Vehicle Description
This 1963 Ford Fairlane 500 shows you the right way to build a
resto-mod. Outside, you have a clean, sharp, and very 1960s Ford
Fairlane hardtop. Inside, however, you have a built 302 V8, a
quick-shifting 5-speed manual transmission, and power front disc
brakes. Coated in gorgeous Rangoon Red paint, this is a resto-mod
that does everything right.
Code J Rangoon Red is this car's original color, and now that
you've seen it in person, why would you choose anything else? It's
the ideal color for an early '60s car with vestigial tailfins and
perfect for the guy who wants to keep a low profile. Well,
actually, it's quite striking, especially once your eyes pan toward
the teardrop Thunderbolt fiberglass hood, a big indicator that a
monster lies beneath. It's been restored to a very high standard,
with great gaps and all the original trim still in place, and
there's simply no angle from which this car doesn't look great. The
simple razor-blade grille doesn't need any extra ornamentation and
the hardtop roofline makes it look aggressive without being too
obvious about it. The 500 was the top-of-the-line, so luxury was
the theme as much as performance, but it does look racy doesn't it?
The dual side trim makes the Fairlane look a mile long and the
jet-inspired taillights are a Ford tradition that works especially
well with the smooth, one piece bumper right below.
The handsome red bucket seat interior further blurs the line
between original and modified, with comfortable custom buckets and
a custom center console. The shifter is a custom piece as well, and
that's a neat touch, while the steering wheel is a leather-rimmed
Grant unit that adds some heft to the steering. Original gauges and
an OEM AM radio keep it in tune with the 1960s, and a set of
auxiliary units was added under the dash, along with a tachometer
mounted to the middle console. The door panels are Fairlane 500
spec and in great shape, matching the taut headliner above, and
heavy-duty rubber floor mats protect the contrasting black carpets
below. The back seat looks almost completely unused and the large
trunk is fully upholstered in black carpet for easy
maintenance.
You could get a Fairlane with a 260 cubic inch V8 in 1963, and as a
result, the 302 V8 slides right into the engine bay like it was
born there. This particular 302 V8 was reported to have been built
up with some choice upgrades, not the least of which are a solid
roller cam, a Holley 4-barrel carburetor, and a set of GT40
aluminum heads, which pump the power up on this Fairlane
remarkably. The familiar Weiand intake helps build torque and if
you need more power, well, there's a massive catalog of upgrade
parts just a phone call away. A factory-style radiator keeps things
nice and cool and they tried to keep everything look as slick as
possible, including the triangle air intake and Ford Racing valve
covers. Underneath there's a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission, so
this is a fantastic highway car that actually gets decent fuel
economy and there's a wonderful soft burble from the dual exhaust
with Flowmaster mufflers; everyone is going to recognize the sound
this one makes, that's for sure! Power steering and power front
disc brakes ensure superb handling and stopping power, which is
extremely important in a classic with a lot of pop. It's solid and
well-engineered underneath and sits exactly right on staggered
chrome Cragar wheels and 215/50/17 front and 235/55/17 rear
performance radials.
This is a very cool car. Turn the key and the 302 starts instantly,
idles properly, and always delivers the goods. The Fairlane has
awesome good looks. It seems like a match made in heaven. Call
today!