brakes, and distinctive rally-inspired styling.
Summary
- 1963.5 Ford Falcon Sprint built by Dralle Engineering.
- 331ci V8 engine with Edelbrock aluminum heads and forged internals.
- Tremec TKO five-speed manual transmission.
- Upgraded brakes with Lincoln front calipers and four-wheel discs.
- Rally-inspired Ford France styling with lights and decals.
- Upgraded suspension with Koni shocks and performance springs.
- GT350-style roll bar and red leather Cobra bucket seats.
- Narrowed Ford 9″ rear end with Truetrac limited-slip differential.
Disclaimer: Information provided is for general informational purposes only and is based on available details. Potential buyers are advised to conduct their own thorough inspection and verification of any vehicle, particularly regarding mileage and the noted rear-end vibration.
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