Diego Percivaldi with his Ford Falcon. (AP)

In a journey that would make the Griswalds proud, Diego Percivaldi piloted his family station wagon on a 47 day trip from Argentina to Dearborn, Michigan.

The Percivaldi family traversed nearly 10,000 miles through 11 countries in their 1981 Ford Falcon in a quest to visit their car’s birthplace in Michigan. Unbeknownst to the intrepid travelers, to do that they needn’t have left Buenos Aires.

Thanks to a protectionist auto import policy during the 1960s, Falcons used to roam the streets of Argentina in large numbers. In an effort to promote the local economy the government declared that to be sold legally, a car had to be built locally. Ford followed the letter of the law if not the spirit, and shipped complete Falcon kits to Buenos Aires, bolting the pieces together in a factory in La Boca.

Ford Motor Company was one of the only manufacturers willing to shoulder the burden of establishing a production line in Argentina. With few other options for consumers, Falcons sold well and their numbers flourished. Known more for existing in large numbers than for their engineering or driving prowess, Falcons can still be found on side-streets and alleyways in various states of disrepair.

A less fortunate Ford Falcon in Argentina. (TodoFalcon.com.ar)

Before embarking on a cross continental journey, Diego’s 37 year old Falcon required extensive work. Over 3 years of preparation was necessary to bring the car back to vintage 80s condition with a rebuilt engine and refurbished luggage rack.

"If you don’t love cars, it’s impossible to travel with this car. The Ford Falcon, in Argentina, it’s very sentimental for all the Argentine people," Percivaldi told the Associate Press.

Sentimental icon? Perhaps to some here in Argentina, surely feared and loathed by the rest of the country.

In the 1970s the Falcon became an ominous symbol of the military junta. Special police in black Falcons roamed neighborhoods at night, searching for victims to disappear or simply execute in the street. With their windows darkened and license plates removed, the Falcons became a black menace rolling through towns abducting dissidents. When a Falcon appeared at your door it was rarely the bearer of good tidings.

Ford Motor Company executives surely must have felt the same way about Diego’s maroon Falcon when it arrived on their doorstep last week. Though normally welcoming of unannounced South American families in 30 year old cars, Diego was unable to get past the front desk of Ford’s headquarters.

There’s no shortage of Falcons in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (TodoFalcon.com.ar)

A Ford spokesman assured Diego that senior management would be notified of his presence and he will be advised if anything can be done for the family. In the meantime the Percivaldi family is finishing their vacation in Michigan before flying home to Buenos Aires.

Diego’s maroon Falcon is still sitting in Dearborn, waiting to be shipped the 10,000 miles back to it’s birthplace in La Boca.

Related:
Argentine man drives ‘81 Falcon nearly 10,000 miles to Ford headquarters in Dearborn (AP)
Ford Falcon (Argentina) (Wikipedia)
Argentina: Coming to terms with the past (BBC)
Todo Falcon