Rust Free Exterior/Working Convertible/302ci Windsor V8/Runs Smoothly

1968 Ford Fairlane 500 Convertible

GM had surprised the auto industry with the "supercar" (later known as the muscle car) in much the same way Ford had shaken things up with the Mustang. Though Chrysler had introduced the Barracuda, which sold in distant numbers compared to the epochal Mustang, it took GM a couple of years to generate some worthwhile competition. Similarly, Pontiac's well-received GTO took even the other GM divisions by storm, and their own big-car engines weren't shoehorned into the intermediate bodies until 1965. As such, it wasn't until Ford's 1966 restyling of the midsize Fairlane lineup that it offered a GT model.

For consignment the first year of the 6th generation of the Ford Fairlane. This example is a convertible has a nicely preserved respray on the exterior and looking like the beginnings of an interior restoration that has come to an abrupt halt.

Exterior
Painted in red, there is little rust to be found on the actual body. Some fading of the chrome on the bumpers is seen, however overall trim and brite-work remain in good condition. All steel on the exterior claddings is straight and has consistent gaps. The white convertible top operates smoothly and has a rear plastic window that is slightly cloudy. The top however remains in good condition with no tears or rips or even areas of wear on the joints. 14-inch styled steel wheels are on all 4 corners.

Interior
As noted in the beginnings of a restoration here with a near perfect front bench in white. The remainder of the interior remains unrestored, all original rear bench, door panels and dash. All of which need at least a good cleaning, and at best completely restored. The dash has a wraparound style molded dash top which wraps to the front of it and is all padded. 4 circular inset gauges are seen here, and some scratching and clouding over of the faces is noted. Just below this wraparound is a strip of white painted metal which houses an aftermarket radio and the essential knobs. Some rust is seen around the ignition and the lower ashtray. The steering wheel is original and has chipped off finishes on it and is smudged as well. black carpet covers the floors and remains fairly clean.

Drivetrain
For power this car draws from a circa 1971 302ci V8 it has a 2-barrel carburetor on top and a C4 3-speed automatic on the back. A Ford 8-inch 2.79 rear axle is on this car. The engine bay is unrestored and has plenty of patina especially on the engine itself.

Undercarriage
Some surface rust can be seen underneath, particularly near the back of the car on either side of the fuel tank where the leaf springs attach to the frame. Frame and floorboards remain rust free and seemingly original. Rockers are clean and there is a slight oil leak from the underside of the engine.

Drive-Ability
This car starts right up and runs amazingly well. It handles nicely, has good acceleration, and turns on a dime. The brakes brought us to a quick stop. The car also can cruise on a highway very nicely.

With a little TLC on the interior this car could easily go from fair to great, and one can see this with the new front seat. The exterior is good, convertible top working, and has little rust. Undercarriage could use attention on the aforementioned rear frame, but it is still solid. A car from 50 years ago still kicking.

VIN DECODE
8H36C144482
8-1968
H-Lorain, OH Assy Plant
36-Fairlane 500 2 Door Convertible
C-289ci V8 2bbl
144482-Sequential Unit Number

WARRANTY TAG
BODY 76B-2 Door Fairlane 500 Convertible
COLOR W-Yellow
TRIM 5U-Parchement Vinyl
DATE 11D-April 11th 1968
DSO 17-Washington
AXLE 2-2.79 Conventional
TRANS W-C4 Automatic

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This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.