The 1963 Ford Fairlane 500 V8 is a wonderful example of early-1960s American automotive design, combining elegant styling, generous accommodation and the unmistakable character of Ford’s V8 engineering. With its distinctive chrome detailing, beautifully balanced proportions and understated presence, the Fairlane represented an appealing alternative to the larger American sedans of its era.

Introduced as Ford’s intermediate-sized offering, positioned between the Falcon and the full-sized Galaxie, the Fairlane proved popular for its combination of comfort, practicality and V8 performance. Interestingly, these models were also produced in right-hand-drive form for Australasian markets, with a limited number assembled locally in New Zealand. This particular example was sold new in New Zealand and features factory right-hand drive, adding considerably to its historical appeal and local provenance.

Today, the 1963 Ford Fairlane 500 V8 remains a desirable and increasingly uncommon sight on New Zealand roads, particularly in largely original condition. Its mechanical simplicity, comfortable cruising characteristics and timeless styling make it an enjoyable classic to own and drive. For enthusiasts who appreciate genuine period character and the history of American motoring in New Zealand, this Fairlane offers something rather special.

An increasingly uncommon New Zealand-new survivor, offering genuine 1960s American motoring character, V8 performance and a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a classic Ford in largely original condition.

The 1963 Ford Fairlane 500 V8 represents a fascinating period in Ford’s motoring history, combining distinctive American styling with comfortable accommodation, dependable mechanical engineering and the unmistakable character of a V8 engine. With its clean, squared-off lines, subtle tailfins and generous chrome detailing, the Fairlane has an understated elegance that captures the optimism and individuality of early-1960s motoring.

Positioned between the compact Falcon and the larger Galaxie, the Fairlane offered motorists the best of both worlds: traditional American comfort and performance in a slightly more manageable package. Interestingly, the Fairlane also has a place in New Zealand’s motoring history, with a limited number of 1963 models assembled locally from imported CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits. These locally assembled, right-hand-drive vehicles catered specifically to the New Zealand market and are an interesting part of our country’s automotive heritage.

This particular example was sold new in New Zealand and features factory right-hand drive, making it an especially appealing proposition for enthusiasts who appreciate genuine local provenance. Unlike the many American classics subsequently imported and converted to right-hand drive, this Fairlane has been part of New Zealand’s motoring landscape since new. Its original Certificate of Registration is also available, adding further historical interest.

Vehicle Highlights

• NZ New – Factory Right-Hand Drive: An increasingly uncommon example of a Fairlane originally supplied to the New Zealand market, rather than a later American import.
• Mostly Original Survivor: Appears to be a good, largely original example, retaining much of its period character and presentation.
• Original Certificate of Registration: Available with the vehicle, providing an interesting connection to its New Zealand history.
• Low Indicated Mileage: The odometer currently displays just 75,167. Given the vehicle’s overall presentation, this could well represent its original distance traveled, although this has not been independently verified. The odometer’s original unit of measurement also remains to be confirmed.
• Reconditioned V8 Engine: The engine underwent substantial reconditioning in 2017 by Engine Reconditioning Services in Christchurch, with expenditure exceeding NZ$10,000. The work was reportedly undertaken when the odometer indicated approximately 66,000.
• Cruise-O-Matic Automatic Transmission: Providing smooth, relaxed gear changes and the effortless driving characteristics associated with classic American V8 motoring.
• Comfortable, Spacious Interior: Generous seating, good visibility and a welcoming cabin make the Fairlane particularly enjoyable for longer leisurely drives.
• Good Driving Characteristics: Starts, runs and drives very nicely. A solid, dependable-feeling cruiser that is equally enjoyable around town or on the open road.
• Honest Cosmetic Presentation: Various paint imperfections and signs of age are evident, as illustrated in our photographs. These form part of the vehicle’s largely original survivor character.
• Excellent Potential: An appealing classic to enjoy as presented, progressively improve or undertake a more comprehensive restoration.

A Genuine Survivor With Character

One of the most appealing aspects of this Fairlane is that it has not been excessively restored or modernised. It presents as a good, largely original survivor, with the sort of age-related cosmetic imperfections one might reasonably expect from a motor car now more than sixty years old. There are various imperfections in the paintwork, which we have endeavoured to illustrate in our photographs, but these do little to detract from the car’s overall charm.

Indeed, finding any early-1960s Ford in this sort of condition is becoming increasingly difficult. Finding one that was sold new in New Zealand, retains its factory right-hand-drive configuration and presents with much of its original character is more interesting still.

The interior is another appealing feature. Spacious and comfortable, it reflects an era when manufacturers placed considerable emphasis on relaxed motoring and passenger comfort. The simple three-gauge instrument cluster, decorative chrome dashboard panel and distinctive pleated detailing all contribute to a design language influenced by the jet age. Combined with the car’s squared-off profile and modest tailfins, the result is unmistakably early 1960s.

On the Road

Mechanically, this Fairlane is a particularly pleasant car to drive. Its V8 engine delivers the smooth, relaxed performance for which these American classics are renowned, while the Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission complements the car’s easygoing character.

On the road, the Fairlane feels solid, comfortable and surprisingly manageable for a car of its generation. Steering and manoeuvring are relatively straightforward, and the car settles into a relaxed cruising rhythm at typical open-road speeds. Its character is particularly well suited to leisurely journeys, whether that means a drive through town, attending a classic car gathering or enjoying a quiet country road on a warm summer afternoon.

This is not a motor car that encourages you to hurry. Rather, it invites you to settle into the comfortable seating, enjoy the sound of the V8 and appreciate the simple pleasures of driving something genuinely different.

An Opportunity for the Classic Ford Enthusiast

Perhaps the most interesting question with a car like this is what one should do with it.

On the one hand, here is a largely original, NZ-new Fairlane that could simply be enjoyed as it stands. There is considerable appeal in preserving its honest survivor character, attending to minor improvements as required and allowing the vehicle to continue telling its own story.

On the other hand, it also offers an interesting opportunity for someone seeking a restoration project. A sympathetic cosmetic refurbishment could bring the car to another level, while a comprehensive, body-off restoration could potentially transform it into a particularly impressive example of the model.

Of course, the decision rests with its next custodian. Increasingly, enthusiasts are recognising that original, unrestored classics have a charm and historical authenticity that cannot always be replicated through restoration.

Our view? There is something rather special about a motor car that has survived more than six decades without losing its original personality. With its NZ-new provenance, factory right-hand-drive configuration, documented engine expenditure and pleasing driving characteristics, this Fairlane offers plenty to appreciate just as it is.

An increasingly uncommon opportunity to acquire an honest, characterful and very enjoyable example of Ford’s early-1960s motoring heritage.

The appeal of the 1963 Ford Fairlane 500 V8 extends well beyond its distinctive styling and mechanical simplicity. For many New Zealanders, these cars evoke memories of a time when American Fords were a familiar sight on our roads, when motoring was as much about the journey as the destination, and when a Sunday afternoon drive was an occasion in itself. There is a wonderful sense of nostalgia associated with these early-1960s classics, particularly examples that have spent their entire lives in New Zealand. As the years pass, their numbers continue to diminish, making surviving examples increasingly interesting to collectors and enthusiasts alike. Unlike some of the more obvious American collector cars, the Fairlane offers a refreshing degree of individuality, often attracting considerable attention from those who remember them when they were part of everyday motoring.

From an ownership perspective, the Fairlane offers something equally appealing: a classic that can be enjoyed rather than simply admired. Whether attending weekend car shows, joining club outings, participating in local motoring events or taking a leisurely drive through the countryside, these cars provide an enjoyable and sociable ownership experience. Their spacious interiors, relaxed V8 cruising characteristics and relatively straightforward mechanical engineering make them particularly well suited to the enthusiast who actually wants to use their classic. With genuine NZ-new examples becoming increasingly difficult to find, the Fairlane represents an interesting alternative to the more commonly collected Mustangs and other American icons. Above all, it offers something that cannot be measured purely in dollars and cents: the pleasure of owning, driving and sharing a wonderful piece of motoring history.

New Zealand Sales
Unless otherwise stated, vehicles sold for use in New Zealand will be supplied with a new Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and 12 months New Zealand registration at the time of sale.

Transport & Shipping
New Zealand transport and worldwide shipping can be arranged on the Buyer’s behalf and at the Buyer’s cost and risk. Any freight, shipping, insurance, customs charges, duties, taxes, import costs, certification or compliance costs are the responsibility of the Buyer unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Export Sales
For vehicles purchased for export, the Buyer is responsible for determining and satisfying all import, registration, certification, compliance, tax and regulatory requirements applicable in the destination country.

Viewing
All vehicle inspections and viewings are strictly by appointment only.

Applicable Law
All sales are subject to applicable New Zealand law. Nothing in these Conditions of Sale excludes or limits any statutory rights or obligations that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

For more information about this vehicle, please contact us Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 6:00pm (New Zealand Standard Time) on +64 (0) 3 310-6485. Alternatively, you may email us at [email protected] anytime, or contact us through the form below.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak.

NOTIFICATION AS TO NATURE OF GOODS IN TERMS OF THE CONSUMER GUARANTEES ACT 1993

Waimak Group Ltd is a New Zealand registered company and accepts that the vehicle being sold must be of “acceptable quality” in terms of section 7 of the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (the Act) having regard to “the nature of the goods”. Waimak Group Ltd is not aware of any specific defects with the vehicle, however (a) such a vehicle being a classic vehicle may have mechanical breakdowns, electrical failures at inconvenient times and maintenance costs being part of and parcel of ownership of a classic vehicle; (b) reliability is a combination of the particular nature of the classic vehicle, how it is being driven, how it has been maintained, and to a certain extent luck; (c) because of the age of the vehicle, and its propensity to rust, it is likely that the vehicle would have been fully or partially restored, or at least repainted at some point in its life, maybe even more than once. Waimak Group Ltd does not know, and cannot give advice on how good any restoration work on the vehicle had been.

The Purchaser acknowledges that the vehicle is being sold as a classic car; that in terms of the Act and the nature of the goods, the vehicle is an old car, bike or boat, that may have visual and hidden faults, unlike a new motor vehicle.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak Group Ltd.

The Purchaser acknowledges that they have read and fully understand this notification and the nature of a car which is many years old.