While some enthusiasts prefer to fly under the radar, others want their classic to make a bold statement. If you fall into the second category, this 1967 Ford Fairlane 500 deserves a close look. It features a V8 under the hood and a tidy interior. However, the exterior color change is the star of the show. It ensures that whether it is prowling the streets or proudly parked at a Cars & Coffee, this Fairlane can’t help but turn heads. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting it listed here on eBay in Athens, Tennessee. The seller set their BIN at $19,900 for this eye-catching classic.
Released for the 1966 model year, Ford’s Fifth Generation Fairlane remained on sale until the end of 1967. Ford used the existing Falcon platform as its base, while extending both the wheelbase and the car’s overall length. This second-year example is an interesting character. The Data Plate confirms that it started life wearing restrained Wimbledon White, but a color change formed part of a cosmetic refresh. It is unclear when it occurred, but the new shade is bold and striking. The process appears quite thorough, eliminating the factory shade from areas like the door frames and the trunk. The exterior shines nicely, with no serious cosmetic shortcomings. The panels are straight, and the underside images appear to confirm the car’s rust-free status. Sparkling chrome and spotless glass enhance the appeal, and the buyer can choose between the current wire wheel covers and the dog dish hubcaps in the trunk.
Lifting the Fairlane’s hood reveals a spotless engine bay and a C-Code 289ci V8. That year’s Sales Brochure indicates the V8 should send 200hp and 282 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. Interestingly, the first owner decided not to tick the boxes for power steering or power brakes. The Fairlane won’t be the fastest vehicle off the lights, but city traffic and open-road cruising shouldn’t cause it any mechanical stress. The good news for potential buyers is that the engine bay presentation doesn’t flatter to deceive. The Fairlane runs and drives extremely well, the engine sounds sweet, and the transmission shifts as smooth as silk.
Maybe I’m being harsh, but I don’t believe that this Fairlane’s interior reaches the standard set by the exterior or the engine bay. It is by no means horrendous, and is comfortably acceptable for a driver-grade classic of this vintage. I think I feel this way because the dashpad, while appearing relatively new, doesn’t color-match other interior features. There is also significant wheel wear, and some of the faux chrome trim around the gauge fascia has deteriorated. The carpet exhibits wear on the outer edges, but I’ll qualify my criticisms by stating that none of the shortcomings are insurmountable. The buyer could enjoy this classic as-is, addressing the faults as time and circumstances allow. It retains its factory pushbutton radio, which the seller states is inoperative.
One word that could never be used to describe this 1967 Fairlane 500 is “subtle.” The color change will divide opinions, but it is undeniably more extroverted than the original Wimbledon White. Strangely, even though I prefer Blue-Oval classics, I’m forced to sit on the fence with this car. I can’t say that I strongly dislike the color, but I also can’t say that I love it. The reality is that it will appeal to some enthusiasts, and in this case, personal taste will rule. If you find this Fairlane particularly attractive, would you be tempted to give it a new home?
Adam you couldn’t have said it any better! It is very tempting if you can live with the color change. The photos indicate it was well done. I think it could be a great buy for the right owner