Last of the 289 V8s: 1968 Ford Fairlane 500
The Fairlane was a major staple of the Ford line-up in the 1960s. Born in 1955 as a full-size car, it morphed into intermediate status in 1962 and remained in that form until 1970 (replaced by the Torino). This 1968 example of the Fairlane 500 looks like a survivor, though the paint job may be a redo. The seller has owned it for a dozen years, so it’s been well-kept. And it has a 289 cubic inch V8, which only appeared in early ’68 production before being replaced by the new 302.
Fairlane was the name of Henry Ford’s estate in Dearborn, Michigan, so Ford decided to celebrate Henry by naming this car after it. For those looking for dependable transportation that was bigger than a Falcon but smaller than a Galaxie, the 1968 Fairlane 500 (a step up from the standard Fairlane) was the way to go. Styling was very similar to Ford’s full-size cars, so the Fairlane looked like a smaller Galaxie but could accommodate five passengers (six in a pinch).
The seller’s offering was no doubt built in late calendar 1967 given that a 289 lies under the hood. It was the “Windsor” motor that produced 195 hp with a 2-barrel carburetor. It was one of nearly 43,000 500s built as 4-door sedans in 1968, a popular product for Ford. The seller tells us little about this car, leaving the photos to do most of the work. But the mileage is less than 60,000 and by the looks of the car, that could be legit.
The body and blue paint appear great on this family sedan. And the latter could be too nice not to have been redone in the past 56 years. The interior presents it as original and looks mighty tidy. Located in Conifer, Colorado, this Ford is available here on craigslist, and the $9,500 asking price is said to be “firm” and no trades will be entertained. Though quite nice, is this vintage Fairlane a nearly $10,000 car? BTW, our thanks to Gunter Kramer for another Ford tip!
Comments
not seeing 10K here nor am I seeing a power steering pump and power brake booster – like a taxi cab special.
No air either. Deal breaker for us in S. Fl.
Same in NorCal – 105-110 next week …
Surprisingly, These cars get around ok without power assistance, it would be nice to have air. Just a fun nice car for half the asking price
Plain Jane, but someone ordered the eight and the auto, oh yeah four doors!
Just like my first car right down to the color and the four doors. Bought it in ’74, sold it in ’76 when the floor on the driver’s side rusted through.
Nice Ford. I’d take as is. I’d probably want to swap in a 351w, upgrade front brakes to discs and add heavy duty suspension. Then daily drive it. As mentioned these don’t necessarily need power this and power that.
My 66 Fairlane 500 2dr hardtop didn’t have those and it worked for me fine till 20 years ago. Unfortunately it was a bit of a rust bucket.
If this one is good underneath what’s not to like, 4 doors and all.
Nice Ford. Nice cruiser.
Granted $7,500 would be a nicer buy in.
Speedometer/odometer face appears to be “slightly” damaged. Any chance someone has attempted to alter the mileage reading?
Had the series continued, this could have been Bill Gannons new car,,,
Sure liked his old Fairlane.
Suppose Capt. Hugh Brown would have approved???
In 1980 I paid $100 for base model 1969 four-door Fairlane that was without power steering or brakes and it did just fine tooling along as my daily 60 mile roundtrip commuter on an Interstate, city streets and country roads. The one thing that was a bit frightful was the amount of play in the steering system. Seriously worn out balljoints and tie-rods due to it being an ex fleet vehicle with a lot of miles on it. But the 250 six and C-4 AT powered it on down the road, until the second gear band broke and it was then a two-speed. It was green, and nicknamed The Green Race Car, which it clearly was not.