The hood could be this 1969 Ford Fairlane 500 Convertible’s most important attribute. The seller states that it is the only panel not wearing original paint, while beneath it rests a 351ci V8 promising very respectable performance. It isn’t perfect, with evidence of minor rust. However, it is structurally sound and ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Fairlane listed here on eBay in Marcy, New York. The seller set their BIN at $15,500 with the option to make an offer.
Ford’s Sixth Generation Fairlane range enjoyed a very brief spell on the market, gracing showroom floors in 1968 and 1969. Buyers warmly embraced the company’s latest offering, and sales were very strong. Our featured car rolled off the line in 1969 and is 1-of-2,264 examples of the Fairlane 500 Convertible produced during that model year. Finished in Gulfstream Aqua, the seller claims that apart from the hood, the Fairlane retains all of its original paint. Its presentation is quite impressive if that is the case. The exterior shines nicely, and any paint imperfections are too insignificant to be an issue. There are no dings or dents, and the photos indicate that the power top in contrasting White fits tightly. The seller states that although the top pump and motor run, it appears to need a fluid top-up. The floors are rock-solid, but that doesn’t mean that this drop-top is rust-free. There is visible rust in both lower rear quarter panels and above the wheel arch on the passenger side. However, since the problems aren’t severe, they could be addressed at the buyer’s leisure. The trim and glass look great for their age, while the Black steelies and dog dish hubcaps give the car a subtle, restrained appearance.
Buyers could order a 1969 Fairlane 500 with some impressively powerful motors, but this car’s first owner followed what many would consider a relatively conservative path by selecting the M-Code 351ci V8. They teamed the 351 with a three-speed manual transmission and power front disc brakes. The M-Code delivered a factory-quoted 290hp and 385 ft/lbs of torque, providing the 3,600 lb Convertible with very respectable performance. There is plenty of good news for potential buyers, courtesy of the seller’s recent cash splash. They replaced the master cylinder, rotors, calipers, pads, rear wheel cylinders, and all brake lines and hoses, allowing the Fairlane to stop on a dime. They also fitted a new battery, starter, solenoid, radiator, hoses, and a Pertronix ignition. The V8 should sound wonderful as it exhales through the dual exhaust, and it appears that this classic is a turnkey proposition.
The positive vibes continue inside this Fairlane. Trimmed in White vinyl, the seller recently fitted a new steering wheel, kick panels, armrests, and a set of underdash AutoMeter gauges. They include the factory wheel for those preferring authenticity. The rest of the interior is original, and one of the highlights is the shifter, which looks quite purposeful poking from the floor. The interior presents well, with no major cosmetic issues or shortcomings. Dropping the top won’t be embarrassing, and the only functional issue is the inoperative AM/FM radio.
Although it isn’t perfect, this 1969 Fairlane 500 Convertible has many positive attributes. The rust issues are relatively minor, leaving the car structurally sound. The V8 under the hood will provide excellent performance, while the recent mechanical work ensures it is a turnkey proposition. It probably isn’t the most affordable classic on the planet, but recent sales results suggest the seller’s BIN is realistic. The listing statistics confirm people like what they see, and it will be fascinating to discover whether that translates into sales success. Do you think that it will?
I like the car, the price isn’t terrible and it looks straight. I would leave the rust alone and just drive it. It would be a big plus if it had p/s, I’ve gotten spoiled in my old age.