Ford Fairlane Classic Cars for Sale

History of the Ford Fairlane

The story of the Ford Fairlane begins in the mid-1950s, with production launching in 1955 and running through 1970 in North America. Named after Henry Ford’s estate, the Fairlane replaced the Crestline as Ford’s premium offering at its inception. Early Fairlanes embodied the optimism of post-war America, sporting bold chrome trim, panoramic windscreens and iconic tailfins. Over seven generations, the Fairlane evolved from a full-size flagship to a more compact, mid-size car by the 1960s, filling the gap between the larger Galaxie and the smaller Falcon. Along this journey, the Fairlane became a design benchmark, spawning innovations that shaped Ford’s future line-up. While North American production concluded in 1971 with the transition to the Torino, the Fairlane badge lived on in unique Australian and Argentine variants until as late as 2007, adapting to local tastes and requirements.

Model History

The Fairlane lineage saw seven distinct generations, each with unique traits and technical advancements. The first generation (1955–1956) is renowned for six body styles including the Crown Victoria Skyliner, the world’s first production car with a transparent, retractable roof panel. By 1957, a total redesign saw the Fairlane gain the trademark low tailfins and quad headlights, introducing models like the Fairlane 500 Skyliner, featuring an innovative fully automated hardtop roof. As the years progressed, the Fairlane gradually shrank in size to fit new American market trends, culminating in the mid-size models of the 1960s. Special editions, performance upgrades and restyles were common. Successors include the Ford Torino in the US, while the Australian Fairlane developed into a luxurious line distinct from its American roots, produced until 2007.

Highlights and Special Features

The Ford Fairlane’s numerous body styles and engineering leaps set it apart, especially in the 1950s and 1960s. Standout features include the world’s first mass-produced retractable hardtop (Fairlane 500 Skyliner, 1957–1959), delivering full coupé comfort and true open-air driving at the touch of a button. The 1958 Skyliner came with a 5.8-litre V8 boasting up to 300 hp, a technical marvel for its time. Period details such as two-tone interiors, chrome-laden dashboards, and turbine-style taillights embody the extravagance of mid-century automotive design. Automatic “Ford-O-Matic” gearboxes and a wide palette of V8 and inline-six engines gave buyers choice and performance.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

The Ford Fairlane line boasted several collectible editions. Most prominent is the Fairlane 500 Skyliner (1957–1959), the first series-production car ever with a fully automatic, electrically operated retracing steel roof—produced in limited numbers with just 14,713 built in 1958, making it highly sought after. Another special edition is the Crown Victoria, recognized for its distinctive stainless-steel roof band and two-tone paintwork. In international markets like Argentina and Australia, unique Fairlane variants emerged, each with their own specific trims and engines—such as the Australian luxury Fairlane based on the Falcon, produced until 2007.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

Throughout its production, the Ford Fairlane featured a striking range of engines—from the thrifty six-cylinder “Mileage Maker” to powerful V8s. The 1958 352 cui Interceptor V8 pushed out 300 hp, more than adequate for the era’s highways. Most Fairlanes were rear-wheel driven, with a blend of manual and automatic transmissions, including Ford’s pioneering Ford-O-Matic. By the mid-1960s, improved suspension geometry and optional power steering enhanced ride comfort, while the switch from tailfins to more minimalist bodywork reflected changes in American automotive fashion. On the road, Fairlanes of different generations offer a distinctively American, “big car” drive—emphasizing comfort and long-distance capability. Notable versions often highlighted by enthusiasts include the 1957–1959 Skyliner, especially with the 300-hp ‘Interceptor’ V8, and the mid-1960s Fairlanes with the 289 cui V8 and optioned three-speed automatic—bringing together performance, ease of use, and classic design touches.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

The Fairlane’s design journey showcases the sweeping lines and distinctive visual codes of the 1950s and 1960s. Designers embraced chrome, vivid two-tone paintwork, and dramatic tailfins—especially on models like the Crown Victoria and Skyliner. Interiors featured period-correct combinations of vinyl, cloth, and bright metal accents. Accessories often included whitewall tyres, Continental kits (extended spare wheel carriers), “fender skirts” over the rear wheels, power accessories, and turbine-style taillights. Dashboard layouts varied by year and trim, with some models offering power windows, upmarket audio, and rare features like air conditioning. Unique badges, wheel covers, and special emblems set apart high-specification models.

Other Relevant Features

The Fairlane has made cultural appearances in films such as James Bond and was featured as the "Vulture" in the Grand Theft Auto video game series. Vehicle reports, restoration histories, and comprehensive documentation are often available for Fairlanes trading on the European market. Many cars imported into Europe are eligible for historic status with corresponding benefits, and several carry valuation certificates and well-documented restoration histories.

Summary

The Ford Fairlane stands as one of the cornerstone classic American cars—with variations maintaining an enduring presence among collectors and car enthusiasts. Purposeful engineering, innovative features like the Skyliner’s hardtop, and a broad legacy stretching from the USA to Australia and Argentina ensure the Fairlane’s continued presence in the historic vehicle scene. Their robust mechanicals, striking design, and ready availability of documentation and restoration support them as standout classics of the post-war period.