This 1963 Ford Fairlane 500 shows you the right way to build a resto-mod. Outside, you have a clean, sharp, and very 1960s Ford Fairlane hardtop. Inside, however, you have a built 302 V8, a quick-shifting 5-speed manual transmission, and 4-wheel disc brakes. Coated in gorgeous Rangoon Red paint, this is a resto-mod that does everything right. Code J Rangoon Red is this car's original color, and now that you've seen it in person, why would you... choose anything else? It's the ideal color for an early '60s car with vestigial tailfins and perfect for the guy who wants to keep a low profile. Well, actually, it's quite striking, especially once your eyes pan toward the teardrop Thunderbolt fiberglass hood, a big indicator that a monster lies beneath. It's been restored to a very high standard, with great gaps and all the original trim still in place, and there's simply no angle from which this car doesn't look great. The simple razor-blade grille doesn't need any extra ornamentation and the hardtop roofline makes it look aggressive without being too obvious about it. The 500 was the top-of-the-line, so luxury was the theme as much as performance, but it does look racy doesn't it? The dual side trim makes the Fairlane look a mile long and the jet-inspired taillights are a Ford tradition that works especially well with the smooth, one piece bumper right below. The handsome red bucket seat interior further blurs the line between original and modified, with comfortable custom buckets and a custom center console. The shifter is a custom piece as well, and that's a neat touch, while the steering wheel is a leather-rimmed Grant unit that adds some heft to the steering. Original gauges and an OEM AM radio keep it in tune with the 1960s, and a set of auxiliary units was added under the dash, along with a tachometer mounted to the middle console. The door panels are Fairlane 500 spec and in great shape, matching the taut headliner above, and heavy-duty rubber floor mats protect the contrasting black carpets below. The back seat looks almost completely unused and the large trunk is fully upholstered in black carpet for easy maintenance. You could get a Fairlane with a 260 cubic inch V8 in 1963, and as a result, the 302 V8 slides right into the engine bay like it was born there. This particular 302 V8 was reported to have been built up with some choice upgrades, not the least of which are a solid roller cam, a Holley 4-barrel carburetor, and a set of GT40 aluminum heads, which pump the power up on this Fairlane remarkably. The familiar Weiand intake helps build torque and if you need more power, well, there's a massive catalog of upgrade parts just a phone call away. A factory-style radiator keeps things nice and cool and they tried to keep everything look as slick as possible, including the triangle air intake and Ford Racing valve covers. Underneath there's a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission, so this is a fantastic highway car that actually gets decent fuel economy and there's a wonderful soft burble from the dual exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers; everyone is going to recognize the sound this one makes, that's for sure! Power steering and power 4-wheel disc brakes ensure superb handling and stopping power, which is extremely important in a classic with a lot of pop. It's solid and well-engineered underneath and sits exactly right on staggered chrome Cragar wheels and 215/50/17 front and 235/55/17 rear performance radials. This is a very cool car. Turn the key and the 302 starts instantly, idles properly, and always delivers the goods. The Fairlane has awesome good looks. It seems like a match made in heaven. Call today!
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