First of the Three

"Many people who are purchasing small imported cars will prefer first-class American transportation to the second-class transportation offered them by small foreign imports." So said Ford Motor Co. Chairman Ernest R. Breech last week, as Ford became the first of the U.S. Big Three to hold a press showing on closed-circuit television of its new 1960 compact car to newsmen gathered in 21 cities.

The Falcon is big enough on the inside to seat six comfortably, but considerably smaller than other cars outside. While the 109.5-in. wheelbase is only 8.5 in. shorter than the standard Ford, the body is 26.9 in. shorter and 6.8 in. narrower. There is also a big decrease in weight: the Falcon, at 2,366 Ibs., is nearly three-quarters of a ton lighter than the 3,758-Ib. average of other Fords. This in turn gives a good weight-to-power ratio for the 90-h.p., six-cylinder engine. The car has a cruising speed of better than 60 m.p.h., and, says Ford, it is capable of 30 miles per gallon of gas.

Ford officials were mum on price. They said they do not want to tip off General Motors or Chrysler. But they encouraged speculation that the suggested factory list price (with federal taxes, stripped) will be "around" $2,000. With extras (ranging from heater and radio to automatic transmission, white sidewalk, safety padding, etc.), the fully equipped, two-and four-door sedans (coming next spring: a station wagon) will probably carry about the same factory list price (with taxes: $2,250) as the present cheapest ("300" series) Ford, stripped. To Ford's Breech, the sales price will be no worry: "Our only problem will be manufacturing enough of them."

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