PRICED-TO-MOVE FAIRLANE, FRESHLY-BUILT 289 V8, AUTO, NICE RESPRAY, CLEAN IN/OUT

In the days before the Mustang and before the term "muscle car" had even been coined, cars like this 1963 Ford Fairlane 500 hardtop were the go-to choices for the guy who liked having fun behind the wheel. Combining classic Ford looks with a snarky 289 cubic inch V8, 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 in glowing code Y Glacier Blue, it has a look that makes every old-school 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 finish is pretty darned nice, particularly at this price, with a great gloss and straight bodywork that strongly suggests this car has not been abused or wrecked. The blue paint is a fairly decent approximation of the original, maybe a little darker, and with 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 has been recently replaced or restored, so it shows extremely well.The a bench seat interior was standard issue in the Fairlane, and for guys more interested in going fast, the accommodations were of little consideration. Therefore the original front bench remains in place, now covered with a blue cloth and vinyl seat cover that has sharply defined pleats and neat piping for just a little contrast. The skinny steering wheel has an upscale look, especially with the chrome horn ring, and all the original hardware on the doors helps with the '60s flavor. The simple, round factory gauges are original and are joined by a trio of white-faced auxiliary dials tucked under the dash. The factory-issued AM radio is long gone, replaced at some point by a Kenwood AM/FM/cassette stereo head unit that makes driving a bit more entertaining. The carpets, door panels, and headliner are in excellent condition, offering additional proof that someone invested in this car all out of proportion to its asking price. Even the trunk is nicely finished using a correct mat set and a matching styled steel wheel for a spare.It would be a mistake to underestimate Ford's muscular 289, because in the relatively lightweight Fairlane, performance is impressive. Rebuilt less than 1000 miles ago, it packs a stock intake topped by a Holley 4-barrel carburetor, which surely adds some ponies to the final count, and upgrades like an alternator and an aluminum radiator make it reliable and comfortable enough to drive every day. It's nicely dressed in Ford Blue engine enamel with finned valve covers and a chrome air cleaner, so it has a FoMoCo hi-po look, especially with that reproduction decal on the air cleaner. A C4 3-speed automatic transmission and sturdy 8-inch rear end with 3.00 gears inside (at least according to the door tag) mean that it's equally happy in traffic or on the highway. The undercarriage is reasonably tidy for a car in this price range, with a floor patch in the driver's side rear foot well, which isn't all that unusual on these cars. Factory styled steel wheels look great and are fitted with fat Michelin radials that hint at the performance awaiting inside.A very neat old 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 deserves a closer look. Call today!