Featured is a good looking 1964 Ford Fairlane Two Door Sedan. The Fairlane model, named after Henry Ford’s large 31,000 square foot estate Fair Lane, was produced from 1955 to 1970. The 1964 Fairlane models were among the fourth generation of Fairlanes.
When the Ford Fairlane debuted it was a full size model but that was to eventually change in 1962. The year 1964 represented the third model year for the downsized Fairlane. When the Fairlane was downsized the model was designated an intermediate and was placed between the Falcon and the Galaxie.
1964 Ford Fairlane Intermediate Styling
After the 1950’s, where many times larger was better, compact cars were gaining traction in automotive circles. Research was done and it was noted that, in the case of Fords, buyers showed interest in downsized automobiles but not necessarily those small and spartan inside. This of course weighed on the decision to downsize the Fairlane from a full size model to an intermediate. At that time, the Falcon would be considered Ford’s compact offering. To Fairlane’s attributes, the model looked much larger that the Falcon and it’s inside was considerably more roomy. This worked well for Ford considering Fairlane’s excellent sales results for their newly minted intermediate.
Styling changes for 1964 included a new grille. Headlight frames were introduced and tail fins were eliminated. Chrome along the side of the vehicle were was changed. These changes gave the car a cleaner look.
An option for 1964 was a new swing away steering wheel.
Many Fairlane models offered for 1964
The 1964 Ford Fairlane was offered as a two and four door sedan along with a four door Ranch Wagon. The Fairlane 500 came as a two and four door sedan, a hardtop coupe and a hardtop coupe with bucket seats and a four door custom Ranch Wagon
1964 Ford Fairlane Specifications
Standard engine for the 1964 Ford Fairlane was a 170 cubic inch inline six producing 101 HP. There was also a 200 cubic inch inline six and and three V-8’s available. These were a 289 cubic inch V-8 (the base V-8), a 390 cubic inch V-8 and a 427 cubic inch V-8.
Transmissions included a standard three speed manual, and a three speed Ford-O-Matic automatic.
Brakes were four wheel hydraulic drums.
Front suspension is independent coil springs and rear with a live axle and semi-elliptic leaf springs.
Dimensions included a wheelbase of 115.5 inches. Overall outside length 197.6 inches, width 72.2 inches, height 54.3 inches.
Ford produced a total of 1.6 million vehicles for the 1964 model year. Total Fairlane production was 379,000 units.
Related Auto Museum Online articles are found on the links below…
1957 Ford Fairlane Convertible
Reference material for this article includes…Ford Fairlane Performance Portfolio 1955-1970…..Ford Motor Company Archives..Full Size Fords 1955-70 Sedans Wagons Book Six Cylinder To 429 V8 Engine by author David W. Temple.
1964 Ford Fairlane Collector Car Popularity
The Ford Fairlane’s of the 1960’s are solid collector cars which are relatively affordable to begin a automobile collection. Today, at local car shows you’ll likely come across some very nicely restored examples as well as some good looking restomods.
As mentioned above, the 1964 Fairlane’s received a good restyling which presented a more clean look and modern lines.
Many good looking examples of the 1964 Ford Fairlane can be found in a general range from about $13,000 to $30,000. Fairlane 500’s in similar condition with bucket seats would likely be priced on the top end.There of course will be examples priced much higher than the average for a variety of reasons including engine and originality. One more rare example is the high powered 289 V-8 1964 Fairlane Thunderbolt. Fairlane Many would say that the 1964 Fairlane Thunderbolt was one of the earliest entries into 1960’s Detroit muscle car wars.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)