Some classics leave potential buyers with decisions to contemplate, and such is the case with this one-owner 1967 Ford Fairlane 500. It presents nicely as a genuine survivor, although the seller acknowledges that it carries a few minor cosmetic shortcomings. That begs the question of whether preservation or restoration is the most appropriate path to follow. That is one for you to consider as you work through this article to discover what the Fairlane offers. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Fairlane listed here on Craigslist in Chehalis, Washington. You could drive this beauty away for $28,000.
Ford launched its Fifth Generation Fairlane range for the 1966 model year, following the lead of the Galaxie with more aggressive styling. It only remained on sale until the end of 1967, with our feature Fairlane 500 a final-year vehicle. The seller appears to be listing the car on behalf of his grandfather, who has been this Ford’s sole owner. That will make it pretty special in the eyes of some, because a known history can be a key consideration for some potential buyers. Its Vintage Burgundy paint looks nice in the supplied photos, although the seller indicates that a close inspection will reveal some flaws. Whether they are bad enough to justify restoration will depend on the buyer’s desire for perfection. It has spent its entire life in a dry and climate-controlled garage, making the absence of rust unsurprising. The car wears one odd hubcap, but the remaining trim and the glass show no signs of problems.
While it was possible to order a ’67 Fairlane with a six under the hood, this owner selected the entry-level 289ci V8. Their decision to team this motor with a three-speed C4 automatic transmission and power steering should guarantee an effortless driving experience. This V8 produces 200hp and 282 ft/lbs of torque, and while it won’t be a muscle car in its current form, tackling city traffic or cruising at freeway speed shouldn’t present many challenges. The seller states that the Fairlane runs and drives well, but it would benefit from some mechanical TLC. They don’t elaborate on the subject, which is a mystery that might prompt some to reach out to ask the relevant questions.
The interior is a mixed bag, but it is undeniably serviceable in its current form. A decade has passed since it received a partial restoration in Black vinyl. The upholstered surfaces are free from wear, the paint looks really good, and the pad hasn’t cracked. My only criticism is the carpet, which exhibits signs of wear. It isn’t a significant problem, and splashing around $250 on a new carpet set would eliminate the issue and leave this interior looking extremely nice for a relatively small outlay.
This 1967 Fairlane 500 is a wonderful classic, and apart from the interior refresh, it appears to tick the boxes as a genuine survivor. There is no doubt that it would command respect at any Cars & Coffee in its current form, because that is one of the characteristics shared by many survivor-grade classics that have led a sheltered life. I don’t believe that a full-blown restoration is the best path to follow, but addressing any issues sympathetically could be a suitable approach. Do you agree?
I know, but Gannons car was a 4 door. Those are ’63 Galaxie wheel covers, but still look nice. It’s a wonderful find, “Fair-a-lanes” had an odd market, not as sporty as a Mustang, better than a Falcon, but not a Galaxie. Fairlane 2 doors were hot at the strip, but I really don’t recall seeing very many. Dragnet 67 ( it was originally called) certainly did a lot for any popularity, and the Fairlane struggled on until 1970 as a Torino, and possibly overseas, but this was the last of the traditional Fairlanes. They were great cars, Fords best years, I feel. So,, grandpas car, you say??? Mmm-hmm,, :(
My cousin Adam, several years older than me, had one of these. He bought it used, off a dealers lot, in 1969. I think it was a stick-6. He said it was the perfect accountant’s car, clean lines, handsome (not pretty), economical and reliable. I don’t recall if he ever sold it!
He would know, he was an accountant.
With a Mustang hubcap thrown in…..the brake pedal shows a lot of wear so not thinking it’s a low mileage car…..nice but not 28g’s nice….
Nice car, but waaaaay too pricey. If it were a GT ‘Vert, that would be a good asking.
Yep, nice but not 28K nice.
Preserve. Rebuild a warmer mill. Enjoy.
Too expensive for either option. I’m a value shopper so I’m not married to any particular make, model or year, I’d keep looking, there are better deals out there.
I really like this body style, but with 427 styling cues, hood, 4spd, big FE, vintage mags. This car is priced as if it was already restored, good for him if he can get it, but winter will get here sooner rather than later, we may see it featured again on this site next spring.
Steve R
Way overpriced. Hagerty #1 best in the world concours condition is $19,800. This is more like a #3 car ($9,800) at best. $28k is ridiculous if you actually want to sell it.
He’s fishing. Someone told him fairlanes were selling for $30-40k. Unfortunately that’s for restored GT convertibles.
28K ?
If you delete the “2”, you should find a buyer. Someone is dreaming here…
wow 28k,as mentioned before thats more then what i paid for a 66 ‘ Mustang last July,full restored Hardtop.289 4 – barrel dual exhaust ,auto with factory air.
he posted the i really don’t want to sell price
$20,000.00 overpriced