The Ford Fairlane is a classic. Its multiple designs all look like a travel back in time regardless of which incarnation you're getting.
It was such a gem back then, and it still is now among the classic car community. THe Fairlaine is often overlooked when talking about classic cars.
The Fairlane was also a predecessor 15 years in the making. It had a good run from 1955 to 1970 before America switched to macho machines.
It still became a status symbol for manliness during the post mafia era.
First, let's take a closer look at the 1962 Ford Fairlane.
A Background On The Ford Fairlane
Henry Ford drew inspiration from his Dearborn stated called "Fair Lane" when he thought about this car. It was a way to pay homage to his deep roots.
The first Fairlane models were full-sized. These models were made from 1955 to 1961 before switching to mid-sized ones the following year until its last production for the 1970 model year.
Ford came out swinging with its first-gen models. The successor to the Crestline had six different body styles. A signature stainless steel Fairlane stripe still registers as a symbol for its performance until this day.
Even its engine was competitive to the high-performers. The first models had a 3.6-liter inline-six and a 4.4-liter V8. The Fairlane line stepped up its game soon when it upped its V8 from 4.4 to 6.4-liter.
Ford Fairlane's performance only got better when it went mid-size in the 1960s. A smaller body and a healthy horsepower competition in Detroit was the precursor.
The first parts of the 60s already hat the 6.4-liter V8 option. In 1964, that V8 jumped up to a 7.0-liter one as its top of the line.
Ford was running out of ideas on how to make the Fairlane better. The baddest muscle cars of that era were already taking over, and the company had to make sole last-ditch efforts.
The Fairlane went back to having a big body and a Ford Torino-like trim, which sold close to 400,000 models in 1968. It was also the tail end of its glory days as the Fairlane made a farewell tour with its seventh generation in 1970.
Its 15-year run saw the Fairlane have a two-door hardtop, four-door hardtop, convertible, sedan, and a station wagon.
1962 was the start of the mid-size Ford Fairlanes, which is why power made it a classic in today's time. Classic car restorers look mostly for a 1962 Ford Fairlane when searching for a new project.
What's With The 1962 Ford Fairlane?
Ford bridged the gap between the Ford Falcon and the Ford Galaxie in 1962. This same year, the Fairlane competed with GM's A-body "senior compacts" such as the Plymouth Belvedere and the AMC Rambler.
The 1962 Fairlane had the same unibody frame as the Falcon. What made it different was its torque boxes, lower body structure, and better shock absorption. It also had an independent short-long arm front suspension and a Hotchkiss drive in the rear.
Unlike its many faces, the first Fairlane of the fourth generation was initially offered in two-door or four-door sedan body styles only.
The fourth-gen Fairlanes had a standard 170 CID 2.8 L inline-six. It also had a lightweight 221 CID 3.6 L Windsor V8 that produces 145 horsepower.
Other versions were added in mid-1962. There's the Challenger edition, which was said to produce 164 horsepower. Another is the Sports Coupe edition, which had bucket seats and a small floor console.
It also came in different levels. The Fairlane had a more Spartan trim than the Fairlane 500, which had a wider chrome stripe down the side and three bullets on the rear quarter panels.
All Ford Fairlanes made for the 1962 model year had "B" posts despite pillarless hardtops and convertibles being the more popular choices of that era.
How Much Is A Classic 1962 Ford Fairlane Is Worth Today?
It is surprising how affordable a 1962 Ford Fairlaine is. Being the first of the fourth generation only helps a buyer's case.
While the later models are more expensive, the 1962 model is still the most classic of its generation. Plus, buying one as a restoration project won't cost that much too.
Buying a stock 1962 Ford Fairlane in decent condition costs around $8000 - $12000. The Fairlane 500 can go for as much as $20,000 to $25,000. Those prices can be cut by a fourth of you get the junkyard rescue types.
Surprisingly, there aren't many Ford Fairlane hot rod projects nor drag racers. Such projects can spike those prices up to $50,000 and above.
The Fairlane 500 is recommended for such hot rod projects. There's history to its side already as the first mid-sized models of the line. Customizing under its hood will definitely boost its past benchmarks.
If it is possible for a mid-sized Mercury Cyclone, so it should be for a 1962 Ford Fairlane.