1962-1965 Ford Fairlane

The designers of the Ford Fairlane had multiple options to develop a novel vehicle for the early 1960s. The debut of the first genuine intermediate model demonstrated that the Dearborn team had struck a perfect balance from conception to realization.

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Rumors often amplify reality. When whispers of a new midsize Ford began circulating among journalists and industry insiders, expectations leaned toward bold, revolutionary designs. Chevrolet had taken a daring leap in 1960—wasn’t it Ford’s moment to match that ambition? If you’re crafting a car in a new category, it should undoubtedly make a statement in every aspect.

In 1959, Ford unveiled the compact 1960 Falcon, a stylish yet entirely conventional vehicle. That same year, Chevrolet took a radical approach with the rear-engine, air-cooled Corvair. This move inadvertently gave Ford a significant advantage, as the Falcon outsold the Corvair by a wide margin.

Wouldn’t this have been the perfect opportunity for Ford’s designers and engineers to embrace a futuristic vision? Perhaps they could have drawn inspiration from Ford’s past concept cars to create a groundbreaking model for the early to mid-1960s. However, when the Fairlane debuted in 1962—larger than a Falcon but smaller than a Galaxie—it exuded practicality rather than innovation. It wasn’t until the Mustang’s arrival in mid-1964 that Ford offered a small car people truly desired, rather than one they felt obligated to own. According to Motor Trend, Ford’s "intensive consumer research program"—aside from the Edsel—proved successful. By the late 1950s, research indicated a demand for an "in-betweener" model, bridging the gap between the growing standard Ford and the compact Falcon. For a time, Ford dominated this emerging market. Chevrolet introduced the Chevy II in 1962, but it remained compact and conventional, lacking the Corvair’s revolutionary edge. A true competitor didn’t emerge until the Chevelle’s debut in 1964, coinciding with GM’s expansion of its senior compacts. Meanwhile, Dodge and Plymouth downsized their models in 1962 but struggled to match Ford’s sales. It wasn’t until 1965 that Mopar clearly offered three car sizes. The Rambler Classic, though larger than a compact, still fell short of the Fairlane’s dimensions. Even the Mercury Meteor, the Fairlane’s short-lived counterpart, failed to measure up. Continue to the next page for an in-depth look at the 1962 Ford Fairlane.

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1962 Ford Fairlane

The Fairlane, essentially a larger version of the Falcon with a 115.5-inch wheelbase, positioned itself between the compact Ford and the full-size Galaxie in terms of both price and dimensions. According to Motor Trend, its size was comparable to the 1952-1954 Fords, though it stood slightly shorter and nearly three inches narrower. The Fairlane name, previously used for standard-size Fords from 1955 to 1961, now adorned this mid-size model. The new Fairlane offered more legroom and shoulder room than its early-Fifties counterparts, though hip space was slightly reduced. MT described the interior as "simplicity without austerity," featuring three round, glare-reducing instrument housings.

Compared to early-Fifties models, improvements were subtle, according to the magazine. Many refinements, such as smoother, quieter operation and enhanced durability, couldn’t be measured by dimensions alone. The new unit-construction intermediate retained familiar Ford design elements, including bodyside trim, taillights, and mini-tailfins reminiscent of the 1957 models. Yet, the Fairlane had its own unique flair, setting it apart from other Fords. Under the hood, a new small-block V-8 engine debuted, designed specifically for the Fairlane and Meteor. With the aging six-cylinder and the heavy 292 V-8 deemed unsuitable, engineering chief Harold McDonald pushed for a lightweight, compact engine. A team led by George Stirrat developed the 221-cubic-inch V-8, producing 145 horsepower and weighing under 450 pounds thanks to Ford’s "thin-wall" casting process. Mid-year saw the introduction of a 260-cubic-inch variant with 164 horsepower. This engine’s design even influenced the aluminum powerplant in the Lotus-Fords that revolutionized Indy racing in 1963. The small-block V-8 was optional, with the standard engine being the 170-cubic-inch, 101-horsepower Falcon six. Both engines featured new rear mounts to minimize vibrations and noise. Transmission options included a three-speed manual, overdrive (for the 221 V-8), and the two-speed Fordomatic.

On the next page, discover what reviewers had to say about the 1962 Ford Fairlane.

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1962 Ford Fairlane Features and Reviews

Car and Driver praised the Fairlane 500 Sports Coupe with the V-8 engine for its "lively performance, even when paired with an automatic transmission." The car also boasted an "attractive design" and a smooth ride, with its "flexible suspension effectively absorbing road shocks." However, Motor Trend testers criticized the two-speed automatic transmission, arguing that it didn’t fully utilize the engine’s horsepower and torque compared to a three- or four-speed transmission. Their V-8 Fairlane with a performance axle ratio took 13.3 seconds to reach 60 mph, which was underwhelming. They noted the engine’s potential for power upgrades and predicted it could become as popular among enthusiasts as the old flathead V-8. Fuel efficiency was a key selling point, but the V-8 Fairlane with automatic averaged only 15.5 mpg. While impressed by the car’s sturdy build, ride quality, and handling, MT felt the 13-inch wheels were too small for the vehicle’s size, though 7.00x14 tires were available as a police option. The Fairlane delivered a smooth ride on various road surfaces, with minimal noise and strong grip in corners. Front-seat space comfortably accommodated three adults. Despite the transmission’s shortcomings, the magazine concluded that the Fairlane offered an exceptional blend of economy, performance, comfort, and quality at an affordable price. Over 297,000 Fairlanes were sold in its first year, thanks to competitive pricing. The base two-door sedan started at $2,154, while the Fairlane 500 Sports Coupe with vinyl buckets and a console was priced at $2,403. Chevrolet outsold the Fairlane with the Chevy II, but it offered more models and body styles at lower prices due to its smaller size.

On the next page, learn about the 1963 Ford Fairlane.

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1963 Ford Fairlane

The 1963 Ford Fairlane received a refreshed design and technical upgrades shared across Ford’s lineup, many aimed at simplifying maintenance. The 1963 model range expanded to nine variants, including five new additions. Both two- and four-door sedans returned in two trim levels, while the 500 series introduced two new two-door hardtops, one of which claimed the Sports Coupe name.

Three station wagons were added to the lineup: a base Fairlane Ranch Wagon, a Custom Ranch Wagon with Fairlane 500 styling, and a faux-woodgrain Squire. The front end featured a redesigned grille and updated bumpers similar to those on larger Fords, and the hood’s overhang was reduced. The rear retained subtle angled fins, a design element fading from most American cars at the time.

The 500 Sports Coupe, standing an inch lower than the sedans, was the most stylish Fairlane. Its new hardtop roof mimicked the Thunderbird’s design, with large square C-pillars and rectangular rear glass. Distinctive features included bucket seats, a console, spinner wheel covers, and Buick-inspired front-fender "ventiports," setting it apart from the simpler bench-seat Fairlane 500 hardtop. Both models offered an optional vinyl roof. Station wagons could be configured with a rear-facing third bench, accommodating up to eight passengers. Folding the second seat and opening the tailgate created a flat loading area over nine feet long, with a spacious, covered storage compartment beneath the floor. The 1963 Fairlane retained the previous year’s three engines but added a new 200-cubic-inch six-cylinder engine producing 116 horsepower, paired with the Fordomatic transmission.

At the high-performance end, the Fairlane offered a fiery 289-cubic-inch small-block V-8 for sedans and hardtops. With cylinder bores expanded to four inches and compression increased to 11.0:1, this top-tier engine ran on premium fuel through a four-barrel carburetor. It delivered 271 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 312 pound-feet of torque at 3,400 rpm, enabling the Fairlane to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under nine seconds. A magazine ad for the hardtop with the 289 boasted, "Wait till you feel Fairlane's Sunday punch!" Transmission options were also updated. All V-8 models came standard with a new "Synchro-Smooth" three-speed manual transmission featuring synchronized gears. Overdrive and a Borg-Warner four-speed manual were available for V-8s, while the Fordomatic was compatible with the larger six-cylinder and smaller V-8 engines. Buyers could also select from various final-drive ratios to optimize either fuel efficiency or performance.

Continue to the next page to explore the 1964 Ford Fairlane.

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1964 Ford Fairlane

All V-8 engines received carburetion upgrades, and a new automatic choke improved cold-weather starts. Fairlanes featured self-adjusting brakes, electric wipers, and optional safety items like seatbelts and a dashboard crash pad. Five engines and six transmission options were available, ensuring the Fairlane could compete with the newly introduced Chevelle. The base powertrain included a 101-horsepower six-cylinder engine paired with a three-speed manual, while the 116-horsepower six was offered with the two-speed automatic. The 221-cubic-inch V-8 was discontinued, making the 260 V-8 the entry-level option. A new 195-horsepower 289 V-8 with a two-barrel carburetor and 9.0:1 compression replaced the 260 as the mid-range V-8, while the high-performance 271-horsepower 289 remained the top choice.

Overdrive was now exclusive to the 260 V-8, while the 289 engines could be paired with a four-speed manual. The Fordomatic was available for the 260, and the Cruise-O-Matic was offered with the lower-output 289. Performance enthusiasts could opt for the high-performance 289 with 3.89:1 or 4.11:1 rear-axle ratios. Motor Trend praised the Fairlane’s handling, describing it as offering a "solid, quiet, big-car feel." Technical editor Jim Wright lauded the Sports Coupe with the 289 V-8 and four-speed transmission, calling it "hard to beat" for an all-around car. He noted its combination of responsive handling and solid construction, making it neither too big nor too small.

Despite noticeable body lean in sharp turns, the Fairlane’s suspension handled severe dips without bottoming out. The Sports Coupe accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 9.8 to 10.2 seconds, with quarter-mile times of 17.5 seconds at 78 mph—respectable for a 1964 family car. Wright commended the extensive use of sound-deadening materials, noting the unibody construction provided a quiet, vibration-free ride even on rough roads. MT highlighted the car’s extensive options list as a key selling point. Station wagons offered a "solid, big-car feel" with low noise levels, but six-cylinder engines were deemed underpowered for their weight. The magazine criticized the two-speed automatic for wagons, recommending the 195-horsepower 289 V-8 with Cruise-O-Matic instead. Unlike the previous year, the rear well no longer included seat cushions for a third seat, making it more suitable for storage.

On the next page, discover details about Ford’s 1965 Fairlane.

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1965 Ford Fairlane

Ford Fairlane production surged in 1963, reaching nearly 344,000 units, thanks in part to the introduction of new station wagons. However, facing increased competition in 1964, production dropped to below 277,600 units and further declined to 224,000 in 1965.

Motor Trend lamented the Fairlane’s styling as "lacking distinction," suggesting that a more refined design could have leveraged Ford’s Indianapolis and Shelby Cobra connections to make it the most appealing mainstream car of the year. On the technical front, the wheelbase increased to 116 inches, and 14-inch wheels became standard. The 170-cubic-inch six-cylinder and 260-cubic-inch V-8 engines were discontinued, leaving the 200-cubic-inch six, now rated at 120 horsepower, as the base engine. The high-performance 289 V-8 remained at 271 horsepower, while the two-barrel version was boosted to 200 horsepower.

A new 225-horsepower 289 V-8, featuring a four-barrel carburetor and 10.0:1 compression, was introduced. The Fordomatic transmission was phased out, making the Cruise-O-Matic the sole automatic option, even for the high-performance V-8. Overdrive was only available with the milder V-8. The first-generation Fairlane was designed as a practical family car, but by the time its successor was in development, Ford had embraced its "Total Performance" era. At the 1964 Chicago Auto Show, Automotive News quoted Lee Iacocca stating that performance was "the ultimate proof of a car’s capabilities," and Ford was too committed to racing to step back. The Fairlane played a key role in this strategy. While the 289 V-8 with a four-speed was impressive, Ford had bigger plans. In 1964, 100 Fairlane Thunderbolts, equipped with the 427-cubic-inch V-8 and lightweight fiberglass fronts, dominated drag strips. When the second-generation Fairlane debuted in 1966, it featured a sleeker roofline and ample space for big-block engines. Throughout the late 1960s, Ford, GM, and Chrysler escalated their muscle car rivalry, with intermediates often housing full-size engines. Ford was determined to uphold its performance legacy.

Proceed to the next page for weight, price, and production figures of the 1962-1965 Ford Fairlanes.

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1962-1965 Ford Fairlane Models, Prices, Production

Ford’s 1962 Fairlane introduced a new category of practical family cars, blending style, performance, and efficiency. Its appeal to both buyers and critics ensured the success of the first-generation Fairlane. Below are the weights, prices, and production figures for the 1962-1965 Ford Fairlane models:

1962 Ford Fairlane Models, Prices, Production

1965 Ford Fairlane Models, Prices, Production

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