If we ignored the wider steel wheels, this 1962 Ford Fairlane could be a genuine sleeper. Its original, capable six-cylinder engine has been replaced by a V8, delivering a significant power gain that will improve performance. It presents extremely well, but there is scope for the buyer to make their mark on this classic. It is a turnkey proposition that is listed here on eBay in Chester, New York. The seller set their BIN at $11,895 OBO.
Ford introduced the Fourth Generation Fairlane in 1962. The company targeted the intermediate market, slotting the badge between the Falcon and the Galaxie. This first-year example makes a positive first impression in its fresh coat of Baffin Blue. There are no visible cosmetic shortcomings, with the paint shining impressively, and the panels as straight as an arrow. The good news continues when we examine the underside shots, with no evidence of rust or other issues. In fact, the floors are amongst the cleanest you will likely find on a classic of this vintage. The trim is in good condition, and the glass is clear. The seller’s decision to fit wider steel wheels with dog dish hubcaps and BF Goodrich tires should greatly improve the car’s handling and braking.
Although unlikely to win many show trophies, this Fairlane’s interior is tidy. A previous owner retrimmed the seats in two-tone Blue cloth, teamed with Dark Blue vinyl door trims. The seats and door trims are in good condition, as is the carpet. There are a couple of marks under the driver’s feet, but if they don’t respond to a deep clean, a set of nice floor mats would hide the problem. The wheel has significant wear that detracts from the appearance, and the headliner is well past its prime. This Fairlane retains its factory radio, and an upgraded JVC radio/cassette player hides in the glovebox.
Alrighty, then! It’s time to discuss why I view this Fairlane as a sleeper. The first owner ordered it with the 170ci six-cylinder engine, delivering a factory-quoted 101hp and 156 ft/lbs of torque. Its performance would have been competent, but would never have set pulses racing. However, the six is now a distant memory, with this car now featuring a 289ci V8, hooked to a three-speed automatic transmission. The V8 benefits from an updated camshaft, carburetor, and Performer intake, all from Edelbrock. The cam specs aren’t mentioned, but I see no reason why power and torque wouldn’t have doubled when compared to what the original owner enjoyed off the showroom floor. The seller recently replaced a long list of parts, including the plugs, plug wires, cap, points, belts, and most of the brake components. They supply this YouTube video, and while it doesn’t show the car in action, we hear the V8 running and sounding as sweet as a nut. The Fairlane is a turnkey proposition, allowing the buyer to fly in and drive it home.
Although I prefer original classics, I find this 1962 Ford Fairlane extremely attractive. It promises excellent performance, and its presentation is easily acceptable for enthusiasts seeking a driver-grade vehicle with no immediate needs. If the buyer replaced the headliner and threw in a set of floor mats, it would be ready to hit the road without costing a fortune. It hasn’t generated significant interest since hitting the market, which might be good news for potential buyers. It means they may not face stiff competition, which would improve their chances of negotiating a respectable price drop. Is that a prospect that you find irresistible?
Oh, I like this one too. Everything today seems to have to be done to the 9s, mostly to compliment the builders dreams, when something as simple as this, is what people want. To be clear, the 6 was IN-competent and IN-capable of any power. It should be noted, there was a 144 in line 6, I believe for the Falcon that didn’t make it to the Fairlane, and this was the 1st year for the forgotten “221” V8, the 1st Windsor motor(?), the smallest V8 made in the US. 260 came out mid year, and 289 in ’63. This is a perfect car for anyone today.
Wait, pshew, beat the “correction patrol”, the smallest V8 was the GM 215 that came out in 1961. Still, the 221 is almost forgotten.
I believe the 221 found it’s way to quite a few boats as a pretty decent boat motor. Anyone verify that?
Ford offered a 60 horsepower V8 from 1937 to 1940 and it had only 136 cubic inches.
To be really perfect a 4 or 5 spd stick behind that little bent 8 would be preferred. And black paint on the wheels. Love this simple mid-sized 2dr post Ford!
Confirmed…….there was a 144 in my 60 Falcon. Also confirmed it was incapable of any power.
This looks great just the way it is.
Don’t see many of these anymore either.
I haven’t seen one since Mom drove one in the late sixties/early seventies. All white and less chrome.
Yep, my Pop bought a used 62 Fairlane in white also with the 260 and automatic. It was his station car after they both liked Ma’s in-between-convertibles-car, a 64 4 door Fairlane (in teal, a pretty nice looking car). She had 2 convertibles (after the 51 Kaiser Traveler that Pop relegated to her when they bought his 54 Windsor) but couldn’t find another in their price range, so the used 64 (from Jackson Ford in Ossining) was it for a number of years (until the 67 red LeMans convert). When his station car (a 57 Ford with the 260 and 3 on the tree) gave out, Jackson Ford found him this 62 Fairlane. I drove it for a summer after college and it wasn’t a bad ride…for what it was. Definitely not a chick magnet but it did the job getting to and fro for a long time.
I like it
It’s a start. To derive any current-day pleasure from this, bring money. A 100-hp chassis with soggy springs, numb shock absorbers, small drum brakes, sloppy steering, and weak/absent roll bars needs a whole bunch of investment to even be safe on the road.
But it’ll be fun in a straight line.
And what happens to that Falcon differential with stickier tires hooked up to some horsepower?
Guessing that if somebody put the effort into this build as shown in the post it has been up graded to handle the changes.
Of course that is only a guess, but I’d say an educated guess.
Hmmm, only an 1 1/2hrs or so away. Might have to run up and have a look if it is still around this weekend.
Nice. I like it and the price!
Why?
Why not?
neat cruiser here and priced fairly. love the double stripe spare tire. it would look good with a set of them and the current wheels. i feel though the tailpipes need a bit of fine tuning instead of sticking out the back like a couple of fence posts.
This Fairlane looks great, and the slug 170 is history, too! 10 years ago, I’d have been on the horn to the owner, setting up a test drive. Now? I’m playing things closer to the vest, and things closer to home!
This listing was ended by the seller on Thu, Feb 26 at 11:36 AM because the item is no longer available.
My dad had a ’62 fairlane with the 221 v-8, 3 speed manual with overdrive!!
The overdrive had a pull knob on the dash to engage and dis-engage the overdrive. Black with red interior. Sharp!
Sharp ride.
Someone got a nice buy. This is a great start to a tidy restomod, IMO. Swap the auto for a 5/6 speed with OD, modernize the suspension, add 4WDB, an LSD (possibly a budget 9 in. axle), Vintage Air, and take a trip down Route 66.