The Fairlane nameplate was a Ford staple from the mid-1950s to 1970. At first, it was the top-line full-size car, but by the end of the 1960s, it was a mid-tier intermediate. The cars were redesigned in 1970, but the Fairlane would only enjoy the new body for one year. This ’70 Fairlane 500 is a 2-door hardtop that looks like a yard find, waiting for Mother Nature to take over. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, this project or parts car is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $1,500. Here’s a Ford tip from Moparman!
Ford redesigned the Torinos in 1970, of which the Fairlane was an entry point. That nameplate had arrived in 1968 and would take the lead in 1971. The 1970-71 mid-size Fords were longer, lower, and slimmer, having a more aerodynamic appearance than the 1968-69 editions. The Fairlane only offered three body styles in its last year: hardtop, sedan, and wagon. But customers still trusted the moniker as more than 70,000 2-door hardtops were built in ’70.
We don’t know the story of this Fairlane. It’s a two-owner car that we suspect stopped running and was parked in the yard waiting for repairs that never came. It has faded gold paint and a body that may have some rust by now. The interior somewhat matches and is worn and dirty, too. The seller says it’s a “nice project for car collectors,” though there doesn’t seem to be anything special about the Ford.
Under the hood may be a 302 cubic inch V8, though other choices were available. And it’s paired with an automatic transmission. Who knows, the mileage as a large placeholder was used instead. The car will need a full restoration, but would its future value exceed the cost of getting there? Now, if this were a Cobra with a big block V8, the discussion would be different.
The 70 fairlane, the 70 1/2 falcon, and the 70 Torino all used the same car but rebadged. Interesting
Not really any different from the Tempest, LeMans, and GTO.
Good point, it made me think the 70 cobra could be a 4th stand alone name.
The 1970 1/2 Falcon was exclusively a sedan, with a post (B-pillar), the car featured here is a hardtop.
Steve R
“The 1970 1/2 Falcon was exclusively a sedan…”
Nope. As we just saw a few days ago, the 1970 1/2 Falcon also came in a 2 door model.
https://barnfinds.com/half-year-wonder-1970-5-ford-falcon/
As Elky’s link shows the
70 1/2 Falcon is a 2dr post car. I like it better, than the hardtop!
The Fairlane 500 was not a sub-series. It was the bottom of the mid-size series, with the Torino Cobra, Torino, Torino GT, and Torino Brougham building on top of it. And then the Falcon was introduced to be slotted under the Fairlane 500.
Badge engineering gone mad. Still, I could go for a Torino Cobra. Make mine a big block please.
Ford was making sure, that from grandma to grandma’s drag racing grandson, and everyone in between, there was a Torino that fit you.
Last of the Fairlanes! Wish I had a place to park this out of the elements. It doesn’t look too far gone, of course an in-person inspection would be key.
If salvageable I’d clean it up, get it running and inspectable and drive it. Then you can upgrade it as you use it.
Cool Ford, & not a Torino.
I’m not super familiar with the weather there but sitting in the grass I would be a little concerned about the underside integrity otherwise it looks like a fun ride to get back on the road
I had a ’71 Ranchero that I wish I hadn’t sold. It was a nice driver and a work in progress. It has the same body style as these.
But a guy at Hot August Nights sought me out and made an offer I couldn’t refuse. So I made some good money on it. But it will be hard to find one in such good shape. I like these because they were the end of the line for uni-body/Mustang underneath. The ’72 and ups got heavy with body on frame. And I prefer this body style over the previous body style. AND any engine will fit!
Unibody/Falcon to be precise. Actually Mavricks carried the unibody torch well into the 70’s.
But I appreciate your point, this body is preferred by many over the body on frame midsize Fords that came after it. Including me.
cheap enough if the rot is not too bad. could be a good project
How about a 71 torino gt conv. 351 c 4spd. would that do. 207 266 4835.
I had 2 of them both where a Cobra . 1 had the 351 CJ 4spd
The 2nd had 429 CJ C6.
both were really fun cars to drive
I’d like to see that!
the front seat looks like real leather (not offered).
What can I add to Moparman’s take. He is right I don’t think the cost of bringing it to life would help it be a classic . Just an old car redone. Unless it reminds you of Mom.
……
Once upon a time…
I like these, but this one is really sad looking. Can it be saved?