For most of the 1960s, the Fairlane was Ford’s mid-size car. The sixth generation of the automobile ran during 1968-69 where the Fairlane 500 would give up the intermediate’s top spot to the new Torino nameplate, but remain a key part of the series. This ’68 Fairlane 500 convertible is a one-owner vehicle that has seen only 60,000 miles of use in its 53 years. Located in Miami, Florida, it looks to be in beautiful condition and needs nothing. The Fairlane is available here on eBay where you could make it yours by using the Buy It Now function at $23,000. Or submit an offer.
While the 1968-69 Fairlanes and Torinos would ride on the same wheelbase as before, they picked up four inches in length and 200 lbs. in weight. That seemed to be a trend with domestic automakers, making their cars bigger and more expensive year after year. Of the 172,000 Fairlanes assembled in 1968, only a fraction of these were 500 convertibles: only 399 came with buckets seats while 3,422 had a bench front seat, like the seller’s car. 1968 was also the year that Ford would transition from the 289 V8 to one with 302 cubic inches, which is also in the seller’s car.
The seller doesn’t impart a lot of information about this car, leaving the photos to carry the load. The body looks solid, and the Meadowlark Yellow paint is shiny. There is no evidence of any rust, past or present. It could be wearing its original paint, but no reference is made in that area either way. The black convertible looks good as does the vinyl interior, not showing any cracks in the upholstery or dash pad. It even has factory air conditioning, not too common on a convertible in the 1960s.
NADA says one of these ragtops could fetch as much as $27,000, so if this edition is as solid as its presented, then the asking price is fair. You could buy a lot less car for the same money and maybe have to fix up to look and run nice enough to be a regular weekend cruiser.
It’s nice, but very basic. 302 automatic and a/c. The only redeeming factor is it’s a convertible. I’ve seen some caddy convertible models loaded and in just as good condition for the same price. But that’s just me.
God bless America
You know, finding a 68 convertible with a/c, power steering and brakes, and former one owner is harder than one would think…
I wonder what the percentage of 60’s convertibles with a/c for non-luxury brands? 10-15 percent?
Good find. Add a set of the factor type chrome wheels, (see above picture) keep the whitewalls if you want, and just drive and preserve.
I saw opening picture and immediately I started thinking I should go to the lake. What a great representation of 60’s Americana. Saw a lot more equipped like this than the fire breathing monsters we all love back in the day. Car just makes me smile.
I really like the ’68-’69 body style on these Ford intermediates. I’ve had three, a ’68 4-door Torino, a ’68 2-door hardtop and a ’69 Torino GT convertible; all with the small block 302. I dearly miss the convertible GT so this very nice 500 is a car I’d love to have. Not as fancy as a Torino or a GT, but still this drop-top looks pretty nice. The condition seems to be quite good, a car you can get in and enjoy as soon as you get the keys. The 302 is a good, dependable motor for a cruiser; not particularly fast but adequate for relaxed top down motoring. The A/C is a plus for some for those really hot days but it probably hasn’t seen much use because the idea is to cruise with the top down. The price seems reasonable for a such a nice car, too.
Nice car! I am 2nd owner of a candy apple red ’68 Fairlane 500 convertible. I bought the car in 1983. From a retired Doctor, in Mclean Va. Mine has darker red interior, a bench seat. Has the 302 motor and automatic. No a/c in mine though. I love this car, don’t think I could ever sell it. It has been a blast to own.
This is worth about $18,000 no more.
If you like this car but not at $23,000 Maple Motors has the same identical car. If I’m not mistaken I think they want $12,800 for it. It’s the same light yellow color with black vinyl interior and a black vinyl top. Theirs has the 289 V-8.
Where is Maple Motors?
Maple Motors in Hendersonville Tennessee.
The car has been sold.
http://www.maplemotors.com/inventory/3631/info.php
Hendersonville, Tennessee. Marked as “Sold.”
Here’s a very detailed video on the car at Maple Motors. They were selling it for 13,900.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_-PGP2bOX0w