1963 Ford Fairlane 500 A Classic Car with Timeless Style

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The 1963 Ford Fairlane 500 is considered one of the most iconic American cars of the 1960s. Part of Ford’s popular full-size model range, the Fairlane 500 brought style, power, and luxury to the masses. Now over 60 years old, these cars still turn heads today for their timeless good looks and smooth V8 performance. Let’s take a trip back in time and explore why the 1963 Fairlane 500 has remained so popular with collectors, hot rodders, and classic car fans alike.

History of the 1963 Ford Fairlane 500

The Fairlane nameplate had been part of Ford’s lineup since 1955 as a premium trim level on the standard full-size Ford offering. For 1963, Ford gave the Fairlane its own distinct model line and introduced what many consider the best-styled Fairlane ever produced.

Establishing the Fairlane 500 Line

The Fairlane 500 was introduced in 1962 as a step above the regular Fairlane models
Offered premium trim, features and styling to compete with brands like Pontiac and Oldsmobile
The 1963 model year brought a major restyling and the most iconic Fairlane look

Style and Design Highlights

Flatter, wider hood with horizontal bars
Distinctive tall tail fins set it apart
Crisp lines and styling details front to back
Luxurious interior appointments and details

Available Body Styles

The 1963 Fairlane 500 was available in two-door coupe, four-door sedan, four-door station wagon, and two-door convertible body styles. This allowed it to appeal to a wide range of customers seeking anything from family transportation to a sporty cruising convertible.

Design and Features 1963 Ford Fairlane 500

The 1963 Fairlane 500 brought meaningful improvements over previous models both inside and out. Its handsome yet elegant looks were backed up by comfort, convenience and performance.

Exterior Design

Sweeping lines, widened track for improved stance
Signature concave rear tail light panel
Longer front end with iconic horizontal grille bars
Rounded edges and sculpted sides

Interior Features

Available power accessories and luxury trim
Added sound deadening for quieter ride
Options like air conditioning and AM/FM radio
Better instrumentation including tachometer

Safety and Technology Upgrades

Added lap seatbelts for all outboard passengers
Option for padded dash and visors
Alternator replaced generator for better electrics
Transistorized ignition system for easier starts

Engine and Performance

Under the hood, the 1963 Fairlane 500 offered a range of engines from economical inline-6s up to the top-performing V8s. With a smooth ride, quick steering and confident handling, these cars were nimble and powerful for their day.

Powertrain Options

Base inline-6 cylinder produced 120 horsepower
Optional V8s in 260, 289, 352 and 427 cubic inches
Cruise-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission
Power steering now standard across models

Handling and Capability

Coil spring front suspension for smooth ride
Rear leaf spring suspension tuned for comfort
Power assisted drum brakes stop smoothly
Low center of gravity felt planted at speed

Performance Credentials

0-60 mph in about 11 seconds, fast for the times
Capable 1/4 mile times in high 15 second range
Comfortable at modern highway speeds all day
Designed to cruise smoothly, not for all out speed

Sales and Popularity

The 1963 Fairlane 500 sold very well, as Ford moved further upmarket with the model and drew in customers seeking something more aspirational than a basic Ford. The car’s combination of style, performance and value resonated with buyers.

Strong Sales Numbers

Over 300,000 units produced for 1963 model year
Outsold direct competitors from Dodge and Mercury
Helped Ford achieve record production numbers
Highest sales for any Fairlane 500 to date

Appealing to Younger Buyers

The youth market was drawn to sporty styling
Advertising focused on active lifestyles
Affordable performance with V8 engines
Customization potential even in base models

Positive Reviews

Motor Trend award for outstanding design
Praise from car magazines for style and ride
Well-equipped interior impressing reviewers
Considered a lot of car for reasonable cost

Modifications and Upgrades

The 1963 Fairlane 500’s great looks, smooth riding chassis and availability of powerful V8 engines made it a great candidate for modifications and upgrades. From mild to wild, owners customized these cars to suit their personalities and needs.

Popular Period Modifications

Lowering kits for improved stance
Dual exhaust systems with glasspack mufflers
Aluminum wheels replacing hubcaps
Engine swaps to more powerful V8s

Custom Bodywork

Candy apple paint jobs with metal flakes
Fiberglass hoods to reduce weight
Removed trim and badges for cleaned up look
Chopped tops and frenched headlights

Improved Handling and Braking

Heavy duty shocks and springs
Rear sway bars to reduce body roll
Disc brake swaps greatly improve stops
Sticky modern radial tires for grip

Notable Models and Variants

Within the 1963 Fairlane 500 range, several models stand out today as the most collectible and valuable versions. Limited production numbers or special options account for the interest surrounding these specific cars.

500 Sport Coupe

Unique convex tail light panel
Bucket seat interior option
Console mounted shifter
Full instrumentation

500 XL

Top of line trim and features
XL badging and trim accents
Vinyl bucket seat interior
Engine dress up kit available

500 Skyliner Retractable

Hide-away hardtop roof
Pushbutton operation
Unique frameless door glass
Only 1,270 built for 1963

Collectibility and Value

For many collectors, the 1963 model year represents the pinnacle of Fairlane styling and desirability. Low production numbers on some models along with these cars’ iconic styling keep values high.

Factors Affecting Value

Overall condition and originality
Rare factory options and trim
Specific model demand and production totals
Documentation with ownership history

Current Valuations

Typical coupes and sedans from $20k up to $50k
Convertible and wagons reach over $75k
The Skyliner retractable hard to value over $100k
Low mileage award-winning examples hit six figures

Future Collectibility

Values expected to continue to climb
Younger buyers entering the hobby
Iconic styling keeps interest strong
Prime example of a peak model year

Maintenance and Repairs

While the 1963 Fairlane 500 is not overly complex mechanically, attending to maintenance and properly repairing any issues is key to keeping the car in good running order. Working on these cars today also requires some unique considerations.

Common Problem Areas

Engine bay accessibility challenges
Obsolete parts requiring fabrication
Electrical gremlins from aging wiring
Rust prone areas around rear window

Expert Support Required

Specialty mechanics understand intricacies
Machine shops can recreate unavailable parts
Welding, metal shaping skills for rust repair
Patience required finding parts at swap meets

Special Considerations

Modern engine oils and lubricants
Upgraded ignitions improve starts
Alternator conversions help charging
Care around brake and fuel lines

Conclusion

The 1963 Ford Fairlane 500 has rightfully earned its place among the most recognizable American cars of the 1960s. Its iconic styling represents the jet age at the peak of the tail fin era. Performance across a range of available big block V8s gave it the muscle to back up those handsome looks. Significant numbers were produced, but prime collectible examples are increasingly valued and sought after today. For both cultural importance and enduring driver appeal, the 1963 Fairlane 500 secures its legacy.