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 a sub-series. 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.
The Falcon were exclusively sedans, with a post (B-pillar), the car featured here is a hardtop.
Steve R
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.