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
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.