In our continuing series of cheap driveable classics for less than $2,500, we have a four door 1962 Ford Fairlane Five Hundred for your consideration. Enough F’s for you? Maybe you give this car an “F” just because it has four doors? If that’s the case, I think you’re missing out. This “fairly” cheap classic is located in Santa Clarita, California and is listed here on eBay for a buy it now of $2,100 but the seller is seeking offers as well.
Yes, there’s some rust, and what looks like some pretty poor bodywork over it. However, after looking closely, I think at least part of the issues are in the paint, rather than rust underneath–but I could be wrong and a closer look probably makes sense.
Yes, there are some wrinkles here and there. The creases in the bumpers just below the inside headlights are supposed to be there, though; I didn’t realize that at first and thought the bumper was in worse condition than it actually is.
There are some pictures of the underside of the car on a lift, and they actually look pretty good apart from the missing tailpipe and possibly a muffler (?) Some work has been done recently, including new fluids, spark plugs and a carburetor rebuild. The seller tells us it runs well, shifts well and stops as it should. They are selling the car for another family member in poor health.
This appears to be the original upholstery, which is probably simple enough for the local upholstery shop to come close to if not duplicate exactly. Of course, you can always go the cover route, or even blankets, although you’ll need two for this pair of benches.
If this happens to be the original engine, it’s either a 221 or 260 cubic inch V8. A 221, you say? Yes, the very first Ford “Windsor” small block V8 only displaced 221 cubic inches. It didn’t last that long, and was quickly superseded midway through the 1962 model year with the 260 cubic inch version. Can any of you identify this one from looking at it? Let us know, and tell us what you think about this latest cheap classic.
The seller claims it is a 221 on the Ebay listing. How do you argue with a couple of grand, for an apparently running Ford V8 car? These are nice small sedans with a very light V8 engine. It would look great in 60’s paint and hubcaps.
Every one of those cars I’ve ever owned, I think it’s been two at this point, regardless of the condition of the car, has run, and run well.
Both of them were total wrecks, but both started up with fuel and a battery and sat there running happy as could be with minimal smoking.
Those are hardy little cars, and aren’t terrible in the looks department.
Just back from Nostalgia Drags at Famosa Drag Strip. I don’t think I have seen so many nice 4-door cars in one place! Give this vehicle a good body massage and a nice color combo. Chrome and interior, clean engine bay etc. Great family fun car and a decent price to enter the car cruise world!👍🇺🇸
221 is a nice little V8. My biggest concern is the rust over and behind the rear wheel wells. That area of the body is a problem and rust returns and returns. So there might be a bit of expense for really good rust repair to figure into the overall investment. Automatic likely means the archaic two-speed Fordomatic, so just be aware. But this could be a really fun classic ride. By today’s standards, don’t the wheels and tires look impossibly small on this expanded Falcon? The Fairlane beat the Chevelle to market by two years, but Ford didn’t figure out a mid-sized car needed to have a sporty component as well. Interesting piece of history and I’m kind of fond of them for some reason.
Looks like this one will need patch panels installed over and behind the rear wheels which likely will need to be fabricated ( didn’t find any on line), could be expensive. Also is that a patch in the inner fender behind the left front wheel?
My first car when I was in high school. With the 221 V8. Burned oil before reaching 100,000 miles, but that was typical. Had two speed automatic. Would rap out to 45-50 mph before shifting into drive. If I had the means, I would take it and have it restored – or maybe rock it out a bit! There was a lot of space under that hood! Mine was not a 500. Just a Fairlane 4 door.
I have a 62 Ford Fairlane 500 4Dr. 221 V-8 with a 2 bbl carb all original 58,000 original miles. Good shape … some rust in quarters. Newly painted top. New gas tank, heater core, tires, brake master cylinder. Interior is mint.