Affordable Project: 1963 Ford Fairlane 500

Project candidates come in all shapes and sizes, with some requiring more work than others. This 1963 Ford Fairlane 500 shows promise, with a rebuilt V8 and a fresh interior. It needs an owner willing to refresh the exterior, but its lack of rust should make that task straightforward. The seller’s price might make it irresistible if you aren’t already attracted. The Fairlane is listed here on Craigslist in Tigard, Oregon. The price? Is $4,995 cheap enough for you?

The Fairlane badge formed an integral part of the Ford range from 1955 until 1970, with the Fourth Generation hitting showrooms for the 1962 model year. The first owner ordered our feature car in 1963, choosing Viking Blue to cover its exterior. Its history is unclear, but its weathered exterior requires a refresh to recapture its former glory. That process should be straightforward, with no significant panel damage and no penetrating rust. There is surface corrosion, and the new owner may elect to strip its exterior to bare metal to achieve a high-end result. The trim condition is far better than the paint, and the glass is crystal clear.

This Fairlane has several highlights, with the interior presentation the most obvious. The seller employed a professional to perform a retrim, and the results justified the expense. The Blue and White vinyl upholstered surfaces are spotless, and the immaculate carpet confirms the Fairlane hasn’t seen any action since the work ended. The paint is slightly tired, and there is visible wheel wear, but those are the only problems requiring attention to achieve a factory-fresh state. There are no aftermarket additions, with the pushbutton radio occupying its rightful place in the dash.

Buyers could order their 1963 Fairlane with the venerable 170ci six under the hood. However, this car’s first owner felt there was nothing as great as a V8, selecting the 260ci unit that delivers 164hp and 248 ft/lbs of torque. They teamed this motor with a two-speed Ford-O-Matic transmission to create a competent open-road cruiser that copes with heavy city traffic. It is unlikely to break the land speed record, but the driver will enjoy a car with a distinctive V8 bass rumble. The news is predominantly good for potential buyers, but trailering it home seems the only option, with the brakes and suspension requiring attention. That’s the only bad news because the seller rebuilt the engine. They added a new exhaust, fuel tank, and fuel pump. The suggestion is it won’t take much work to return this classic to its rightful place on our roads.

Finding an affordable project candidate is often frustrating because seemingly likely vehicles often hide nasty issues. That doesn’t seem to be the case with this 1963 Fairlane 500. Its mechanical needs are minor, and achieving respectable presentation shouldn’t be hard. There is another option to consider. Preserving the exterior by treating the surface corrosion and applying a clearcoat would allow it to retain its current character. Is that the approach you would choose, or do you have other thoughts in mind?