Ford Falcon, Red, for sale in Charlotte, North Carolina, for $14,995.

Entry-level fun doesn't get much more practical than this 1964 Ford Falcon convertible. Restored several years ago, it remains in great shape to drive and enjoy, and with Mustang DNA running through its veins (or, more accurately, the Mustang has Falcon roots), it's a lot of fun to drive. There's more invested in the restoration than this sticker price shows, and as a result you're getting a fully sorted, reliable hobby car.

The 1964 Falcon got a redesign, and it looks particularly handsome in Rangoon Red, as on this lovely little ragtop. The earlier, softer, rounded Falcon got squared-off contours that made it look like its big brother the Galaxie, and the striking trim insert on the sides gives the illusion of greater size. With a paint job that is only a few years old and applied over a very straight, original body, there's little to fault with this convertible. Gaps are remarkably good, and the whole car fits together in a way that belies its price tag. Interestingly, the bumpers are painted silver, not chromed, but almost everyone who sees the car either fails to notice or decides that they like it even better than chrome. Nice!

That interior is called Palomino, and the tan vinyl looks great with the red body, and produces a softer contrast than bright white and is friendlier to occupants on hot, sunny days than black might be. The '64 Falcon also received an all-new dashboard design, which included a then-fashionable strip-type speedometer flanked by auxiliary gauges in round pods. The red finish carries into the interior on the doors and lower dash, and the combination is actually quite pleasing, giving the little car a bright, upbeat look. A modern AM/FM/cassette stereo head unit has been mounted in the original location, but that's about it for amenities in the economical Falcon. Overhead there's a relatively recent tan vinyl convertible top that that stows neatly under a matching vinyl boot.

The engine is a neat 170 cubic inch inline-six, which is smooth and economical, making a modest 101 horsepower. But it's important to remember that a similar engine lived in early Mustangs, and both cars were a pleasure to drive in the 1960s. Finished with a bright orange valve cover and air cleaner, it's not exactly stock, but the effect is that this is a tidy, nicely maintained car with a great personality. The engine and 2-speed automatic transmission were actually rebuilt just a few years ago, and it runs well, also pulling down surprisingly decent fuel mileage as well. The chassis is solid and original, with manual steering and brakes that work remarkably well. It rides on a set of matching red steel wheels with dog dish hubcaps and a new set of 195/70/14 Firestone radials that look period-appropriate in the Falcon's wheel wells.

If you're looking for an inexpensive, fun way to enjoy the summer, this Falcon ragtop is it. Call today!