Vehicle Description
1968 Ford Fairlane 500 Convertible
GM had surprised the auto industry with the "supercar" (later known
as the muscle car) in much the same way Ford had shaken things up
with the Mustang. Though Chrysler had introduced the Barracuda,
which sold in distant numbers compared to the epochal Mustang, it
took GM a couple of years to generate some worthwhile competition.
Similarly, Pontiac's well-received GTO took even the other GM
divisions by storm, and their own big-car engines weren't
shoehorned into the intermediate bodies until 1965. As such, it
wasn't until Ford's 1966 restyling of the midsize Fairlane lineup
that it offered a GT model.
For consignment the first year of the 6th generation of the Ford
Fairlane. This example is a convertible has a nicely preserved
respray on the exterior and looking like the beginnings of an
interior restoration that has come to an abrupt halt.
Exterior
Painted in red, there is little rust to be found on the actual
body. Some fading of the chrome on the bumpers is seen, however
overall trim and brite-work remain in good condition. All steel on
the exterior claddings is straight and has consistent gaps. The
white convertible top operates smoothly and has a rear plastic
window that is slightly cloudy. The top however remains in good
condition with no tears or rips or even areas of wear on the
joints. 14-inch styled steel wheels are on all 4 corners.
Interior
As noted in the beginnings of a restoration here with a near
perfect front bench in white. The remainder of the interior remains
unrestored, all original rear bench, door panels and dash. All of
which need at least a good cleaning, and at best completely
restored. The dash has a wraparound style molded dash top which
wraps to the front of it and is all padded. 4 circular inset gauges
are seen here, and some scratching and clouding over of the faces
is noted. Just below this wraparound is a strip of white painted
metal which houses an aftermarket radio and the essential knobs.
Some rust is seen around the ignition and the lower ashtray. The
steering wheel is original and has chipped off finishes on it and
is smudged as well. black carpet covers the floors and remains
fairly clean.
Drivetrain
For power this car draws from a circa 1971 302ci V8 it has a
2-barrel carburetor on top and a C4 3-speed automatic on the back.
A Ford 8-inch 2.79 rear axle is on this car. The engine bay is
unrestored and has plenty of patina especially on the engine
itself.
Undercarriage
Some surface rust can be seen underneath, particularly near the
back of the car on either side of the fuel tank where the leaf
springs attach to the frame. Frame and floorboards remain rust free
and seemingly original. Rockers are clean and there is a slight oil
leak from the underside of the engine.
Drive-Ability
This car starts right up and runs amazingly well. It handles
nicely, has good acceleration, and turns on a dime. The brakes
brought us to a quick stop. The car also can cruise on a highway
very nicely.
With a little TLC on the interior this car could easily go from
fair to great, and one can see this with the new front seat. The
exterior is good, convertible top working, and has little rust.
Undercarriage could use attention on the aforementioned rear frame,
but it is still solid. A car from 50 years ago still kicking.
VIN DECODE
8H36C144482
8-1968
H-Lorain, OH Assy Plant
36-Fairlane 500 2 Door Convertible
C-289ci V8 2bbl
144482-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY TAG
BODY 76B-2 Door Fairlane 500 Convertible
COLOR W-Yellow
TRIM 5U-Parchement Vinyl
DATE 11D-April 11th 1968
DSO 17-Washington
AXLE 2-2.79 Conventional
TRANS W-C4 Automatic
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 500 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.