While the Ford Fairlane first launched in the 1950s, it was a mid-size car from 1962 to 1970. It was joined by the Torino nameplate in 1968, which would quickly take over the series. This ‘68 Fairlane 500 2-door hardtop has been in the barn since 2002 but has since been cleaned up and needs work to be a runner. Located in Rio Communities, New Mexico, this Ford may still be available here on Facebook Marketplace (the listing is a year old, but you never know on FB MP). The asking price is/was $12,500.
Ford brought the mid-size car concept to market two years before Chevrolet (and the rest of GM). In 1961, the Fairlane was akin to the Chevy Bel Air in size, but in 1962 they shifted it to a smaller platform it shared with the Mercury Meteor. The redesign of the Fairlane/Torino in 1968 brought the intermediate even closer in appearance to Ford’s full-size cars (IMO). Just as the Galaxie 500 went back to side-by-side headlights (from stacked), so did the Fairlane 500. And the rectangular taillights in both cars had the family look. In 1968, Ford built nearly 31,500 Fairlane 500 hardtops like this one, behind the Chevy Chevelle in sales.
Overall, this Fairlane looks okay for being in the barn for 22 years. There is no indication of rust, and the photos provided show it before and after being extricated (and given a bath). The turquoise paint is probably beyond saving, but if a daily driver is your goal, who cares? The indicated mileage is 54,600 miles which could be legit, but why was this car parked at the turn of the century? The engine compartment photos show no battery, so we assume no attempt has been made to get it going.
This Ford has the 302 cubic inch V8, new in 1968 to replace the 289. A Cruise-O-Matic transmission is in play along with power steering. The interior looks solid as no woodland creatures apparently found their way inside over its two decades in exile. The listing was placed on behalf of a neighbor, so if the car is still available, you may have to communicate through a third party. This Ford looks solid overall, but is the asking price fair given that no info is provided on mechanical health?
There is a reason it’s been listed for at least a year. Even if the asking price of $12,500 were cut in half it would likely be a hard sell for a non-runner that’s been sitting for over 20 years. The 68-69 Fairlanes weren’t bad, but they peaked with the 66-67 models.
Steve R
Sometimes dealers put cash on the hood, this guy put a piano on it.
Just out of curiosity, is anyone here able to tell what that car next to it in the first picture is?
Seems like a complete car except for the radio. I do like that they show before and after pictures of it being dirty and washed. Price a bit too high.
Had a 69 Fairlane 5oo. 2 dr. Hdtp. Got for cheap, around 92 93′ i guess. 351 Windsor ran great. Replaced the torque side motor mount. Ya know put in reverse put on the brake n watch your engine lift. Drove every in the country in Northern Colorado lookin for more old Kool cars. Way too many Pecos here.