The Fairlane arrived at Ford dealers in 1955, the brand’s top-of-the-line product. The Galaxie would take over that spot in 1959, so Ford moved the nameplate to a new class of automobile in 1962, the “mid-size”. That new Ford was positioned between the full-size Galaxie and the compact Falcon. This 1963 example of the Fairlane 500 is in great shape, though the paint is getting weak in some places. Located in Bloomington, Indiana, this survivor-quality Ford is available here on craigslist for $7,900. Barn Finder “Zappenduster” sent this tip our way!
Fairlanes were named after Henry Ford’s estate in Michigan. It would remain a staple in Ford’s portfolio for more than 15 years. After a successful launch in 1962, the Fairlane was minimally changed in 1963, looking even more like the senior Fords than they did in 1962. The 500 was the top Fairlane, just like the Galaxie 500 in that series. An inline-6 with manual transmission was standard, but the 260 cubic inch V8 was optional with a 2-speed automatic transmission. That’s the pairing in the seller’s nice ride.
Out of more than 1.5 million Fords built in 1963, the Fairlane comprised 343,000 units. And, of those, more than 103,000 were 4-door 500 sedans like this one. There is no mention of the paint or interior are original to this Ford, but they largely could be. Though getting thin on the upward-facing surfaces, the white-over-green paint works fine for now and there is a minimal amount of little dings and scratches.
The indicated mileage of 64,800 could easily be spot on. We’re told the vehicle runs well and has recently been treated to new brakes and a fluids change under the hood. In the passenger arena, new carpeting and sun visors have been installed. So, there is no reason that this shouldn’t be a turn-key automobile that brings you into the vintage car world at an affordable price.
Respectable bread-and-butter family car of their day. Attractive scaled-down-Galaxie styling has aged well. This example looks to be in survivor condition, with some work having been done. The interior looks extra good. Enjoy it as-is, or maybe continue with upgrades. A fresh coat of that minty green paint (Silver Moss Poly?) while keeping the white painted roof and the white body trim would really pop.
I wonder, is there a non-televised car auction that features REAL cars? Plausible cars we grew up with? I specifically watch TV auctions for cars like these, nothing. A car with a worn steering wheel or a torn seat for these buyers today? Not likely. A shame, really, this is the real world of classic cars, not some exotic with a velvet rope around it. I read, there are a glut of unsold 50s and 60s cars like this, that never make it to TV. I’m sure the producers have their”standards”.
This car, and others like it, have so much going for it. Clean, dependable, small V8( there was a smaller one, the 221) AUTOMATIC,,,and you can wave at the folks awaiting the bad news at the car dealer, and no, we will never again see cars like this offered. They last too long. Best place to find one is not wait for CL or FB, small town farm auctions reveal plenty, and often with no bidders. I bet this car was gotten for a grand, cleaned it up, well, there you go.
Would prefer two doors but pretty nice all the same. PS, PB, automatic and V8, heck it’s like a modern car, at least the driving experience. Well worth what they ask.
This model year Fairlane isn’t particularly sought after even if it had 2 doors. It may be nice, but it fits squarely in the segment where cars are competing on price, there are better cars for less money.
Steve R
I had a good friend who owned one of these, except I think his was a 2 door. It was a really nice car, and dependable too.
Hi Thomas, I too had a friend with a 1963 2dr HT. It had a bench seat of coarse and with him being about 6 inches shorter than my 6′ 2′, I had little leg room. (We worked at the same hospital and were referred to as Mutt & Jeff).
Anyway, in 1970 we drove his little Ford from Regina to Halifax — 5300 miles round trip going TC highway there and dipping south of Lake Michigan on the way back.. Halfway there that little V8 started missing and a mechanic we asked said we might be collapsing a piston, that was a worry. Later, in the dark of night we lifted the hood and found a plug wire off its sparkplug. Popped it back on and the car ran like a charm for the rest of the trip. My only complaint was the leg room when my pal had the seat all the way forward. It was fine when I was driving. Hahaha
Lion,
I owned a two door with the bench seat. When my wife drove it was more comfortable for me in the backseat.
Totally dependable vehicle! I traded it for a Chrysler Wagon, but only because I wanted to pull a travel trailer.
4 doors rule…..look at today’s cars…
Nothing wrong with 4-door cars. That Edsel was and is a very nice and a good car. Too bad the Edsel was discontinued.
Gorgeous car.
The one change I’d make is to swap a 5 spd in behind that little v-8. Oh and rebuild the suspension with disc brakes up front, and swap on 15” rims & tires.
Then upgrade as desired while using it as a daily driver.
Though as Steve R says there are better cars for less money. And Howard A has a point, best to find affordable at farm/estate auctions.
Nice factory hupcaps.
I love the fact that the original GENERATOR is still in place, Wow.
These crew cabs are getting more popular especially if they care clean.