Ford Knowledge Base / Falcon / 1970
Start with the right Falcon. The original 1970 compact catalog and the separate Falcon 1970½ folder document different body families. Use the matching section below to explore factory literature and period photographs.
Keep the references separate. The verified specifications below apply only to the original U.S. compact Falcon. They do not apply to the 1970½ photographs. Match the model, body style, market, production records and publication edition before drawing conclusions about an individual car.
Original 1970 compact Falcon
The technical entries in this section have each been checked against three distinct original factory publications. Horsepower uses Ford’s period ratings.
- 200-cu.-in. six-cylinder engine
- The original compact Falcon’s 200-cu.-in. six was rated at 120 hp in Ford’s period publications. This rating belongs to the original compact reference.Sources: Compact Falcon catalog, PDF p. 6; Wagon catalog, PDF p. 9; Autolite Tech Talk, PDF p. 33.
- Optional 302-cu.-in. V-8
- The original compact Falcon offered a 302-cu.-in. V-8 with two-barrel carburetion, rated at 220 hp in the period publications. Availability does not establish the engine in a photographed car.Sources: Compact Falcon catalog, PDF p. 6; Wagon catalog, PDF p. 9; Autolite Tech Talk, PDF p. 33.
- SelectShift option
- SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic was an available transmission option for the original compact Falcon range.Sources: Compact Falcon catalog, PDF pp. 4, 6; Buyers Digest, PDF p. 8; Wagon catalog, PDF p. 9.
- Compact passenger-car wheelbase
- Original compact Falcon passenger cars used a 111-inch wheelbase.Sources: Compact Falcon catalog, PDF pp. 2, 6; Buyers Digest, PDF p. 8; Autolite Tech Talk, PDF p. 32.
- Compact station-wagon wheelbase
- Original compact Falcon conventional station wagons used a 113-inch wheelbase. These are separate from the 1970½ wagons.Sources: Buyers Digest, PDF p. 8; Wagon catalog, PDF p. 9; Autolite Tech Talk, PDF p. 32.
Original compact photographs
Compact Futura sedanView photograph and print options
Compact Futura wagonView photograph and print options
Compact Falcon wagonView photograph and print options
Open the original compact Falcon catalog · Free PDF
Read the factory technical bulletin · Falcon on PDF pp. 32–33
Falcon 1970½: a separate factory folder
Ford’s folder marked Falcon 1970½, form 5133 dated January 1970, is the starting source for this group of photographs. Read it alongside the images below. Its technical tables are still being checked against additional applicable factory publications before specifications are added here.
Use the 1970½ folder for this body family. Do not carry the compact engine ratings or wheelbases above into these photographs.
1970½ four-door sedanView photograph and print options
1970½ two-door sedanView photograph and print options
Open the separate Falcon 1970½ folder · Free PDF
Original factory sources
References use PDF page positions. Autolite Tech Talk PDF pp. 32–33 are printed pp. 30–31. The original compact catalog, Buyers Digest and wagon catalog are separate publications; none should be substituted for the later 1970½ folder. Further dimensions and equipment remain under review where sources differ.
- 1970 compact Falcon catalog, form 5111, August 1969. Original Ford publication; scan hosted by XR793.
- 1970 Ford Buyers Digest, form 5103, August 1969. Original Ford publication; scan hosted by XR793.
- 1970 Ford Wagons catalog, form 5107, August 1969. Original Ford publication; scan hosted by XR793.
- Autolite Tech Talk, volume 2, number 1, September 1969; Falcon section printed pp. 30–31. Original Ford publication; scan hosted by MustangTek.
- Falcon 1970½ folder, form 5133, January 1970. Original Ford publication; scan hosted by XR793.
← 1969 Falcon factory reference · All model references
Reviewed October 25, 2026. This entry is growing. Additional 1970½ technical details require further source verification.