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2014 Shannons Melbourne Autumn Classic Auction
Lot
8

1964 Ford Fairlane Compact Sedan (RHD)

$13,500

Sold

Specifications

Engine V8, 289-cid
Gearbox 2-speed automatic
Body Work Sedan
Colour Metallic Blue
Interior Two-tone blue
Trim Velour
Wheels Steel disc
Brakes Drums

Description

This lot is no longer available

Ford's downsized Fairlane was introduced in 1962 as an intermediate model, positioned below the new full-size Galaxie in range that year. Named after Henry Ford's estate in Dearborn, Michigan, the Fairlane was a conventionally styled model that has become universally known as the Compact thanks to its smaller wheelbase and reduced exterior dimensions, and was assembled in Australia in right-hand drive form at Homebush in Sydney. Designated the FB series, the new model had unitary construction for the first time, along with 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 a two-speed electric windscreen wipers and a clock as standard. The first Aussie-made Fairlane was equipped with a 221-cid small-block V8 engine with a choice of two transmissions, either a three-seed column change manual or two-speed automatic, along with three back axle ratios to choose from. Although American buyers had a range of body styles to choose from, the Fairlane was only marketed in Australia with four-door sedan bodywork. In 1963 the revised FC model was introduced, with new frontal styling, grille and tail light treatment, along with Ford-O-Matic transmission as standard. In December 1963 the final Compact Fairlane, designated the ZD, was launched and once again took its styling cues from the American Fairlane 500, with a new grille featuring seven vertical bars and the unfashionable tail fins were done away with entirely. The 260-cid V8 was standard, with Ford's legendary 289-cid small-block V8 optional and a total of 1,344 were sold here before the model was discontinued in favour of the Galaxie. Today few of these are still seen on the road but are welcolmed at the many Ford club days around the country.