One-Owner Garage Find: 1965 Ford Fairlane 500
The Fairlane debuted in 1955 as the top-of-the-line mainstream Ford product. Its name was taken from Henry Ford’s estate in Michigan, Fair Lane. It held Ford’s top spot until the Galaxie came along in 1959. Then in 1962, Ford introduced a new mid-size platform between the Galaxie and Falcon, and it became the Fairlane’s forte. This 1965 Fairlane 500 4-door sedan is a one-owner, non-running automobile that’s been off the road for nearly two decades. A nod goes to Mitchell G. for another great barn find tip!
With the 1962 redesign, Ford had a new model that wasn’t immediately matched by Chevrolet. But that changed in 1964 when the Chevelle came along with its counterparts, which were also added at Pontiac, Buick, and Oldsmobile. The fourth generation of the Fairlane ran through 1965, though the cars were restyled in 1964 with a more slab-sided appearance. Similar to the compact Falcon, these Fairlanes also had unibody construction. They were somewhat popular, and Ford sold nearly 78,000 4-door sedans with Fairlane 500 badging in 1965 (the lower series was called “Fairlane”).
The seller’s car has 82,000 miles which is probably legit since it’s not been on the road since 2005. It’s being sold by the owner’s family, so perhaps an estate sale is involved. The Ford looks to be in good condition overall with no showing or reported rust. Perhaps a shine can be coaxed out of the burgundy paint and the rear bumper has a nice dent in it. The interior may be okay, but a rumpled cover is over the front bench seat and may or may not be hiding damage.
Under the hood should be a 289 cubic inch V8 with a Cruise-O-Matic transmission (no photos). The car doesn’t run, though we’re told the engine does turn. Perhaps a tune-up and fresh gas instead of ancient fuel will enable the Fairlane to come back to life. But some starter work may also be needed (could that be what caused to car to go into exile?). From Sunnyside, New York, this old Ford is available here on craigslist for $5,500. If you can get it to run, perhaps it would be a fun car for weekend outings. Most Cars & Coffee folks have probably never seen a ’65 Ford Fairlane.
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Comments
4 doors and in New York $5,500 is to high $1,500 I might consider it
You are right, no way is this project car worth close to $5,500. The days of getting that for any 60’s or early-70’s car that’s been parked in a garage for a couple of decades are over, unless it’s a make/model with a strong following. This is something sellers will learn the hard way, as their ads languish for extended periods of time. You are right, $1,500 seems more realistic if moves forwards and backwards under its own power and doesn’t have too much rust.
Steve R
Ditto, nobody cares 4 door, salt belt, overpriced, by it for the 289 maybe for $1500.
This was the forgotten year of the Fairlane. The full size Fords were all new that year but the Fairlane made do with another update on the 1962 design. Pretty much a stopgap until the 1966 models arrived.
An ugly, squared-off version of the 62-64 models. The redheaded stepchild of Fairlanes here.
I much prefer the 65 Mercury Comet to the Fairlane.
Had a two door 65 fairlane with a 289 as my first car , but mine was a 2 speed ford o matic. Paid 300 bucks in 1985 , sold it a year later with a thown rod for 200 bucks. Yeah the 65 I call the forgotten fairlane. I too much prefer the look of earlier ones. But I’d love to have a 65 , for obvious reasons , but for a heck of a lot less money.
My aunt Shirley gave me a 62 Fairla e when I came out of high school! I jack it and put chrome reverse hub caps, it was a cool car in 71 for me!!!