1963 Ford Compact Fairlane 500 – Today’s Tempter

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 11.11.2020

Locally-assembled American designed-compact: numbers-correct 260ci Windsor V8, auto, runs well

Ford’s Compact Fairlane first appeared in the US 1962 as a mid-range model positioned below the full-size Galaxie at the time.

Named after Henry Ford’s estate in Dearborn, Michigan, the Fairlane became known as the Compact due to its decreased wheelbase and exterior dimensions.

Despite their American design, the Fairlane Compact was assembled locally at Ford’s Homebush plant in Sydney.

1963’s model was dubbed the FC, and was fitted with the Ford-O-matic auto and a 260ci Windsor V8 as standard.

While the Fairlane was available in a range of body styles over in the US, like many locally-assembled imports, Ford Australia only marketed the basic four-door sedan.

Around 1,771 were produced in 1963 with the Fairlane name put on hiatus in favour of the full-size Galaxie after 1964, that is until the all-Australian ZA Fairlane appeared later in 1967.

This one comes to market appearing to be a well-maintained survivor, fully registered on its original plates with log books.

The odometer is indicated to read 22,640 miles however it is unclear if, and how many times, it has been around the clock. It presents numbers-correct with its original 260ci V8 and two-speed auto.

Recent works include new brakes, new fuel tank and a new windscreen with the car described to be in well running condition.

The car remains fully registered until February 2021.

You can find the Compact Fairlane in New South Wales, listed for $34,990.

Check out the full listing here!

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