A droptop Ford from the muscle era that you can actually drive right now? That’s what this 1969 Ford Fairlane convertible in the Tacoma, Washington area is trying to offer. Listed here on craigslist, it’s being sold as a “running driving project,” and the seller sounds honest about both what’s been done and what still needs attention. Thanks for the tip, Curvette!
The car is listed as being in fair condition with a clean title, rear-wheel drive, automatic transmission, and a V8 under the hood. The odometer is both broken and believed to have rolled over at some point, so you’ll want to treat the mileage as unknown. The seller has owned it for about three years and mainly uses it for relaxed trips to the park with the dogs and some casual summertime cruising.
During that time, they’ve tackled a decent list of maintenance and upgrades to keep it on the road. The brake system has seen attention with new wheel cylinders, a new master cylinder, and new front brake hoses. There’s a new exhaust system, plus a new carburetor, distributor, spark plugs, and plug wires. Inside, the car has new carpet, and the front windshield has been replaced. The convertible top is also new, and a new battery helps keep it reliable.
According to the seller, the Fairlane starts easily and runs well, but it’s still very much an old car with quirks. The engine has a bit of lifter noise and “likes to smoke a little,” and the transmission leaks some fluid. The seller is clear that this is a drivable project, not a fully sorted freeway runner. They point out that the steering and tires are old, and they don’t recommend it for highway use in its current state.
One important note: the car really needs to be parked under cover. The seller says the roof and windows don’t seal well, so keeping it outside would likely invite water issues if you’re in a rainy climate.
On the positive side, the seller mentions that in nearly three years of ownership, the Fairlane has never left them stranded on a park outing. For someone looking for a usable, classic Ford convertible to enjoy around town while slowly improving it, this might be a tempting candidate at the current $7,200 asking price.
Would you keep driving this Fairlane as a scruffy summer cruiser, or would you dive in and take it all the way to the next level?
Drop top Fairlane that is a driver for 7,200 That won’t last long.
Looks like it escaped from Earl Scheib’s parking lot.
I’d have to paint it right after getting the mechanicals sorted, so the prep and paint would take away the first summer season. That would include getting it sealed best I can. I cant see myself summer cruising with shabby paint. Not sealing is less of an issue if you garage it, or have a carport.
This is a great looking Ford. This will be interesting for the next buyer.
Doesn’t seem like a bad deal! They did lots of work to it recently and it seems to be driving well. Nice cruiser!
“This item is from a non-smoking, pet free environment.” Sorry, that’s what came to mind.
sounds like from the add to drivetrain is getting tired but still runs. it’s cool but needs a lot of work and money. where do you draw the line?
Doing compression and leak down tests could reveal much about the engine and whether it needs a complete rebuild or just a valve job. With that info in hand, it would be an easier sale for the current owner.
Good start
Bought one of these with a hardtop back in 76 for 700 bucks. Mine had only 63 thousand miles on with the 351 Cleveland in it. Had so much torque it would break my motor mounts and my rear lug bolts all the time. The only car I couldn’t outrun back then was a 68 Charger with a 440 magnum.
It’s a driver – dogs approved – a buy at that price !
Tired, but solid, the issues could be addressed as time and money permit. Yes, the paint is tired, but at least the dreaded tin worm hasn’t gotten a good hold yet! Fix the window seals and rear window on the droptop, to keep the water out of the interior, then the rest can be tackled as your budget and ambition permits. The ask is a bit high, but not outrageous, and it looks like the current owner might be flexible on the price. GLWTS!