1964 Ford Fairlane 500 Compact Sedan

Description

Before the Galaxie took over in 1959 as Ford's top of the line model, the Fairlane (named after Henry Ford's estate, Fair Lane, in Dearborn, Michigan) had been the most luxurious Ford available from the time of its introduction in 1955. Replacing the full-size Fairlanes in 1962 was a conventionally styled intermediate model known universally as the Compact thanks to the smaller wheelbase and reduced exterior dimensions. This model was assembled in Australia in right-hand drive form at Homebush in Sydney and known locally as the FB Fairlane. The new model had unitary construction, independent front suspension and heavy-duty adjustable shock absorbers front and rear. Trim levels differed somewhat from American market cars and all Australian Fairlanes came with two-speed electric windscreen wipers and a clock as standard. The Fairlane was initially equipped with a 221-cid small-block V8 engine with a choice of transmissions, either a three-speed column change manual or two-speed automatic with three back axle ratios to choose from. Although American buyers had a range of body styles available, the Fairlane 500 was only marketed in Australia with the standard four-door saloon body.