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?
Price seemed too good to be true and sure enough the listing has been deleted. Somebody is gonna be happy . . .
Thank you for a nice article Russ – The intermediate sedans of the 60’s made a lot of sense… mid 50s GM’s, Fords and Chryslers had grown so long that by the early 60s they wouldn’t fit in a lot of the garages that were built in the 30s 40s 50s… add to that the fact you needed nearly 400 in.³ to move them- all made the math seem pretty easy- build a sedan the length of a 56 Chevy with 90% the interior space of a new Galaxie 500- drop in a well built, compact and efficient V8 that would get better than14 mpg and you couldn’t go wrong. I think Ford hit the nail on the head with the styling of this car- a front that mimiced the new Galaxie and iconic Ford after-burner tail lights with subtle winglets. Throw in interior options that go from taxi cab basic to “fullsize car” upscale and you certainly had a winning formula… easy to see why GM and Chrysler followed suit…
Back when I was 15 years old I was given one of these. I was with my brother out looking for junk cars and we came across a 63 fairlane sitting under a tree in Rosendale. We asked about it and the guy said we could have it to get it out of his yard. Problem was a tree limb had fallen down on it and said limb was the home of a lot of bees. Gary said that I could have the car if I would hook up the chain and put it in neutral. I was a fearless kid back then and that was what I did. Got it home put in a battery and a hot wire for the coil and it was a runner. Took an ignition switch out of a 60 Galaxy so I wouldn’t have to mess with the hotwire and had me a nice farm car. We stored hay about a half mile from the house and I would open the trunk and throw 3 bales in with a 4th on the top of trunk lid. The late 70’s was a good time to be alive. Had it for over a year and finally pulled the 260 out and put it in a 70 Maverick, I had a pickup by then for hauling hay
My buddy’s sister (now my wife of 55 years) had one only bronze in color with a 170 I-6. Nice little car until the father of a friend (on his way home from the bar) broad-sided us 1/2 block from home. We survived but it pretty much did the car in. As a side note, we were on our way to Gratiot Auto Supply to see the funny car body hanging from the ceiling. Must’ve been summer of 67 or 68.
When I was growing up, I had a friend who had one of these, and it was a good car.
5k and it sold. solid car for the price.
I had a light green 63 with the 260, auto. My 2nd real car after a sint with an opel kadett wagon
nice