When it comes to classic cars we all have our favorites, and even cars that we prefer over others. But do you ever look at a car like this Fairlane and get the itch to buy it? Packing a V8, a 4 speed manual transmission, and a mighty clean appearance, what could really be so wrong with this car for $2,500? Take a look at it here on ebay out of San Diego, California.
There is not much in the way of information in the listing but the seller has answered a few questions. This Fairlane has a V8 from a 1957 Mercury, paired to a 4 speed transmission with a “Herat” shifter, which I would assume to be a Hurst unit. Although not currently running, the engine does turn over, which is a great sign for the nice looking classic.
Sadly there are no photos of the interior but, the seller describes the interior as “almost excellent.” It is difficult to tell, but being located in California, this Fairlane sedan may very well be in original condition. The seller seems to think the interior is original, and the exterior looks nice with some shiny areas, as well as some oxidized areas on the paint. The missing grill is located in the trunk, and is described as being “perfect.” Although the exterior looks great the seller mentions that there is some rust in the floor boards, and in the rear quarters. How extensive the rust might be is completely unknown. Sedans may not be for everyone, but a few extra doors will not hurt anyone. Looking to be a nice project for fair money, would you take the gamble on this nice looking Fairlane?
V8, 4-speed, and 4 doors? Love it!
4 doors and 4 spd? Hmmm, suspicious with no interior shots, probably a hack job conversion to a 4spd.
Courtesy of ZZ Top:
Well I was movin’ down the road in my V-8 Ford,
I had a shine on my boots, I had my sideburns lowered.
With my New York brim and my gold tooth displayed,
Nobody give me trouble cause they know I got it made.
I’m bad, I’m nationwide.
Well I’m bad, bad, bad, bad, bad, I’m nationwide.
Buyer beware.
Steve R
Why the heck would you go to the trouble of posting on EBay and have only 3 non descriptive pictures? I also suspect an original 3 speed with a torch cut hole in the floor, but I can’t tell because there are no pics of the interior or VIN plate! Sheesh, where’s the Advil…..
Bourbon is wayyyyyy better than Advil. Just ask my liver.
Warren, they where all a “torch cut hole in the floor”, even the factory ones. No special floor pan, just a big old torch. Morley
A 4 speed in a full size Ford was a factory option starting in 1962. In ’61 all that was available was the 3 speed manual on the tree, with or without overdrive. If memory serves, I believe you could get a dealer installed 4 speed in a ’61 full size Ford, if that’s what you wanted.
Wrong
If it wasn’t a thousand miles away, it would be in my driveway.
What’s 1000 miles if you are a true enthusiast/buyer?
Exactly, down here in Aus we drive 1000 miles for lunch!!! :-)
it adds a thousand dollars to the price.
It has to be a column shift to floor conversion. That is probably why there are no interior pics.
Poster child example of how NOT to sell a car,, lack of details crappy pix, PASS
4 door, 4 speed, dual exhaust (2) = a poor mans 442
«But do you ever look at a car like this Fairlane and get the itch to buy it?»
Yes but no! I look at everything V8 and stick in particular. Like most I have my favorites, but every once in a while I consider the unusual. My experience told me long time ago, that when the first shot does not allow to see if its 2 vs. 4 door and all of the provided shots leave in the dust wether it is stick vs. auto or LHD vs. RHD it is usually the “wrong” option for me. But with real opportinities in the classic car market getting thin we all start clicking rather one more time in vain then letting slip a good 2 door sedan/coupe with stick and of course LHD.
Maybe its just me or just a European thing but if at a US Car meeting someone shows up with a 4 door vintage car it looks ….. hmm strange, misplaced, wannabe. Some cool surfer dude station wagons with wood trim excluded. To each its own I guess. This Fairlane is not for me. … and good luck to our children. Most most modern cars get ordered 4 door.
I thought you lads would like to know what kind of seller this guy is. (Speaks volumes) Your Results May Vary.
” Serious buyers ask questions. And they get the answers and pictures they want. Your the kind of idiot that bothers other sellers. Your not a buyer. Your a bitch. Your not allowed to by from any of my auctions so don’t bother trying to bid. You will be blocked from bidding.”
Doug ….”wow”
Thats what i thought, Somebody needs a hug, Cue the soundtrack
“You are my sunshine, My ray of sunshine, You make me happy when clouds are grey,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,”
I’ve been a “Ford guy”, of sorts, much of my life, and having actually owned a ’57 Mercury I can’t see having that cars V8 in this “behemoth”. 4 speed or not. I believe the “big” engine was a 292 or 312 and although it had a 4 barrel, a 289 four barrel Mustang engine from ’65 was WAY better. And no, have never owned a 4 door…