Ford came up with a new market segment in 1962: the intermediate, or mid-size. They felt there was a need for a car sandwiched between the compact Falcon and full-size Galaxie. They were right, as all the major competition soon followed. They chose to name the new cars Fairlanes, which was an existing and comfortable nameplate in the Ford arsenal. 1963 editions were little change,d and the top-line model was the Fairlane 500 (like the Galaxie 500). Located in Wenatchee, Washington, where the Ford was first sold, the family sedan is available here on craigslist for $5,000. Another Pacific Northwest tip from “Curvette”.
The mid-size Fairlane made plenty of sense. It could easily seat five people (maybe six) and would be more maneuverable than the longer Galaxies. In fact, they looked a lot alike, with the Fairlanes coming across as shrunken full sizes that would be easier on fuel because of their reduced weight (a decade before that would truly become important). Most Fairlanes were probably sold with an inline-6 engine, but the seller’s car has an extra-cost 260 cubic inch V8.
If you’re okay with four doors, this Ford might offer vintage value to its next owner. The V8 and automatic transmission have been rebuilt, and much of the front-end hardware seems to have been replaced. Also, the upholstery and carpeting have been redone,e and the seller has receipts for all the work that was performed.
This Ford may be a common local sight because it was sold new in the same town where it resides today. The car isn’t perfect, as there is evidence of rust in a few places and the rear bumper has a bend in it. But it’s a great runner that you could drive as-is for now. As an incentive, the seller says delivery is available but does not outline the guidelines. Is this a good $5,000 car for beginning collectors?
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