Seeing the success of its compact Falcon in 1960, Ford felt there was a need for another line of automobile between that and the full-size Galaxie. So, in 1962, a mid-size or intermediate car was introduced, and the venerable Fairlane nameplate was applied to it. The car initially competed with the “senior compacts” at General Motors, but they soon had their own middle-tier autos. This 1964 Fairlane 500 looks quite nice and ready to rumble, but surprisingly only has an inline-6 under the hood. Located in Granite Falls, Washington, this cool (?) Ford is available here on craigslist for $14,950.
In 1964, those GM senior compacts took on size, and Chevrolet rolled out the Chevelle, so the boxing gloves were off in this market segment. The Fairlane stuck around in name through 1970, though the new Torino brand would begin to take over in 1968. The 1964 Fairlane shared the Ford family “look”, so it either looked like a smaller Galaxie or a larger Falcon, depending on your viewpoint. The Fairlane had FOMOCO company in the market space in 1962-63 in the form of the Mercury Meteor. Like the Falcon, these cars used unibody construction.
This 1964 Ford looks like an early muscle car with the American Racing wheels and black vinyl bucket seat interior. But it’s really a sheep in wolf’s clothing with a 200 cubic inch inline-6 and a 2-speed automatic transmission under the hood (the old Ford-O-Matic). The car has new brakes and also air conditioning, but that option needs work to get the job done. The wording of the listing suggests a dealer is involved, as a “documentary service fee” may be added to the price.
Everything here appears to be ship-shape, even if a 260 or 289 CI V8 isn’t part of the package. And the seller refers to the status of the title as “salvage” but neglects to offer any explanation as to why or what will be required to convert that status. The odometer is said to read nearly 88,000 miles, yet the paint and interior suggest at least a partial restoration. Overall, this looks like a solid ride that won’t break the bank when it comes time to top off the gas tank. Oh, and thanks for the mild-mannered tip, “Curvette”!
What a neat car, Ford sure had their ducks lined up in the 60s. I was sure this might have been a “Sports Coupe”, and not sure what that means, but this car was a few ticks away on the order form from being one. I think a theft recovery mandates a salvage title too, I’d be cautious with that. Regardless, this car has everything for the future, and a beautiful classic. Or, strip it out and make a Thunderbolt clone,, :0
It is the wrong body for a Thunderbolt clone. They had the Pillar.
I do like this though even though it has the 6, it would be a nice car to take to coffee mornings and just leave the hood closed.
I never understand why people take nice little cars like this and deck them out like hot rods when they’re not. Why not just enjoy it as a well maintained economy car from the past? Given what’s under the hood, it would certainly have more appeal that way.
Or, or take it all the way and drop in a V8. That 200 CI six isn’t worth building up. JMO.
I am a master ASE certified technician retired now. Back in the mid 90’s I worked for a friend of mine who had his own shop, he built a turbo charged 200 Ford six. we dynode it at 400 Horsepower at the rear wheels. before the clutch let go (slipping) it was put in a 1965 Econoline Ford van, 6 in arow won’t go? don’t bet on it
Well, this is hardly “decked out” as a hot rod, I’m not sure what you are referencing that to, all these folks did was add mag wheels, that would make a Yugo look good, and easily returned to normal. It’s when people do things like that Corvette thing a while back, with no chance of being saved, that is a real mistake. Besides, I like original cars too, but mag wheels make any car look great, as shown. Poverty caps and thin bias ply tires aren’t for everyone and I feel has much more attraction like this for today.
This 64 Fairlane looks like a Falcon on steroids to me. I’m disappointed with the 200 6 cylinder under its hood and it would sure be struggling with AC and an automatic. Salvage titles can also be sketchy to deal with at DMV. Almost better to sell with a bill of sale instead.
Unfortunately, a bill of sale won’t fly in Florida. A salvage title could mean anything, but as they say……. buyer beware.
This one looks like it’s ready to be taken to the next level. I don’t mind the six but I’d upgrade to a hopped up 250 unit with a 4 or 5spd. It looks like serious effort went into the rest of the car so why not improve its ability to run at speed? Especially with an ask of 15k?
To each their own.
Or a Barra Engine from Australia, if you have the turbo version you will give a lot of V8’s a touch up.
nice ride. surprised to see a/c with a 6cly. fairly priced too. should sell quickly.
I can see a 351 transplant from a later 1970s, early 1980s year Thunderbird or Cougar engine and trans in this beautiful body Ford. Glad it’s on the wrong coast.
Very cool sleeper car!!
I picture a K code with 4 speed in the future. Maybe!
nice
Nice!
I’d paint the radiator, mount the accumulator with something other than plumbers tape and drive it just as it is with a giant smile the rest of my life.
With as good as it looks and if it runs and drives, as long as its registered, I couldn’t care less if it has a salvaged title. Not trying to impress anybody, just want to enjoy the ride!
When younger had a 64 2dr 289 factory high performance 4 sp 9 in rear dog dish hub caps
It was a real sleeper surprised alot of people
The ad now says that the title is clean. No mention of a salvage title.
I’ve owned a couple ’64 Fairlanes and I really liked them.
The first date with my wife was in my really rough looking, but extremely solid and reliable ’64 with a 289 and factory AC that would freeze you out. I picked her up with an old blanket covering the seat springs and a really clapped out paint job. She got in without batting an eye, which impressed me because other ladies turned up their noses or refused to get in at all.
I kept the car for years then traded it off and wound up with it after another trade and I was proud as punch to have it again. I came rolling into the yard and my wife’s face melted.
“I thought you were only driving that ugly thing because you were poor, I didn’t think you actually like it!”
Hell no! I loved it! Only sold it off because I needed my driveway paved in our new home after we kept getting stuck in the Florida ball bearing sand.