It seems that most of the Ford Fairlane coverage that we publish here on BF starts with the ’66 model year and moves forward. Subjects such as this 1965 Fairlane 500 are in the seldom-seen category. And that seems odd when you consider that Ford knocked out almost 224K Fairlines in ’65 – no small feat. Today’s find is a sharp-looking two-door hardtop that has undergone some notable engine modifications. It hails from Central Valley, California and is available, here on craigslist for $18,000.
Ford’s arch-nemesis in ’65, and for many years before and after, was and has been Chevrolet. As with the Ranchero car/pickup and the Mustang pony car, Ford was first to the marketplace with the mid-size Fairlane in ’62, besting Chevrolet’s Chevelle by two years. Regardless Chevrolet managed Chevelle production numbers of 344K in ’65 (excluding the El Camino), a 49% increase over the corresponding Fairlane output and that’s one of the reasons that today, a ’65 Chevelle can be found at the drop of a hat – not quite the case with the Fairlane.
The seller states, “1965 Ford Fairlane 500, 2-door coupe, one-year-only body style“. Yeah, that’s basically true, there are some basic similarities to the ’64 but this is a “more modern for the times” design. Anyway, the body is in excellent condition with no sign of rust or body panel damage. While the beige finish is never going to get tagged with a “Mr. Excitement” moniker, it is clean and deep. A repaint? It’s not said but it wouldn’t surprise me if it is. This is a very stock presentation though it is resting on American Racing Torque-Thrust wheels – and those are always a visual enhancement.
“Power By Ford“, as the stock valve cover script often reads, is the case here but it’s a replacement overbored 302 CI V8 as opposed to one of two different 289s that originally held court in the engine room. This example, in addition to the .030” overbore is sporting an aluminum intake manifold and radiator, a four-barrel carburetor, cast-finned aluminum valve covers, an open-element air cleaner, and maybe more inside, though there’s no disclosure other than a claim of “mild build“. The seller adds, “Nice driver, runs good, reliable car.” An automatic transmission helps with forward motion while front disc brakes bring that motion to a stop.
Inside we find standard Fairlane vinyl and woven upholstery displayed in a similar hue as the exterior. The environment is in nice condition but projects nothing of sporting intentions other than an unfinished-looking, aftermarket wooden steering wheel. The instrument panel is essentially a basic standard horizontal speedometer and not much else – no auxiliary gauges appear to have been added. Of note, this Fairlane has A/C, it’s a Vintage Air component and I’ll run with the assumption that it works.
OK, so this Fairlane isn’t a ground pounder but I bet it’s a fun driver and it looks great. Maybe best of all, it’s a model that one just doesn’t encounter too often these days. So, how about that $18,000 price, about right or not quite?
Here’s a sweetheart for ya’. Always liked the ’65 “Fair-a-lane”, mostly because it didn’t have those corny stacked headlights of the full size Fords. It was not a Falcon, and not a Galaxie, just right. Aimed squarely at the Chevelle, it encompassed a huge market, and Ford knew it. I know I pick on the folks from Californy, but you have to admit, they know how to make a car look nice. However, for $18 grand, a $200 battery should go with it, no? The automatic will seal the deal, and this won’t be around long.
I much prefer the looks of the 1965 Mercury Comet, especially the Calient fastback 2 door hardtop. Those creased lines and double stacked headlights just look mean. The 65 Fairlane looks old fashioned in comparison.
When the 1965 Fairlanes came out , I thought they were the nicest looking cars around ! Ford Motor Company really designed a ” beautiful car ” that year ! They were a perfect size even for a small family or couple . Today , these are seldom seen after many years . Price ? This is fairly priced and will sell FAST ! Happy Motoring
I owned a 65” Fairlane hardtop, white (and rust) 200 six, 3 speed on the column, red interior. Paid a grand total of $50.00, drove it for 6 months until I burnt the clutch, then sold it for $50.00. Those were the days.
Different strokes…the ’65 looked too blocky compared to the ’64 and ’66-’67 which looked more svelte, IMHO. But this is a nice example that’ll make a good cruiser.
You are right. There is a reason this body was only used for one year and today is rarely seen. Both the 64 and 66-6’s have strong followings, unlike the 65. Whoever had their hands on it was smart, they had a well thought out plan and executed it. The additions of disk brakes and aftermarket AC as well as the choice of wheels combined with a mild drivetrain will make it appealing to someone looking for car that is a good value for the money. Any desirable make or model in comparable condition with these added features would sell for significantly price.
Steve R
I’m going to agree this is a good price for this car. It also brings back memories. Had a friend in Highschool who had one of these. Same last name, different pronunciation. He used the long “U”, I use the long “E”.
Anyway, his was the same color, even had some type of aftermarket wheels, but after 50 years, I don’t remember which ones. I recall the car sure looked sharp. His was somewhat rare already then. He had the 289 HP engine and the 4-speed manual. I have never seen another one. I lost track of him after HS, and have no idea what ever happened to his car.
I was driving a 1964 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 Convertible in HS, 421 4-barrel, automatic. Rotohydramatic 375 if I recall correctly. One of the faster cars in my class, but not the fastest. Not by a long shot.
I just have never forgotten that Fairlane. Truth is I am not sure what happened to my 2+2 either.
Agreed, it looks boxy and plain compared to what came before, and after.
And no well known hipo variations. Because sporting emphasis was on the Mustang, and Comet over at Mercury.
I had a 65 Fairlane my very first car wish I could find another one bl
Known two different owners of the 65 Fairlane. Both were stick one 4-spd one 3, both factory and on da floor. Agree with the fellas earlier comment. Give me a 65′ Merc.
My first car in 1985 was a white 2 door 65 fairlane , 289 2 barrel , 2 speed ford o matic. Paid 300 bucks. Lord I wish I kept it.
Besides the aftermarket additions, the most significant and rare option are the fender mount turn signal indicators. Lifted from the current Thunderbirds which called for an inverted V shaped bottom, Ford molded a mounting pad that filed in the V and allowed the lights to mount on flat fendered models like this Fairlane and my ’66 Galaxie.
I a 65 Fairlane sport model,black perfect exterior, original factory wired hub caps,beautiful red interior,buckets,center console, 289 H/P 4 speed, with 9,000 miles I purchased from the owner of very small Ford Dealership in Taneytown, Maryland in 1977, my dad work at larger dealership and was close friends with the owner and after asking many times he decided to sell it to us.I drove it down to WPB,Fla to visit my grandmother for a year and returned to Maryland, no issues,it handled great and did great on the interstate highways.I sold it back to the original owner with 32,000 miles 2 years later where it resided until he passed.My only regret is I sold the Fairlane
For me put on a set of wheel covers with whitewalls along with a stock steering wheel and call it a day :O
Joe
Definitely
Agree with the other comments that this one year only model is not seen very often. I’ve been looking for a base 4-dr sedan with the 289 2V and those to are even harder to locate.
I was in high school when these came out. I can’t remember ever seeing a ’65 Fairlane in person before.
I was playing soldier for Uncle Sam in 65. I never saw one of these for quite some time afterward. I like the 64 models better though, but that’s just me. Still my eye was on a Buick Skylark in those days. I’m not sure what a 302 bored .030″ over comes out to, I’m thinking around 335 cubic inch without calculating it. I remember 283 bored “030” was 301. Anyway, I like this Fairlane and would drive it as a daily, but I won’t write a check for the asking although it’s probably a fair price.
God Bless America
A 302 bored .030 is 306.
A 283 bored .125 gets you to 301, not .030.
Steve R
Me like. I’d swap out the bench seat for a couple buckets & console & call it a day. Sweet ride.
My friend bought a 65 Fairlane wagon minus engine and trans. Really solid and rust free (not something you find often in Michigan). Put a 460 and C6 in it. Needed a Crites Kit to modify the shock towers. Still a really really tight fit. Put a nice medium gray interior in it with power bucket seats. Nice ride but not quite a ‘sleeper’. With the T-bolt tear drop hood and headers, not too many wanted to pick on him. Fun times.
I’d drive this and smile all the day long. Why are they always on the left coast?!?
Nope. I’ve always thought these were too boxy. Much prefer the 66-67 Fairlane hardtops.