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Ford Fairlane

Fairlane
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A car produced by Ford from 1955-1970.

In the 1960's Ford produced a drag racing version of the Fairlane called the Thunderbolt. The Crown Victoria name used by Ford for its full-size sedans from the 1980's through the early 2010's was originally a trim designation on the Fairlane.

The Fairlane name was used on a 2005 concept car that would eventually become the Ford Flex.

History

The following section is an excerpt from Wikipedia's Ford Fairlane (Americas) page on 16 September 2018, text available via the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

The Ford Fairlane is an automobile model that was sold between 1955 and 1970 by Ford in North America. The name is derived from Henry Ford's estate, Fair Lane, near Dearborn, Michigan.

Over time, the name referred to a number of different cars in different classes; the Fairlane was initially a full-sized car, but became a mid-sized car from the 1962 model year. The mid-sized model spawned the Australian-built Fairlane in 1967, although in that market it was considered a large car.

First generation (1955–1956)

For the 1955 model year the Fairlane name replaced the Crestline as Ford's premier full-sized offering. Six different body styles were offered, including the Crown Victoria Skyliner with a tinted, transparent plastic roof, the regular Crown Victoria coupe with lots of stainless steel trim, a convertible Sunliner, the Victoria hardtop coupe, and traditional sedans. All featured the trademark stainless-steel "Fairlane stripe" on the side. Power options were a 223 cu in (3.7 L) straight-6 engine and a 272 cu in (4.5 L) V8. The 292 cu in (4.8 L) Y-block was offered as an option and was called the Thunderbird V-8.

Few changes were made for 1956; a four-door Victoria hardtop and two new, more powerful V8 options, of 292 cu in (4.8 L) and 312 cu in (5.1 L), the latter available up to 225 bhp (168 kW; 228 PS), were introduced. The Lifeguard safety package was introduced. The two-door Victoria hardtop featured a new and slimmer roofline. A one-year only two-door station wagon, the 1956 Ford Parklane, featured Fairlane-level trim. It was marketed to compete against the Chevrolet Nomad.

Second generation (1957–1959)

For 1957, a new style gave a longer, wider, lower, and sleeker look with low tailfins. The new proportions and modern styling were a hit with customers to the extent that the Ford outsold Chevrolet in 1957 for the first time since 1935. A new top trim level was reversed, the Fairlane 500. For the first time, the lower-level Custom line had a shorter wheelbase than the Fairlane. Engines were largely the same as the year before. The big news for 1957 was the introduction of the Fairlane 500 Skyliner power retractable hardtop, whose solid top hinged and folded down into the trunk space at the touch of a button.

Another facelift for 1958 had fashionable quad headlights, a grille that matched the 1958 Thunderbird, and other styling changes. New big-block FE V8s of 332 and 352 CID (5.4 L and 5.8 L) replaced the previous largest V8s, and a better three-speed automatic transmission was also available.

A new top-level full-sized model was introduced at mid-year 1959, the Ford Galaxie. The 1959 Galaxie displayed both "Fairlane 500" and "Galaxie" badging.

Third generation (1960–1961)

Full-sized Fairlane and Fairlane 500 models were restyled for 1960 and again for the 1961 model year. The Galaxie series continued as the top-of-the-line full-sized Ford. Fairlane 500s demoted to mid-level in the lineup and were equivalent to the Chevrolet Bel Air. Fairlanes were primarily sold as base level trim models for fleet use (taxi, police). Both were only available as pillared sedans.

The big-block 390 CID V8 was available in 1961 as the top-horsepower option, as the "horsepower wars" in Detroit continued.

Fourth generation (1962–1965)

The Fairlane name was moved to Ford's new intermediate, introduced for the 1962 model year, to bridge the gap between the compact Ford Falcon and the full-sized Galaxie, making it a competitor for GM's A-body "senior compacts", the Dodge Custom 880, and the AMC Rambler. With an overall length of 197 in (5004 mm) and a wheelbase of 115.5 in (2934 mm), it was 16 in (406 mm) longer than the Falcon and 12.3 in (312 mm) shorter than the Galaxie. Wheel track varied from 53.5 in (1355 mm) to 56 in (1422 mm) depending on model and specification.

Like the Falcon, the Fairlane had a unibody frame, but the body incorporated an unusual feature Ford dubbed torque boxes, four boxed structures in the lower body structure designed to absorb road shock by moving slightly in the vertical plane. Suspension was a conventional short-long arm independent arrangement in front, with Hotchkiss drive in the rear. The Fairlane was initially offered only in two-door or four-door sedan body styles.

Fifth generation (1966–1967)

The Fairlane was revised in 1966. The appearance was changed to match the full-sized Ford, which had been restyled in the 1965 model year. The front end featured vertically stacked dual headlights. The XL, GT, and GTA packages were introduced, as well as a convertible to join the existing range of sedans, hardtops, and station wagons. The "K-code" 289 CID engine was dropped this year. The GT featured a 390 CID FE V8 as standard, while the GTA also included the newly introduced the SportShift Cruise-o-Matic automatic transmission. The GT/GTA 390 CID engine developed 335 bhp (250 kW) with higher compression, and had a four-barrel carburetor. Mid year, Ford produced 57 special Fairlane 500 two-door hardtops with "R-code" 427 cu in (7.0 L) V8 engine rated at 425 bhp (431 PS; 317 kW) @ 6000 rpm and 480 lb⋅ft (651 N⋅m) @ 3700 rpm of torque, equipped with Ford's "Top-Loader" four-speed manual transmission. Built to qualify the engine/transmission combination for NHRA and IHRA Super Stock racing, they were white and had fiberglass hoods with a forward-facing hood scoop which ended at the edge of the hood. The Fairlane Squire wagon was reintroduced for 1966.

Minor trim changes were introduced for 1967 as the Fairlane was mildly facelifted. The 289 CID small-block became the base V8, with a 200 CID six standard, with the 390 CID optional (with either two- or four-barrel carburetor, at 275 and 320 bhp (240 kW), respectively). The 427s were still available, either with a single four-barrel carburetor or dual quad carbs, developing 410 (W-code) and 425 bhp (R-code), 427s were available on XL models, but very few were built. The notable addition for the 1967 model year was a Ranchero pickup as part of the Fairlane range (from 1960 to 1965, the Ranchero was based on the Falcon, while in 1966 it used the Fairlane platform but Falcon styling). The 1967 Fairlanes also included a number of federal government-mandated safety features, including a new energy-absorbing steering column with a large padded steering wheel hub, soft interior trim, four-way hazard flashers, a dual-chamber braking system, and shoulder belt anchors. The convertible had a tempered safety glass rear window.

Sixth generation (1968–1969)

A redesign was introduced for the 1968 model year. The wheelbase remained at 116 in (2,946 mm), but it grew in other dimensions. They were about four inches (102 mm) longer and 200 lb (91 kg) heavier than the cars they replaced. A fastback Sportsroof model was introduced in the Fairlane 500 series, as well as a more luxurious Torino model at the top of the intermediate range, contributing 172,083 of the Fairlane's 371,787 units sold that year.

In a cost-saving decision, the station wagons carried over the 1966-67 bodies from the cowl back. The Ranch Wagon model name was deleted; Fairlane wagons had either the base or the 500 trim. Base hardtop sales more than doubled, to 44,683 units.

Seventh generation (1970)

Ford's intermediates grew again in 1970, now with a 117 in (2,972 mm) wheelbase. At the start of the model year, only the Fairlane 500 remained as the base trim model in what was now effectively the Torino series.

The straight six-cylinder was the economy power, while largest engine was now a 429 cu in (7.0 l) with four-barrel carburetor and 360 bhp (270 kW), on the Torino Cobra. Different heads were optional and gave the Cobra 370 bhp (280 kW) and higher compression. Other options included the Cobra Jet Ram Air 429, though Ford quoted the same power output, and the Drag Pack rated at 375 bhp (280 kW). However, the 1970s were slower than the 1969s, and race teams were forced to run the older models.

The Falcon name was transferred from Ford's now discontinued, in the US, compact to a basic, even lower-trim version of the intermediate platform as a "1970½" model on January 1, 1970. This series included a two-door sedan which was not available in the higher trim lines. For 1971, the Falcon and Fairlane 500 names were dropped, as all of the intermediate models took the Torino name. The Falcon and Fairlane names continued to be used in Australia through to the 21st century. The Fairlane name continued to be used in Venezuela through 1978 on corresponding Ford Torino and LTD II models.

2005 concept

At the 2005 Auto Show circuit, Ford revealed a new concept car with the Fairlane nameplate. The "people-mover" Fairlane crossover utility vehicle concept featured three-row seating for six passengers, and previewed the chromed three-bar horizontal grill design, which currently appears on the 2006 Ford Fusion sedan and 2007 Ford Edge crossover utility vehicle."

Photographs

	1955 Photo by Rich Daswick View photo of 1955 Ford Fairlane Convertible Front - 116KB
	1955 Photo by Rich Daswick View photo of 1955 Ford Fairlane Convertible Rear - 93KB
	1955 Photo by Rich Daswick View photo of 1955 Ford Fairlane Convertible Interior - 113KB
	1955 Crown Victoria Photo ©2008 Bill Crittenden Crandall's Breakfast Cruise and Car Show July 27, 2008 View photo of 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria - 4,770KB
	1955 Crown Victoria Photo ©2008 Bill Crittenden Crandall's Breakfast Cruise and Car Show July 27, 2008 View photo of 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria - 3.641KB
	1955 Crown Victoria Photo ©2008 Bill Crittenden Crandall's Breakfast Cruise and Car Show July 27, 2008 View photo of 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria - 2,570KB
	1955 Crown Victoria Photo ©2008 Bill Crittenden Crandall's Breakfast Cruise and Car Show July 27, 2008 View photo of 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria - 2,472KB
	1955 Crown Victoria Photo ©2008 Bill Crittenden Crandall's Breakfast Cruise and Car Show July 27, 2008 View photo of 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria - 2,837KB
	1955 Crown Victoria Photo ©2008 Bill Crittenden Crandall's Breakfast Cruise and Car Show July 27, 2008 View photo of 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria - 3,1641KB
	1955 Crown Victoria Photo ©2008 Bill Crittenden Crandall's Breakfast Cruise and Car Show July 27, 2008 View photo of 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria - 4,201KB
	1955 Crown Victoria Photo ©2008 Bill Crittenden Crandall's Breakfast Cruise and Car Show July 27, 2008 View photo of 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria - 2,655KB
	1955 Crown Victoria Photo ©2011 Bill Crittenden Green Street Cruise Night: July 4, 2011 View photo of 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria - 2,354KB
	1955 Crown Victoria Photo ©2011 Bill Crittenden Green Street Cruise Night: July 4, 2011 View photo of 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria - 3,771KB
	1955 Crown Victoria Photo ©2011 Bill Crittenden Green Street Cruise Night: July 4, 2011 View photo of 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria - 2,573KB
	1955 Crown Victoria Photo ©2011 Bill Crittenden Green Street Cruise Night: July 4, 2011 View photo of 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria - 3,366KB
	1955 Crown Victoria Photo ©2011 Bill Crittenden Green Street Cruise Night: July 4, 2011 View photo of 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria - 2,329KB
	1955 Crown Victoria Photo ©2012 Bill Crittenden 2012 The Cars Time Forgot View photo of 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria - 3.6MB
	1955 Crown Victoria Photo ©2012 Bill Crittenden 2012 The Cars Time Forgot View photo of 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria - 2.8MB
	1955 Crown Victoria Photo ©2012 Bill Crittenden 2012 The Cars Time Forgot View photo of 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria - 4.1MB
	1956Photo courtesy of Image*After View photo of 1956 Ford Fairlane - 347KB
	1956Photo courtesy of Image*After View photo of 1956 Ford Fairlane - 343KB
	1956Photo courtesy of Image*After View photo of 1956 Ford Fairlane - 353KB
	1956Photo courtesy of Image*After View photo of 1956 Ford Fairlane - 334KB
	1956Photo courtesy of Image*After View photo of 1956 Ford Fairlane - 334KB
	1956Photo courtesy of Image*After View photo of 1956 Ford Fairlane - 274KB
	1957 Photo ©2007 John Walczak Lensing Autumn Classic Car Show View photo of 1957 Ford Fairlane - 3,668KB
	Top Down Christmas Artist: Ken Eberts Car: 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner Image courtesy View "Top Down Christmas" - 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner Art - 85KB
	1957 500 Skyliner Photo ©2008 Bill Crittenden Fatboyz Cafe Cruise Night: August 2, 2008 View photo of 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner - 3,371KB
	1957 500 Skyliner Photo ©2008 Bill Crittenden Fatboyz Cafe Cruise Night: August 2, 2008 View photo of 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner - 3,691KB
	1957 500 Skyliner Photo ©2008 Bill Crittenden Fatboyz Cafe Cruise Night: August 2, 2008 View photo of 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner - 3,671KB
	1957 500 Skyliner Photo ©2008 Bill Crittenden Fatboyz Cafe Cruise Night: August 2, 2008 View photo of 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner - 3,769KB
	1957 500 Skyliner Photo ©2008 Bill Crittenden Fatboyz Cafe Cruise Night: August 2, 2008 View photo of 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner - 3,264KB
	1957 500 Skyliner Photo ©2008 Bill Crittenden Fatboyz Cafe Cruise Night: August 2, 2008 View photo of 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner - 3,292KB
	1957 500 Skyliner Photo ©2008 Bill Crittenden Fatboyz Cafe Cruise Night: August 2, 2008 View photo of 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner - 3,448KB
	1957 500 Skyliner Photo ©2008 Bill Crittenden Fatboyz Cafe Cruise Night: August 2, 2008 View photo of 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner - 3,208KB
	1957 500 Skyliner Photo ©2008 Bill Crittenden Fatboyz Cafe Cruise Night: August 2, 2008 View photo of 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner - 3,206KB
	1957 500 Skyliner Photo ©2008 Bill Crittenden Fatboyz Cafe Cruise Night: August 2, 2008 View photo of 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner - 3,989KB
	1957 Skyliner Photo ©2008 Bill Crittenden Johnsburg Car and Bike Show August 17, 2008 View photo of 1957 Ford Fairlane Skyliner - 4,827KB
	1957 500 Reserve not met, high bid $41,000 - Mecum Auctions 2013 Mecum Chicago Auction Photo ©2013 Bill Crittenden View photo of 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 - 3.4MB
	1957 500 Reserve not met, high bid $41,000 - Mecum Auctions 2013 Mecum Chicago Auction Photo ©2013 Bill Crittenden View photo of 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 - 3.4MB
	1957 500 Reserve not met, high bid $41,000 - Mecum Auctions 2013 Mecum Chicago Auction Photo ©2013 Bill Crittenden View photo of 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 - 3.3MB
	1957 500 Reserve not met, high bid $41,000 - Mecum Auctions 2013 Mecum Chicago Auction Photo ©2013 Bill Crittenden View photo of 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 - 3.5MB
	1958 Photo ©2013 Bill Crittenden 2013 Attack of the Plastic View photo of 1958 Ford Fairlane Model Car - 3.4MB
	1958 Photo ©2013 Bill Crittenden 2013 Attack of the Plastic View photo of 1958 Ford Fairlane Model Car - 3.5MB
	Custom 1958 Photo ©2012 Bill Crittenden 2012 Summer NNL hosted by View photo of Custom 1958 Ford Fairlane Model Car - 4.1MB
	Custom 1958 Photo ©2012 Bill Crittenden 2012 Summer NNL hosted by View photo of Custom 1958 Ford Fairlane Model Car - 3.8MB
	Custom 1958 Photo ©2012 Bill Crittenden 2012 Summer NNL hosted by View photo of Custom 1958 Ford Fairlane Model Car - 3.8MB
	1959 500 Galaxie Skyliner Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden The Cars Time Forgot Car Show July 5, 2009 View photo of 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner - 5,746KB
	1959 500 Galaxie Skyliner Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden The Cars Time Forgot Car Show July 5, 2009 View photo of 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner - 3,604KB
	1959 500 Galaxie Skyliner Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden The Cars Time Forgot Car Show July 5, 2009 View photo of 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner - 4,348KB
	1959 500 Galaxie Skyliner Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden The Cars Time Forgot Car Show July 5, 2009 View photo of 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner - 3,362KB
	1959 500 Galaxie Skyliner Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden The Cars Time Forgot Car Show July 5, 2009 View photo of 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner - 3,295KB
	1959 500 Galaxie Skyliner Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden The Cars Time Forgot Car Show July 5, 2009 View photo of 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner - 4,693KB
	1959 500 Galaxie Skyliner Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden The Cars Time Forgot Car Show July 5, 2009 View photo of 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner - 4,004KB
	1959 500 Galaxie Skyliner Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden The Cars Time Forgot Car Show July 5, 2009 View photo of 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner - 5,859KB
	1959 500 Galaxie Skyliner Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden The Cars Time Forgot Car Show July 5, 2009 View photo of 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner - 2,912KB
	1959 500 Galaxie Skyliner Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden The Cars Time Forgot Car Show July 5, 2009 View photo of 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner - 3,694KB
	1959 500 Galaxie Skyliner Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden The Cars Time Forgot Car Show July 5, 2009 View photo of 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner - 3,838KB
	1959 500 Galaxie Skyliner Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden The Cars Time Forgot Car Show July 5, 2009 View photo of 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner - 5,437KB
	1959 500 Galaxie Skyliner Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden The Cars Time Forgot Car Show July 5, 2009 View photo of 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner - 3,660KB
	1959 500 Galaxie Skyliner Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden The Cars Time Forgot Car Show July 5, 2009 View photo of 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner - 3,324KB
	1965 500 Sports Coupe Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden McHenry Firestone One Year Anniversary April 17, 2010 View photo of 1965 Ford Fairlane 500 Sports Coupe - 4,412KB
	1965 500 Sports Coupe Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden McHenry Firestone One Year Anniversary April 17, 2010 View photo of 1965 Ford Fairlane 500 Sports Coupe - 3,264KB
	1965 500 Sports Coupe Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden McHenry Firestone One Year Anniversary April 17, 2010 View photo of 1965 Ford Fairlane 500 Sports Coupe - 4,262KB
	1965 500 Sports Coupe Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden McHenry Firestone One Year Anniversary April 17, 2010 View photo of 1965 Ford Fairlane 500 Sports Coupe - 4,065KB
	1966 Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden 2009 Cedarville Model Car Contest and Swap Meet March 8, 2009 View photo of 1966 Ford Fairlane Model - 3,329KB
	1966 Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden 2009 Cedarville Model Car Contest and Swap Meet March 8, 2009 View photo of 1966 Ford Fairlane Model - 3,589KB
	1966 Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden January 2010 Banquet of C.A.R.S. in Miniature View photo of 1966 Ford Fairlane Model - 2,532KB
	1966 Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden January 2010 Banquet of C.A.R.S. in Miniature View photo of 1966 Ford Fairlane Model - 3,186KB
	1969 Torino Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden The Cars Time Forgot Car Show July 5, 2009 View photo of 1969 Ford Fairlane Torino - 4,897KB
	1969 Torino Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden The Cars Time Forgot Car Show July 5, 2009 View photo of 1969 Ford Fairlane Torino - 3,983KB
	1969 Torino Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden The Cars Time Forgot Car Show July 5, 2009 View photo of 1969 Ford Fairlane Torino - 3,002KB
	1969 Torino Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden The Cars Time Forgot Car Show July 5, 2009 View photo of 1969 Ford Fairlane Torino - 3,515KB
	1969 Torino Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden The Cars Time Forgot Car Show July 5, 2009 View photo of 1969 Ford Fairlane Torino - 3,327KB
	1969 Torino Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden The Cars Time Forgot Car Show July 5, 2009 View photo of 1969 Ford Fairlane Torino - 4,120KB
	1969 Torino Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden The Cars Time Forgot Car Show July 5, 2009 View photo of 1969 Ford Fairlane Torino - 3,787KB
	1969 Torino Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden The Cars Time Forgot Car Show July 5, 2009 View photo of 1969 Ford Fairlane Torino - 4,101KB
	1969 Torino Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden The Cars Time Forgot Car Show July 5, 2009 View photo of 1969 Ford Fairlane Torino - 4,096KB
	1969 Torino Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden The Cars Time Forgot Car Show July 5, 2009 View photo of 1969 Ford Fairlane Torino - 3,207KB

Merchandise

Type & Item #	Name	Details
Die Cast - Cars L4153-0911G1	Mario Andretti	The World of Cars, small scale, Teal & Dark Yellow #11 "Mario"	1964 Ford Fairlane
Model Kit - Revell 85-2076	'64 Ford Fairlane Street Machine 2 'n 1	Special Edition, 1:25 scale
Die Cast - Hot Wheels N4034-A919P	'66 Ford Fairlane GT	2009 New Models, small scale, dark red w/white stripe

Article Index

Date	Article	Author/Source
16 January 2011	Incredible Ford Fairlane, The	William Jason
26 January 2011	The 1964 Ford Thunderbolt	William Jason
17 February 2011	Ford's Masterpiece: The Fairlane	William Jason