In 1962, Ford shifted its Fairlane nameplate from a full-size product to a new mid-size platform to fill a gap between the Galaxie and the compact Falcon. The decision was a success, and the three categories would outsell the previous two. The Fairlane was sized right in the middle of the other two vehicles and competed (at the time) with Plymouth’s Belvedere, AMC’s Rambler, and newcomers from GM like the Pontiac Tempest. This first-year survivor looks to be in great condition with largely original components.
Like the Falcon, the “new” Fairlane used unibody construction, which was also applied to Mercury’s Meteor in the same market space. A 170 cubic inch inline-6 was standard, but buyers could upgrade to the 221 CI “Challenger” V8 that was appropriate for the car’s size and weight. The seller’s Fairlane 500 Sports Coupe is also equipped with a 2-speed Ford-O-Matic transmission. In 1962, two-door models only came as pillared sedans as a hardtop wouldn’t be added until the following year.
The seller’s car is one of 19,628 sold in 1962 in the sedan body style with 500 trim. The Sports Coupe was available with bucket seats and a mini console, of which this vehicle has both. The listing for this vehicle reads a bit like a dealer’s ad, complete with the offer to consider trades. But the ad goes on to say it’s being offered by a private seller. The mileage is said to be 78,000, correct and documented, and the car has emerged from a private collection. With little tailfins, the Fairlane from the rear looks more like a 1961 Galaxie than one from 1962.
This Ford is rust-free, wears original sheet metal and paint, and drives exceptionally well. Some of the interior is original, with the front seats having been redone to almost exactly replicate the upholstery on the rear seat. While it sports aftermarket wheels, the original steel wheels and covers have been retained, too. As you might expect, the Fairlane is numbers matching and has lots of paperwork dating back to its roots. From Beverly Hills in California, this sharp survivor is available here on eBay where the current bid (without reserve) is just $4,149.
Beauty!
Very nice! Put the original wheels and covers on an you’ve got a real gem.
Although I prefer full size RWD vehicles, this looks like a REAL Fair Lane vehicle. In the 60s FMC really out did the competition. Mercury’s relatives were IMO even better. Only exception for me was the FALCON! A bird that didn’t fly well with me. Surely someone will quickly see this at a FAIR price and get in the LANE 😉 and enjoy it!
Nice looking car. The value is in its condition, I’d upgrade to a 4bbl, disc brakes and a more modern transmission, possibly a manual at some point in time, then drive it.
Steve R
I had a 62 4 door when I was in the Army in 66 – it was a nice car.
What I would do to this car is bla bla bla. I get so tired of that crap. Comment on the car presented or history of the model. I don’t have any interest in what you would change. Don’t like what it is now?; then just move on.
Fortunately, in the USA 🇺🇸, we are STILL able to have our own opinions and express them! Have a great day here on the Fair Lane 😀
Heck the reason I read the comments is to hear another person’s story regardless how trivial. I have stories I like to tell too.
Dennis, you need some love and support here, so here it is. The imaginary modifications do grow tiresome, as do the stories about somebody’s uncle’s neighbour that almost bought one in 1964. At least we don’t have to read all the inane questions that pop up on Bring a Trailer from guys that never, ever place a bid.
Still fun to see cool rides like this, though.
A Unicorn…..
Good shape….
Simple to work on…
And a REASONABLE price….
Somebody will score a great new toy…
I’d leave it just like it is and drive it. I don’t mind reading what others might do to it. I think everyone should be able to express their opinions. If someone doesn’t like reading that, it is their prerogative to then skip over that reply.
Amen and Hallelujah to that 🙌! Never know what you might FIND in the BARN? 🚗 🏠 🐄 🤣
Agreed
I would love to have this car! The bid is now about 7 K. L have now idea what it should sell for, but I would think way more than it is at now. Speaking of what to do with it , how about detail the engine compartment.
This was like the 1st car I ever bought. Mine was Black with reddish interior and Corvette wire wheel covers. I bought it at 3 years old for $995.00 from a dealer and it was just about in pristine condition. I had to sell it, I couldn’t afford the payments on Army Pvt pay, but I still have a few photos.
Contrary to Dennis, I love the “change this or that ideas” that are posted. The advice is worth what you paid for it.
Have a great day.
I got a 65 farelane hardtop that I’ve finally got completely mechanically sound.Cosmetics next.Im going to be into mine for $25,000 when done.That car is a steal!
Is that an electronic ignition? Definitely aftermarket. Why? I would eke out every bit of performance for ‘fun’ only utilizing skills and technology available back in that time period. Sorry, I just posed a ‘what I’d do to the car’ scenario. hehe That ‘pretty ole girl’ is just a couple years older than me.
Nice Fairlane, great color combo with excellent options. Always liked this year as the car had great lines & style. Someone will get a fabulous car with many enjoyable miles ahead of them!
I instinctively dislike modifying an old car, to “improve” it. bowmade, this car is OLDER than you?? WOW!! I was an adult well before this car was made! 1962 driving conditions were not unlike our own now — and an originally-equipped 1962 car should fare very well on any road it would encounter in 2024! This car is a nice size — it has the trim-level of a full-sized vehicle, with many of the economical advantages of a “compact”, though without the compact’s Spartan aspects. I would put the original wheels and hubcaps back on, make sure of all mechanicals, and DRIVE it! Perhaps, having been born in 1964, you don’t have the same nostalgia for 1962 driving — understood. The problem with guys my age is, these originals which tell us that we still “belong” in this life are vanishing (along with our friends and spouses) — so, we tend to regard threats to their originality as threats to our own place in life. These are merely mass-produced chunks of steel and other materials, buiIt for a purpose long expired, I suppose — so it doesn’t really matter what you do to them. It just breaks my heart and fond attachment to a former time. You understand?? Not meaning to be contentious.
now that’s a new 1 on me, 221 (that’s the pre ThriftPower i6 size…). I DO know the 255 and 260 bent 8s.
The ‘consol’ also looks like what they used in the falcon (this just something the moder found? or did ford use it in both…)
I think this ‘mid-sized’ vehicle was the famed ThunderBolt model (tore up the local/national race tracks). I like the early ‘60s muscle. Much more sleeper style than the late 60s.
Thunderbolt was 1964.
My uncle had the same car new in 62 light blue with a 221 ci and auto, had a lot of people try to tell me that a 260 was the smallest small block, but I set them straight.
I think the 221 was a one year only engine. I had one of these when I was a teenager.221 V8 with a three on the tree. It was cheap and dependable
My late elder brother had a 1963 260 V8 four door sedan in Zambia. He had it parked at the end of the row facing his factory wall and next to the driveway. A truck driver with a long trailer loaded with several tons of steel pipes cut the corner and the rear wheels of the trailer ran straight over the trunk of the Fairlane! Flattened it no end and the roof was pulled down, the rear door windows and frames were totalled and even the windscreen was cracked. He was mortified, especially as his insurance company refused to pay out due to the car being parked in company controlled area.
That is terrible, although I understand that here in the US, accidents in private parking areas are considered different by police from those on public roads. So sorry for that misfortune. Probably too late, but did he contact an attorney? 😉 There’s a good firm named DEWEY, CHEATUM, and HOWE! Just kidding! 👍
On second thought, the company’s insurance should have paid.