Vehicle Description
You can be forgiven for doing a double-take after seeing this 1970
Ford Fairlane 500 nameplate, because even though a bunch of these
were made in their day, most of us look at this design and
automatically think it's a Torino. 1970 was a pivotal, 'changing of
the guard' kind of year for Ford, when Dearborn said farewell to
both the Fairlane and the Falcon models, both to be replaced by the
Torino in 1971. But in this one legendary muscle car year, all
three existed in the same universe under the same make, even though
they were essentially the same exact cars. Now that might make for
nothing more than a conversation piece to some, but we find it
incredibly cool because in all the years that we've featured 1970
mid-sized Fords, they've all been Torinos. This beauty, with its
slick colors, powerful 302 V8, and 32,259 believed actual miles is
not only unique, but it's also beautifully preserved and
turnkey-ready.
Technically speaking, the 1970 Fairlane 500 was the only year of
the 7th generation Fairlane (the final offering of the model), but
in reality it was the first design of the 2nd generation Torino.
Regardless, what matters is that 1970 was a big redesign, and if
you pull up the car from the previous year, the differences are
very apparent. They were lower, longer, and wider than the 1969
models, and all the models featured a lower and less 'formal'
roofline as well. The rake of the front windshield was more
aggressive, while the rear window is on a much flatter plane, and
the result is an extremely streamlined coupe that looks like it was
born in a wind tunnel. The Farilane 500 was ostensibly the base
model option for the Torino, but that doesn't mean that these
weren't nicely appointed cars in their own right. This particular
muscle car is dressed in correct Code Q 'There She Blue' paint,
which not only has the best moniker ever, but also looks amazing on
the Ford's erstwhile livery. The finish is top-end driver quality,
a faithful respray that was done right when it was laid down
several years ago, It has obviously been extremely well-cared for
since the car was repainted, and if we're to believe that low
mileage reading (and there is at least a preponderance of evidence
for us to believe it to be actual), then it's clear this Fairlane
has been babied since new. There are few minor imperfections here
and there, but nothing out of the ordinary, and the curb appeal is
through the roof, particularly with the addition of that flat-black
hood treatment, Shaker-style scoop, and hoodpins with lanyards up
front. The rear tailpanel was blacked out to match, in between
those super-cool, Eleanor-style taillights, and the wide twin pipes
that poke out underneath the kicked up rear just scream
performance. A blacked-out front grille and catfish mouth style
scoop underneath are part of the show as well, and the quad
headlight look is exactly what Torino fans love to adore in
subsequent models. Chrome and brightwork is in great shape too,
including the big bumpers, wheel arch trim, and side molding that
all works together to break up that blue paint just enough. Badges
on the lower fenders and rear quarters advertise this car's unique
DNA, and we absolutely love the raked stance, which makes this
Fairlane look like it's going 100MPH just standing still.
Open the generously proportioned driver's door and you'll see a
blue cloth-and-vinyl interior that's largely been left in 100%
original configuration, albeit with a couple of add-ons. Bench
seats are originals, and they show signs of wear-and-tear
throughout, mostly concentrated in the high traffic areas up front.
There's patina inside for sure (mostly centered around the front
seat), but it's not like the cabin is falling apart, just a couple
tears in the upholstery here and there and maybe a few stains that
could be remedied with a little elbow grease. The vinyl door panels
are great, the blue carpets are still plush, and the expansive dash
and original steering wheel are in remarkably preserved condition.
All the original gauges are in place ahead of the driver, the
underdash factory A/C unit blows cold thanks to upgraded R134a
hardware, and the original Philco AM stereo has been smartly
supplemented by a Pioneer AM/FM/CD/AUX head unit mounted under the
dash. The original headliner above is still taut and clean, the
rear seat looks to have been rarely used through the years, and out
back, the cavernous trunk was covered with correct plaid mats.
Power comes from a 302 V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor, a
specification necessitated by the era but still able to deliver
torquey performance that's a lot of fun. The engine bay is very
sporty, with Ford Blue in all the right places, that awesome Shaker
hood air cleaner, and a modern A/C compressor pumping R134a
refrigerant. It starts almost instantly and idles so smoothly that
you'd swear it's a Lincoln, and all that torque makes it feel
lively on the street. The 3-speed automatic transmission shifts
smoothly and there are tall gears in back to make it a fantastic
highway cruiser that just eats up pavement. There's an updated dual
exhaust system with Glasspack-style mufflers underneath that just
sounds awesome and the underside is pretty original yet in very
good condition overall. Power steering ensure a great drive every
time out, and the suspension is soft and comfortable thanks to a
set of newer shocks in the rear. American Racing 'Old Style' Torque
Thrusts look fantastic on this coupe, and they come wrapped with
235/60/15 front and 255/60/16 Cooper Cobra white-letter
radials.
Nicely preserved and ready to be drive and enjoyed, this is a rare
Ford that delivers V8 power and a great look that will have
onlookers asking you questions every time you stop. Call now!
