Real Street Brawler! Very Strong 502 V8, 4 Speed Manual, 4 Whl Disc Brakes, Cool

In the days before the Mustang and before the term "muscle car" had even been coined, cars like this 1964 Ford Fairlane 500 hardtop were the go-to choices for the guy who liked having fun behind the wheel. Combining classic Ford looks with an upgraded, thundering 502 cubic inch V8 and quick-shifting 4-speed manual transmission, it's a fun, affordable way to enjoy traditional rear-wheel-drive performance with a Blue Oval flavor.

Positioned somewhere between the Falcon and the Galaxie, the Fairlane has just the right proportions: big enough to be comfortable but not so big that it dampens performance. Finished several years ago in traditional Wimbledon White, it has a sporty, old-school look that makes every vintage racer think twice before giving it a go at the local track. Next to the convertible, the hardtop is by far the most desirable body style and the combination of formality and performance is quite appealing. The driver-quality finish presents well with only minor imperfections found throughout, showing off a great gloss and straight bodywork that strongly suggests this car has not been abused or wrecked. The white paint is just the right shade, not quite refrigerator white but not cream, either, and with matching painted bumpers and all the factory brightwork still in place, it looks like it should cost thousands more than it does. In fact, much of the chrome and trim appears to be original to the car, so it shows very well.

The basic vinyl interior was standard issue in the Fairlane, and for guys more interested in going fast, the accommodations were of little consideration. However, the accommodations inside this Fairlane are far from spartan, with vinyl pleated seating that's comfortable and stylish. The original front bench remains in place, now covered with a champagne-colored reproduction seat cover that has sharply defined pleats and white piping for just a little contrast. An original dual-ring steering wheel anchors the interior atop its original column, while a Hurts T-handle shifter – the lone deviation from stock that catches the eye – juts out of the transmission tunnel and lets everyone know that Ford is here to party. The white-faced gauges are likely original and are in great shape, proving once again that white gauges are far from a recent invention. The factory-issued AM radio is still in place as well, but it's currently inoperable so an upgrade there would be a good move, although we hope the next owner discreetly tucks it away in the glove compartment and leaves that beautiful stock dash alone. The carpets, door panels, and headliner are in good condition, offering additional proof that someone invested in this car all out of proportion to its asking price. Even the trunk is nicely upholstered in gray carpet rather than the basic rubber mat, and it houses a full-size spare and a relocated battery – because there was simply no more space under the hood.

And the reason for those cramp quarters up front is the thundering Ford 502 V8 big block that's now nestled between the inner fenders. That high-powered engine was built a scant 2,876 miles ago and is rated at a whopping 545 horsepower, costing the former owner $7k to procure. In the relatively lightweight Fairlane, performance is impressive, with Edelbrock aluminum heads, an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor and performance intake, and aftermarket headers all pitching in to add a few ponies to the final count. Upgrades like a newer Edelbrock aluminum water pump, an aluminum radiator with electric fans, and 4-wheel disc brakes make it reliable and comfortable enough to drive every day. Other smart upgrades include a new clutch kit, brake hardware, fuel pump and lines, a battery, and a Flowmaster H-pipe dual exhaust system that sounds stock until you really stomp the loud pedal. A 4-speed manual transmission and sturdy rear end mean that it's equally happy in traffic or on the highway, and it's well-equipped to handle all the added horsepower. The undercarriage is surprisingly tidy for a car in this price range and upgrades can be scene everywhere you look, form the fuel tank to the shocks. Stock steel wheels were painted to match and outfitted with beauty rings and then fitted with 215/60/15 front and 225/70/15 rear Cooper Cobra radials that hint at the performance awaiting inside.

A very neat vintage Ford with a lot of performance for not a lot of cash. If you're looking for fun on a budget that's not like everyone else's fun on a budget, then this Fairlane 500 deserves a closer look. Call today!