One Year Only? 1960 Ford Fairlane 500 Club Sedan
We’re no strangers to rarity claims at Barn Finds, and some are more valid than others. The seller claims that this 1960 Ford Fairlane 500 Club Sedan is a one-year-only model, and, as we will see, there is an element of truth to that. One thing that appears certain is that this is an extremely tidy survivor with no apparent needs. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Ted for spotting this classic listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Norwalk, Ohio. This Fairlane could be yours once you have handed the seller $15,500 or made an acceptable offer.
The Fairlane was new for 1960 as the company revamped its model range. The wheelbase grew by an inch, while the length and width also grew as Ford sought to provide more interior space and load-carrying capacity. However, a major restyle for 1961 brought new sheetmetal, a revised grille, different fins, and larger taillights. Therefore, the seller’s claim that this car is a one-year-only model could be considered loosely accurate. He has listed the car on behalf of his father-in-law, and there is little information provided about the Fairlane’s history. Therefore, it is unclear whether it is a genuine survivor, or has received some form of restoration. He describes the car as an all-white vehicle, but the Corinthian White is contrasted by the roof’s Belmont Blue. The overall presentation is impressive, with no visible paint imperfections, and panels that are as straight as an arrow. Frustratingly, they only supply images of one side, so we’re flying blind on the condition of nearly half of this classic’s body. I can’t spot any rust, and the seller confirms that this Fairlane is rock-solid. The trim and glass are in good order, and the wider wheels and Baby Moon hubcaps are a later addition.
This Fairlane’s interior seems to tell the story of a classic that has been treated respectfully. The images are limited, but I can’t spot any evidence of significant wear or distress on the Blue cloth and vinyl trim. There are visible wrinkles on the passenger-side door trim that might stretch into shape, and it is unclear whether there are developing problems on the back seat, or if it is a trick of the light. Regardless, I would throw a nice blanket over this area to protect it from UV exposure. The painted surfaces are excellent, there is no wheel wear, and although it isn’t loaded with factory options, the new owner will welcome the AM radio.
Some enthusiasts will be disappointed when they lift this Fairlane’s hood to discover the engine bay doesn’t house a V8. The first owner selected the 223ci six, although they teamed this motor with a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive to improve the car’s flexibility and open-road cruising ability. The six produces 145hp and 206 ft/lbs of torque, and, interestingly, those figures dropped significantly for the following model year. Acceleration won’t be dazzling, but pegging the needle at 70mph on the open road shouldn’t be a problem. The seller indicates that this gem has approximately 75,000 original miles on the clock without mentioning verifying evidence. However, it sits on new tires and seems to be a turnkey proposition.
This 1960 Ford Fairlane 500 Club Sedan is an extremely tidy classic that would be ideal for anyone unable to undertake a project build. The first owner’s decision to forego a V8 in favor of a six under the hood negatively impacts its potential value but is about the only aspect of this car that some might criticize. The seller’s price is at the top end of the market, and the fact that it has been on the market for twenty-two weeks suggests that they haven’t been inundated with potential buyers. Are you tempted to rectify that situation, or do you feel there is nothing as great as a V8?
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Comments
No, no, no, it’s not the 6 that will deter sales, it’s the “find and grind” mystery lever on the steering column. I just can’t seem to get my point across, nobody in the near future will want to drive this. Even if by some chance, someone has a manual trans, it will be a floor shift, and a column shift won’t make a lick of sense to them. No P/S will also limit sales. Don’t think so? When was the last time you drove a full size car without?
I happen to think, the 1960 Ford was the most beautiful design. We look at this car today as being rather spartan, but there were actually quite a few options they got. These cars could be had with minimal options. Things we take for granted, like sun visors and arm rests. We have to remember, in 1960, things like V8s and automatics were still new to many, and were hefty priced options, so many left them off the ticket. They did get things like trim package, radio, heater( yep, it was an option) and it has been updated to dual system brakes, unheard of in 1960. It’s a fantastic find, reminds me of the pilot Andy Griffith Show. The 1st police car we saw was a 1960. Needs an automatic,,,
What’s wrong with 3 on the tree? Or a 6? It’s a classic…. it should have the type transmission that was common at the time. To change it out would be sacrilege! This car has all kinds of things going for it… number one being it’s stock condition! Beautiful, and the prettiest full size Ford ever (’66 comes close.)
A 180 degree turn from the God awful late ’50s designs. Nice, clean lines, good front and back designs to compliment the overall look. Nice car, even with the 6. Split the exhaust manifold and let the world wonder what’s under the hood while you get 20 mpg.
While I think the ’60 Fords are attractive, Chevy walloped them in sales that year, so Ford once again restyled their full size cars for ’61. The only thing carried over was the dash.
Appearance wise, I’ll take this over the 60 Chevy. Now the 59 Chevy…. now there was the beauty, with the teardrop taillights. To me the prettiest Chevy of the 50s.
I think these cars are undervalued. Now I know where Mazda got the tail lights for its Cosmo.
With three forward gears I think column shift is best. It’s theft proof.
Nice car. Though it’s only a 6 with three on the tree, it also has overdrive which will enable it to cruise on the freeway without winding it out. Even so, the price is too high and the demand is too low, is why it hasn’t sold.
I would hate to have to try to get a replacement rear glass for this car. It is unique and seldom seen. If I had a need or space for another vehicle, I would consider purchasing it. The 3 on the tree reminds me of my dad, right after I got my license, saying, “If you can get the Fairlane (column shift) up our driveway (a steep hill), you can start driving it.” After numerous attempts, stalls and the aroma of smoking clutch, he said, “take the other car”, which was an automatic. I didn’t learn how to drive a stick until several years later, when I needed a cheap car ($400.00 max), and the only car I could afford was a Ford Cortina with a four speed. What a great car.
Overpriced, if you go by the insurance site’s valuation tool. Which puts a No. 3 condition example with the base V8 at $9600 and a 6-banger at 20 percent less. So try $8k tops.
Also, this model wasn’t rare when new: 91k were built. The Galaxie in this body style only saw about 32k produced. But if you want a ’60 you’re probably looking for a Starliner or Sunliner anyway.
While not the bubble top- it is a 60 galaxie – would not want to see it chopped up.
For me, one of the main charms of the car is the three-on-the-tree.
Car has been repainted, look at the firewall. Hinges painted plus all of the wires, accelerator linkage, and vacuum hoses, all painted white, so sloppy, yikes. Front seat bottom is not original. Steering wheel is worn but seems appropriate for the cars age.
The car does look good but what is the new paint hiding?
I recently delivered an excavator to a customer. The guy had a 51 Pontiac sedan, straight 8 3 speed on the column. He was younger than me. And he was having a ball with it, just took it to a car show. It was a clean driver quality car, old paint, but cleaned up as best as you can for an ancient lacquer job. I may be in the minority but I believe there are people out there who are younger who would have a blast driving a 3speed stick on the column.
I remember the 60 Ford well, as my family had one when I was a child. The reason it sticks in my mind so well is that my dad backed out our driveway right when our neighbor was pulling into his adjacent driveway. That Ford’s tail fin opened up the side of that brand new Buick like a can opener!