Back in the old days (Boy, I do sound old!) you could order a a car pretty much any way that you wanted. You could select a lower trim level like this 1961 Ford Fairlane 500 Club Coupe (two-door sedan) but you could outfit it with pretty much any option on the order sheet – you know, build it your way. And often these full-size, two-door models often became the basis for some serious hot-rodding. Our subject car has received both mechanical upgrades, as well as custom appearance touches, so let’s check it out and see what, if anything, makes this Fairlane special. Located in Gardena, California, this old-school Ford is available, here on craigslist for $12,500.

First up, I noticed the two-tone paint job, it’s an interesting combination of a charcoal gray finished body and a medium-hued blue roof. The depth and shine are spectacular and really highlight this Ford’s lines, especially the C-pillar. The chrome and trim are brilliant though some of the stainless appears to have been removed, along with the Ford and model name badging. The stance shows as lowered while riding on three-bladed chrome wheels – those probably wouldn’t have been my first choice. The rear checkered valance panel is similar in form to the grille so it gives this Fairlane a sort of same look coming and going. The listing is light with specifics but this Ford seems very sound, there are two images of the underside included and nothing looks amiss.

The interior appears to be a complete redo, as in seating upholstery, door panels, and the instrument panel, in particular. The substitute, round analog gauges are a fantastic upgrade and really change the overall vibe – at least from the driver’s seat. Besides the obvious three-spoke steering wheel, an aftermarket radio is in place, right along with what looks like a B&M automatic shifter. Good to also see is a shot of the headliner – it has either been replaced or is in great, original condition.

Ford offered a 300-gross HP 390 CI V8 engine in ’61 and this Fairlane is so equipped though the powerplant may, or may not be the original. As photographed, it reveals an aluminum intake manifold, open element air cleaner, chromed valve covers, and a dual exhaust system, complete with an X-pipe crossover. The  Seller adds, “It runs and drives great. I drive it once a week to work. Can be your Daily driver for sure!“. Also stated is a claim of an engine rebuild only 5K miles ago. Adding to the list of upgrades are front disc brakes but that master cylinder looks like an original single-compartment piece so I’m not sure how that works. The only thing that we know about the transmission is that it’s an automatic. You can hear this very cool Ford run here.

So, knowing what we know about this Fairlane 500, the $12,500 price seems reasonable to me, how about you?