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?
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