1962 Ford Fairlane

Description

Ford's Fairlane was all about performance before the Mustang showed up and blew the curve. This one packs a strong-running small block, a traditional white-on-red color combination, and an honest look to make it '60s style fun with a lot of tradition behind it.

With a look that recalls the Thunderbolts of the period, this Fairlane has a high-performance legacy behind it. OK, so it's not a 427, but there's no denying that anyone who is into vintage motorsports recognizes the classic Fairlane 2-door sedan's shape, particularly when it's painted Wimbledon White. There are still a few vestiges of old-school styling on the car, including mini tailfins wrapped in chrome and plenty of brightwork on the front end, and we love the look. Paint is in good shape, but purely driver-grade, so don't be afraid to go out and use it as intended. It's got a few touch-ups from other guys doing just that, and if you really wanted to make it perfect, a professional wet sand and buff would give it an awesome shine, but it's far from necessary. The aforementioned stainless and chrome trim is in very good shape, with awesome little details like the "gunsights" atop the front fenders and the three "portholes" on the quarter panels (don't tell Buick!). Mid-sized cars didn't get much cooler than this in the 1960s.

Also like most of the Thunderbolts, this Fairlane has a bright red interior, making for a great traditional look. It was probably originally vinyl, so someone thoughtfully upgraded this one to cloth that uses original-style patterns to keep it looking right but it's a lot more comfortable on hot days. Matching carpets, reproduction door panels, and a rather nice dash pad make it feel more expensive inside than it actually is. All the factory gauges are in very good condition with bright, clear markings and they all appear to be fully functional. The steering wheel is wrapped in black leather so it's easier to grab than the original skinny plastic rim, although we haven't investigated the condition of the wheel underneath. The factory AM radio is still in the middle of the dash, and it's probably overdue for an upgrade, and the great thing about cars like the Fairlane is that there's a big back seat for friends or your kids. The Fairlane also offers a massive trunk that isn't showing any big signs of trouble and includes a spare tire under a correct plaid cover.

The 260 cubic inch V8 under the hood isn't going to smoke the tires, but it's smooth, torquey, and plenty adequate to move the relatively lightweight Fairlane with ease. It makes all the right V8 sounds and takes you back to how everyone was living in the early '60s. You'll be pleasantly surprised by how competent this car is, and the engine bay is pretty nicely done, with enough chrome to make it worth a second glance at the cruise-in. It stars and runs very well, and even with manual steering and brakes, it's easy to maneuver around town and awesome on the highway. The automatic transmission shifts without drawing attention to itself and easy-cruising gears out back mean it's very street-friendly. A fresh dual exhaust system offers a great rumble that never gets obnoxious and with period styled steel wheels and 205/70/14 white-letter radials, it's got a sporty look to match.

This Fairlane is a great way to get into the hobby on a budget and still have a car that commands respect on the street. Call today!