Vehicle Description
In the days before the Mustang and before the term "muscle car" had
even been coined, cars like this 1964 Ford Fairlane 500 hardtop
were the go-to choices for the guy who liked having fun behind the
wheel. Combining classic Ford looks with an upgraded, thundering
502 cubic inch V8 and quick-shifting 4-speed manual transmission,
it's a fun, affordable way to enjoy traditional rear-wheel-drive
performance with a Blue Oval flavor.
Positioned somewhere between the Falcon and the Galaxie, the
Fairlane has just the right proportions: big enough to be
comfortable but not so big that it dampens performance. Finished
several years ago in traditional Wimbledon White, it has a sporty,
old-school look that makes every vintage racer think twice before
giving it a go at the local track. Next to the convertible, the
hardtop is by far the most desirable body style and the combination
of formality and performance is quite appealing. The driver-quality
finish presents well with only minor imperfections found
throughout, showing off a great gloss and straight bodywork that
strongly suggests this car has not been abused or wrecked. The
white paint is just the right shade, not quite refrigerator white
but not cream, either, and with matching painted bumpers and all
the factory brightwork still in place, it looks like it should cost
thousands more than it does. In fact, much of the chrome and trim
appears to be original to the car, so it shows very well.
The basic vinyl interior was standard issue in the Fairlane, and
for guys more interested in going fast, the accommodations were of
little consideration. However, the accommodations inside this
Fairlane are far from spartan, with vinyl pleated seating that's
comfortable and stylish. The original front bench remains in place,
now covered with a champagne-colored reproduction seat cover that
has sharply defined pleats and white piping for just a little
contrast. An original dual-ring steering wheel anchors the interior
atop its original column, while a Hurts T-handle shifter - the lone
deviation from stock that catches the eye - juts out of the
transmission tunnel and lets everyone know that Ford is here to
party. The white-faced gauges are likely original and are in great
shape, proving once again that white gauges are far from a recent
invention. The factory-issued AM radio is still in place as well,
but it's currently inoperable so an upgrade there would be a good
move, although we hope the next owner discreetly tucks it away in
the glove compartment and leaves that beautiful stock dash alone.
The carpets, door panels, and headliner are in good condition,
offering additional proof that someone invested in this car all out
of proportion to its asking price. Even the trunk is nicely
upholstered in gray carpet rather than the basic rubber mat, and it
houses a full-size spare and a relocated battery - because there
was simply no more space under the hood.
And the reason for those cramp quarters up front is the thundering
Ford 502 V8 big block that's now nestled between the inner fenders.
That high-powered engine was built a scant 2,876 miles ago and is
rated at a whopping 545 horsepower, costing the former owner $7k to
procure. In the relatively lightweight Fairlane, performance is
impressive, with Edelbrock aluminum heads, an Edelbrock 4-barrel
carburetor and performance intake, and aftermarket headers all
pitching in to add a few ponies to the final count. Upgrades like a
newer Edelbrock aluminum water pump, an aluminum radiator with
electric fans, and 4-wheel disc brakes make it reliable and
comfortable enough to drive every day. Other smart upgrades include
a new clutch kit, brake hardware, fuel pump and lines, a battery,
and a Flowmaster H-pipe dual exhaust system that sounds stock until
you really stomp the loud pedal. A 4-speed manual transmission and
sturdy rear end mean that it's equally happy in traffic or on the
highway, and it's well-equipped to handle all the added horsepower.
The undercarriage is surprisingly tidy for a car in this price
range and upgrades can be scene everywhere you look, form the fuel
tank to the shocks. Stock steel wheels were painted to match and
outfitted with beauty rings and then fitted with 215/60/15 front
and 225/70/15 rear Cooper Cobra radials that hint at the
performance awaiting inside.
A very neat vintage Ford with a lot of performance for not a lot of
cash. If you're looking for fun on a budget that's not like
everyone else's fun on a budget, then this Fairlane 500 deserves a
closer look. Call today!