Ford Fairlane 4th Gen

For 1962, Ford downsized the Fairlane nameplate onto an all-new intermediate platform, slotting it between the compact Falcon and the full-size Galaxie. Initially offered with a 170 cubic inch inline-6 or a new 221 small-block V8, the engine lineup quickly grew to include the 260 and the legendary 289 V8. This new, lighter chassis proved to be a perfect home for Ford's V8 engines, setting the stage for a new era of performance.

The 4th generation Fairlane's place in history was cemented by the factory-built drag racing special, the Thunderbolt. In 1964, Ford shoehorned its 427 FE big-block V8 into about 100 Fairlane two-door sedans, creating a dominant force on the strip. These cars are the holy grail for collectors and command six-figure prices. Beyond the Thunderbolt, V8-powered 2-door hardtops, especially K-code 289 Hi-Po models, and convertibles are highly desirable.

The market for these Fairlanes has a very wide range. The average sale price of around $25,790 typically buys a clean V8-powered hardtop or convertible driver. The low end of the market, below $10,000, consists of 4-door sedans, six-cylinder models, and projects. The extreme high end, which has surpassed $100,000, is reserved almost exclusively for genuine Thunderbolts or perfectly restored, documented K-code cars.

Prices range from $1,500 for project cars to $103,500 for top-spec variants like the factory Thunderbolt.