The best word to describe this 1969 Ford Fairlane would be “confusing.” It presents extremely well and features a selection of mechanical upgrades that will undoubtedly improve its performance. The seller has invested $29,000 into this classic to reach this point, but there is conflicting information surrounding their asking price. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Fairlane listed here on eBay in Staten Island, New York. The seller set their BIN at $19,900 OBO, but the listing text also quotes $17,500. Personally, I’d hope the lower figure was correct!
Ford’s Sixth Generation Fairlane range enjoyed a two-year production run, with our feature car among the last to roll off the line in 1969. The color combination of Meadowlark Yellow, a Black vinyl top, and subtle Red pinstripes gives the car a classy appearance. That impression is heightened by the sparkling Magnum 500 wheels, wrapped in Redline tires. The car doesn’t merely look nice, because the underside shots reveal no evidence of rust or other nasty surprises. The paint shines beautifully, with only a few tiny marks to prevent perfection. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and there is no evidence of vinyl splits or bubbles. The trim and glass look excellent for a driver-grade classic. Overall, it appears that this Fairlane has no panel or paint shortcomings that might deter potential buyers.
Decoding the VIN confirms that this Fairlane left the line powered by the two-barrel version of Ford’s sweet 302ci V8. The motor delivered 220hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque, providing respectable performance. The seller confirms that the engine bay still houses a 302, but not whether it is numbers-matching. However, that is probably irrelevant, because they state that they have significantly upgraded it. The entire build consumed $29,000, and I suspect that an engine rebuild, a few performance upgrades, and the five-speed manual transmission accounted for a reasonable chunk of that figure. The seller isn’t specific about the improved components, but states that the motor is very strong. It appears that potential buyers can consider the Fairlane a turnkey proposition.
I’m beginning to believe that this Fairlane has no genuine weaknesses. Trimmed in Black vinyl, its interior appears to be virtually perfect. I can’t spot any evidence of wear on the upholstered surfaces, while the dashpad has avoided the typical cracking issues. A Hurst shifter for the five-speed pokes purposefully from the floor, and speakers in the rear parcel tray pump out the tunes from the aftermarket stereo concealed in the glovebox. The interior isn’t loaded with factory options, but its impressive appearance more than compensates for what some enthusiasts might perceive as a weakness.
Some enthusiasts are unable to undertake a project build, and this 1969 Fairlane offers the perfect alternative, especially for those with Blue-Oval leanings. It isn’t the most glamorous classic on the planet, but it appears to deliver excellent performance while offering plenty of interior space and eye-catching presentation. The uncertainty surrounding the seller’s price is irritating, but a simple message should clarify the situation. Does this Fairlane appeal to you enough to reach out, or isn’t this the ideal car for you?
The stance is a little off, the back is jacked up too much. It must have too much leaf spring, I don’t see extended shackles, or air shocks. The car looks decent, but I don’t know what to make of the price.
Thanks so much for your feedback, KHayes. I probably should have mentioned in the article that the seller fitted traction bars to the rear springs. They might contribute to the stance. I hope that you continue to enjoy our articles.
Throw bag of potting soil in trunk.
Inspect stance
Repeat if necessary
Potting soil and 2 or 3 sand bags. Still a nice Ford here.
Traction bars look home made and mountings from one side to the other are not symmetrical. Might be why it’s sitting high but a good installation and the right geometry probably shouldn’t do that. Maybe he thought it looked cool this way. I like everything about this car except that rear stance, the dice on the door lock buttons and the steering wheel. The last two are easy fixes, at least.
My sentiments exactly Michelle. Overall looks like a clean straightforward build. The red line tires with the subtle red pinstripe is a nice touch.
Thanks Adam.
Seems best served as a cruiser not a bruiser. Neat looking 5sp install, wonder if it’s the World Class T5
When I was in high school, in the 70’s, half the cars in the lot had this stance. Including mine! Now? Personal preference. I’m fine with it. Along with the aftermarket steering wheel.
That “stance” was all the rage in high school (50 years ago), now it makes the driver look 80.
The Torino model had bucket seats!
Just cuz the kids like their cars scraping the front bumper on slight inclines doesn’t change my mind.
So many just have to find fault but IMHO it looks just fine. The price looks right to me and when somebody buys it they can change it however they want.
So I agree with you Big.
Nice car. Great little sleeper project with a 347 or maybe a 363. Down to $16,900 now.
And now it is up to $18,900. It has 19 days left, pricing is like a roller coaster ride.
Very nice looking car.
Yellow………..
Had one of these in 76, mine had the 351 and automatic. First car I bought on my own, paid 700 bucks for it. It was fast, so much torque I was breaking lug nuts and motor mounts all the time. Mine was red with the black vinyl top, miss that car.
looks good but sitting too high in the back. 30k in it i would take 15k and run.
look at the pictures of the rear brake lines what a mess
Mom had the far less-glamourous and far-more embarrassing 4-door sedan version. We all learned to drive on it. It was eventually traded on a 1980 Chevy Citation after the last child left for college.
Citation? And you thought the 4-door Fairlane was embarrassing! LOL!
But then again, my brother had a Citation!
This is a nice car for someone wanting to get into the car hobby for not much money. Must everything you see today for the price of this car is quite frankly garbage. See if you can get it for $15,000 you have a great looking car to drive and going to car shows while the only work would be lowering the rear end.
Traction bars will make the rear end look right
nice
It’s a 69 Fairlane out of Staten Island. If you know Staten Island like I remember as a little one. This car and stance is spot on, no matter the decade. 😆