How many 1964 Ford Fairlanes were made?
Precise, publicly released tallies for the total 1964 Fairlane production aren’t published as a single figure; estimates place the count in the hundreds of thousands, varying by which trims and body styles are included.
The question hinges on how Ford defined and grouped the Fairlane line in its 1964 model year. In that year, Ford’s full-size lineup adopted a new design language, and the Fairlane name appeared across several trims and body styles. Because production records are typically filed by trim, body style, and export variant, the exact total depends on whether you count base Fairlane, Fairlane 500, and related derivatives across all configurations. Researchers and enthusiasts therefore rely on archival data and aggregate tallies rather than a single, official public number.
Context: The 1964 Fairlane Lineup
Lineup and body styles
The 1964 Fairlane line marked Ford’s shift to a redesigned full-size platform. The Fairlane name was used for the base model, with higher-trim options and variations commonly grouped under the Fairlane 500 designation. Body styles typically associated with the line included sedans, hardtops, and convertibles, available across different trims. The diversity of configurations means that production totals are sometimes reported differently by source and by the inclusion (or exclusion) of export and special-order variants.
Because of these variations, there is no single, universally cited total for the number of 1964 Ford Fairlanes produced. Instead, historians and registries compile figures from multiple factory records and cross-check with contemporary sales data to estimate ranges for the Fairlane family as a whole.
Estimated ranges and counting rules
When researchers attempt to pin down a number, they must establish counting rules: what to include as a “Fairlane”—the base model alone, all Fairlane-branded trims, or all full-size Ford cars sold under the Fairlane name in 1964? Export variants, regional versions, and post-production re-sparked counts can further influence totals. Because Ford has not published a consolidated, public figure for the entire Fairlane family from that year, credible estimates typically fall within a broad range and vary by source.
In practice, most reputable automotive-reference sources acknowledge the uncertainty and present figures as ranges or as breakdowns by trim and body style rather than a single number. If you need a precise count for a scholarly or restoration project, you should consult primary factory records or a vetted archival database to apply your chosen counting rules consistently.
Sources commonly consulted for 1964 Fairlane production information include factory-production archives, the Henry Ford's Ford Heritage Center, and specialist reference publications such as Hemmings Motor News' production tallies and year-by-year Ford data compilations. These sources help establish a defensible estimate rather than a definitive public tally.
What counts as a Fairlane? A practical guide
To move from ambiguity to a concrete figure, researchers typically define the scope of “Fairlane” as the entire Fairlane family sold in the United States (and sometimes including export variants) during the 1964 model year, spanning base Fairlane and its higher-trim relatives. Some counts exclude certain export-only or special-order configurations. The choice of scope will materially affect the resulting total.
For anyone aiming to publish or verify a precise number, the recommended approach is to document your counting rules up front and cite the primary sources used (production logs, dealer invoices, and archived Ford data). This ensures transparency and comparability with other researchers’ figures.
Summary
The exact number of 1964 Ford Fairlanes produced is not published as a single official tally. Because Ford’s 1964 lineup included multiple trims and body styles, and because records are often organized by trim and export variant, counts vary by source. For an authoritative figure, consult Ford’s historical production records or a vetted archival database, and clearly define what you include as “Fairlane” in your tally. The overall answer, then, is that the Fairlane family’s 1964 production sits in the hundreds of thousands, with precise totals dependent on counting rules and source material.
Further reading and sources
If you want to pursue a precise figure, consider these avenues:
- Ford Heritage Center and official Ford production archives
- The Henry Ford collection and related museum databases
- Hemmings Motor News and other automotive-reference publications with model-year production tallies
- Publications that document export variants and region-specific production data
Let me know if you’d like me to compile a targeted list of sources and pull out the most commonly cited numbers based on a specific counting method (e.g., base Fairlane only vs. all Fairlane-branded trims).
How much is a Ford Fairlane worth?
The value of a Ford Fairlane varies widely depending on the model year, condition, mileage, and trim, with a broad range from around $9,500 to over $199,000. For specific years and conditions, you can expect values like a 1957 base model in good condition at around $15,407 or a 1969 base model in good condition at approximately $8,478.
Factors influencing value
- Condition: A car's physical state, including the body, engine, and interior, is a primary factor.
- Year and model: Specific model years, like the 1956 Crown Victoria or 1966 GT, command higher prices due to rarity and demand.
- Mileage: Lower mileage cars are generally more valuable.
- Features: Optional features can increase a car's worth.
- Location: Prices can vary by region, as seen in the examples of vehicles for sale in Ohio and Texas.
Example values by year and condition
- 1956 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria: Around $72,000 in good condition.
- 1957 Ford Fairlane Base: Around $15,407 in good condition.
- 1964 Ford Fairlane Base: Around $14,050 in good condition.
- 1965 Ford Fairlane 500: Around $20,979 in good condition.
- 1967 Ford Fairlane Base: Around $16,391 in good condition.
- 1969 Ford Fairlane Base: Around $8,478 in good condition.
How much is a 64 Ford Fairlane worth today?
The value of a 1964 Ford Fairlane varies significantly based on its condition, model, and specific features, ranging from a few thousand dollars for a project car to over $200,000 for a rare Thunderbolt model. A standard 1964 Fairlane in good condition typically falls in the range of $15,000 to $30,000, while a pristine model or a special performance version like a 500 Sport Coupe or Thunderbolt can be worth much more, with some high-end examples selling for over $40,000 or even into the six figures.
General Fairlane models
- Average condition: A basic 1964 Fairlane in good, average condition typically has a value between $15,000 and $30,000.
- Excellent condition: Cars in excellent or concours condition will command higher prices.
- Specific models: The value can change based on the specific model and trim level.
High-value models
- 500 Sport Coupe: A 1964 Ford Fairlane 500 Sport Coupe in good condition can be valued between $18,739 and $34,839, with some listed for much more depending on specific upgrades and overall condition.
- 500 Thunderbolt: The rare Thunderbolt models are the most valuable, with good condition models fetching around $201,000, though the exact price can vary.
- High-performance models: Fairlanes with high-performance engines, such as the 427ci V8, are in high demand and can be worth significant amounts.
Factors that affect value
- Condition: A car's condition is the most important factor, with rust-free, well-maintained, and fully-serviced vehicles being worth more.
- Mileage: Lower mileage is generally preferred, though some high-mileage cars may still be valuable if they have been well-maintained or restored.
- Engine and options: The specific engine, transmission, and any factory options or aftermarket upgrades can impact the car's value.
- Restoration: A car that has been recently restored or has had a recent engine, transmission, and suspension rebuild will likely be worth more than a car that is not in good mechanical condition.
What engine came in a 1964 Ford Fairlane?
The 221 V8 was dropped after 1963, leaving the six as the base engine and the 260 as the base V8. The "K-code" 271-horsepower 289 V8 continued into 1964, gaining dual exhausts, while a 195 horsepower (145 kW) version of the 289 with a two-barrel carburetor and hydraulic lifters was introduced.
What is the rarest Fairlane model?
Ultra-Rare, All-Original, 1-of-57 1966 Fairlane R-Code 427 4 Speed Spared From Racetrack Duty. You may recall that Ford's Fairlane-based Thunderbolt took drag racing's Super Stock classes by storm in 1964.
