The 1958 model year was tough for most automakers (except those selling compacts). The economy was in the doldrums, but the turnaround began in 1959. As such, most saw a rebound, especially Ford, whose sales grew by 47% from one year to the next. Though the styling was fresh, the platform was the same as in 1957-58, and Ford was battling Chevrolet who had an all-new design in 1959 (the “batwing” Chevies). Located in a garage in Amelia, Ohio, the seller’s ’59 Fairlane 500 Club Sedan is either a parts car or a major restoration project for someone. But the price is right — $799 here on Facebook Marketplace. Another great tip from “Pnuts”.
Ford’s styling made the 1959s easy to distinguish from their predecessors – and Ford’s own “batwing” cars were still a year away. Models included the Custom 300, Fairlane, Fairlane 500, Galaxie (including the Skyliner retractable hardtop), Ranchero (utility coupe), and various station wagons. Of the new Fords in ’59, more than 10,000 were the Club Sedan from the Fairlane 500 series, like this one.
Someone started taking this Ford apart – and apparently not recently. It once had a 292 cubic inch “Y-block” V8, but the block may be MIA; some of its other parts seem to be in the trunk or passenger compartment where there are no seats. It also had a 3-speed manual transmission which has survived and is not installed (the engine bay is quite empty). But the original 9-inch rear end still seems to be in place.
The Ford is incomplete, but many parts have stuck around even though they are not attached to the car (like the bumpers). Rust is likely still a problem even though the passenger-side rear quarter panel has been cut in anticipation of a patch or replacement (provided). The seller brags that the Ford still has its “500” trunk emblem, which seems to be in short supply on the parts market. Would you try to save this vehicle or harvest it for whatever good parts remain?
As a glass-half-full kinda guy, I’ll
say it has the potential to be a really cool sleeper and not much
else. A full restoration would be an expensive labor of love, but I’m seeing this as a great start for
a nice street machine. Me, I’d go
with a 390 tri power set up mated
to either a 4-speed or Tremec 5-speed after seeing Jay Leno talk
about it last night on YouTube.
I seem to recall a pretty blonde lady named Rikki Cregar who owned a real beast of a ’57 Ford
2-door sedan that was featured in
the June 1970 issue of Rod & Custom Magazine. Her car was black and had a gasser vibe to it.
And to a car crazy kid like me, they both looked pretty good! And while I wouldn’t do the gasser thing to this car, anything I did to it would be tastefully done
and easy to live with. Come to think of it, a fire breathing 406 would be a blast too.
Hi Ken!
Just looking at the pile’o’parts in the passenger compartment I finally figured out what the rusted part on top ofctge heap is. What used to be the battery tray! I like this body style but in the front end picture, with the headlamps and trim eliminated. That front end also looks like a ’58 Chevy! I have been away from the rust belt long enough enough now. ( 43 years) that it is hard for me to get excited about anything with rotted out rocker panels. I know that they make replacements that are not overly expensive But the thought of tin worm poop just turns my stomach. I know, I’m now spoiled! We had an FFA member that showed up after an evening meeting at our .monthly drag race with a 406 Galaxy that stomped all our Chevys (396 Chevelle, 327 Biscayne, 409 Impala, my ’55 Chevy convert, etc.) into the ground. So drag racing every month was for best in Chevy class.
At best, this is a parts car.
Steve R
Parts, maybe. The right fender is rusted in half under the headlight bucket as well as all the other rust. You can get that “500” emblem and the glass and scrap the rest.
Put the anchor chain back on and sink it. Again.
if you have 1 of these this great to have sitting around for parts but to restore it forget it. buy 1 done.
The price is right??? Only if the owner is paying you that to haul it away.