How many miles per gallon did a 1958 Ford Fairlane get?
In general, a 1958 Ford Fairlane achieved roughly 16 to 20 miles per gallon, with highway figures sometimes nudging into the low 20s depending on the engine and drivetrain. The exact number varied significantly by configuration and driving conditions.
How engine and drivetrain choices shaped efficiency
Overview of engine options and their impact
Ford offered multiple powertrains for the Fairlane in 1958, and fuel economy depended heavily on which one you chose, as well as whether the car used a manual or automatic transmission. Lighter, economy-minded setups tended to sip fuel more frugally, while larger V8s with automatics consumed more.
- Inline-six engine with a manual transmission: typically the most economical configuration, often delivering the best highway efficiency among Fairlane options.
- Small-block V8 (2-barrel carbureted) paired with a manual or early automatic: mid-range efficiency, with fuel use higher than the inline-six but lower than larger V8s.
- V8 with larger displacement or more premium carburetion (including 4-barrel setups) and automatic transmission: generally lower mpg, especially in urban driving or when the car carried extra weight or options.
- Weight and body style considerations (two-door hardtop vs. four-door sedan, presence of air conditioning, and other factory options): heavier configurations typically reduced fuel economy by a few miles per gallon.
In practice, the most economical Fairlanes were the lighter, inline-six versions with manual gears, while the top-end V8 combinations—especially with automatics and options—pushed fuel consumption higher. The era’s technology, aerodynamics, and gearing all contributed to the variability across models and road conditions.
Typical ranges to expect by configuration
Before considering this list, note that exact miles-per-gallon figures varied by year, body style, tires, driving habits, and maintenance. The ranges below reflect commonly cited figures from era road tests and owner reports, interpreted for a modern reader.
- Inline-six with manual transmission: approximately 18–22 mpg on the highway; roughly 15–18 mpg combined in typical mixed driving.
- Small-block V8 (2-barrel) with manual transmission or light automatic: about 16–20 mpg highway; around 14–17 mpg combined.
- V8 with automatic transmission (2-barrel or boosted options): roughly 14–18 mpg highway; about 12–15 mpg combined.
- Heavier configurations (larger V8, four-barrel carburetors, or extra options) and/or air conditioning: generally in the lower end, around 12–16 mpg highway; about 10–14 mpg combined in city-heavy or early-automated testing setups.
These figures reflect a broad spectrum rather than a single universal number. They illustrate how the Fairlane’s fuel economy shifted with engine size, gearing, and options, which was typical for mid-century American cars.
Real-world considerations for today’s collectors and restorers
For enthusiasts restoring a 1958 Fairlane or using one for vintage touring, practical fuel economy depends on maintenance, tire size, and driving style just as it did in the 1950s. A well-tuned inline-six with the original manual or a lightly cammed V8 paired to a balanced drivetrain can offer the most reliable efficiency, while heavier builds with automatics and modern driving habits will approach the lower end of the historical range.
Collectors should not expect modern fuel economy from a classic Fairlane, but understanding the engine/drive combinations helps set realistic expectations for touring and ownership costs.
Summary
The 1958 Ford Fairlane did not have a single MPG figure; it varied widely by engine, transmission, and body style. Typical combined fuel economy hovered around the mid-teens to low-twenties for the most economical configurations, with highway figures often in the high teens to low twenties for lighter setups and lower for heavier, option-loaded versions. For enthusiasts today, the best bet is to identify the exact powertrain and drivetrain in a given car to estimate its specific fuel economy more accurately.
