How much is a 1963 Ford Fairlane worth today?
Prices today generally range from roughly $8,000 to $40,000 depending on trim, condition, and originality of the car. Clean, numbers-matching examples of the Fairlane 500 two-door hardtop or convertible command the higher end of that spectrum.
The 1963 Ford Fairlane sits in the middle of Ford's first generation Fairlane lineup, a classic American mid‑century car whose value has climbed as collector interest and nostalgia for 1960s sedans rises. In this article, we explore what drives its current market value, the major trim distinctions, typical price bands by condition, and where to find reliable pricing today.
Understanding what affects the value
Car collectors and appraisers weigh several factors when pricing a 1963 Fairlane: trim level (base Fairlane vs. Fairlane 500), body style, engine and drivetrain, originality (matching numbers), condition and restoration quality, and documentation (service history, restoration receipts, and originality). In addition, the desirability of certain color combinations and the presence of rare options can push prices higher.
Trim levels and body styles in 1963 Fairlane
During 1963, Ford offered several Fairlane variants, with the Fairlane 500 being the higher-trim option, and various two-door and four-door body styles. The most valuable among them tends to be the two-door hardtops and convertibles that are either original or precisely restored, while sedans are typically less expensive.
Current price ranges by condition and trim
Below are broad market ranges you’ll see in most listings and auction results in 2024–2025. Note that individual cars can fall outside these bands based on provenance, restoration quality, and originality.
- Project or non-running cars (needs restoration, or parts donors): approximately $6,000–$12,000
- Solid driver or well-presented Fairlane 500 with a clean title: roughly $12,000–$20,000
- Restored or well-maintained driver, especially Fairlane 500 two-door hardtops: about $20,000–$35,000
- Excellent show-quality examples or concours-ready restorations (rare configurations, matching numbers): $35,000–$50,000+, with exceptional cases surpassing that range
Prices here reflect a blend of mainstream auction results, dealer listings, and collector guides, and should be used as a starting point rather than a strict invoice value. Always verify with multiple sources and consider a professional appraisal for a specific car.
Where to find current pricing and recent sales
To ground a purchase or sale in current data, these sources provide the most active pricing and sale histories for 1963 Ford Fairlane models:
- Hagerty Price Guide — widely used by collectors to compare condition-weighted values across years and trims.
- NADA Classics — often used by dealers and insurers, with retail, loan, and trade-in estimates.
- Bring a Trailer and other auction sites — real-time sale prices for well-documented cars.
- Hemmings Classic Car price guide — archive of market values and feature articles on the model.
- Recent dealer inventories and regional auctions — give a sense of local pricing and demand.
Market activity can be regional, and real-world sales can show greater variability when a car has standout provenance, restoration quality, or a rare configuration. Monitoring multiple sources over several months gives the most reliable snapshot.
Buying tips and appraisal checklist
Use these steps to approach a 1963 Fairlane purchase with confidence:
- Obtain a professional mechanical inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, suspension, and rust condition.
- Ask for documentation of restoration work, parts provenance, and a history of ownership.
- Check for matching numbers on the engine and driveline if originality matters to you.
- Research the specific trim and body style against market data for your locale.
- Test-drive and assess drivability, braking, and alignment; consider a road test with a vintage-car specialist.
A methodical approach can help you avoid overpaying for a car with hidden issues or a restoration that doesn’t match the level of investment required for the final value.
Summary
The 1963 Ford Fairlane remains a sought-after classic, with value driven by trim, condition, and originality. In today’s market, expect a broad spectrum from roughly $8,000 for a project to upwards of $35,000–$40,000 or more for well-documented, restored Fairlane 500 two-door hardtops or rare configurations. By consulting multiple price guides and recent auction results, buyers and sellers can anchor expectations and time the market effectively.
How much is a 1963 Ford Fairlane worth?
The value of a 1963 Ford Fairlane varies, but a good condition model can typically cost around $23,600 for a Fairlane 500 or $26,825 for a Ranch Wagon, with prices ranging from approximately $16,000 to nearly $50,000 on current listings. Factors like condition, mileage, options, and history significantly impact the price, with the lowest prices going to cars needing extensive work and the highest prices reserved for rare, well-maintained examples.
Factors affecting value
- Condition: A well-maintained, original car will be worth more than one that needs extensive repairs.
- Mileage: Lower mileage can increase the car's value.
- Options and history: Desirable features and a clean history contribute to a higher price.
- Rarity: Some models, like the Sports Coupe, are more collectible due to their performance and style.
Price examples
- Good condition: A 1963 Ford Fairlane 500 in good, average condition is typically worth around $23,600. A similar Ranch Wagon is valued around $26,825.
- Listed prices: Current listings range from under $17,000 to almost $50,000.
- Auction prices: The highest auction price for a 1963 Fairlane 500 in the last three years was $68,040, while the lowest was $7,075.
Where to find values
- Online listings: Websites like Classics on Autotrader and eBay show a wide range of asking prices.
- Valuation tools: Hagerty Valuation Tools provide expert estimates for different conditions.
- Auction results: Sites like Classic.com show what cars have actually sold for at auction.
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.
What was the average price of a car in 1963?
In 1963, a new car's average price was around $2,700$ 2 comma 700$2,700, while specific models varied significantly. For example, a new Cadillac could cost over $6,000$ 6 comma 000$6,000, a Lincoln Continental could have a base price of over $4,000$ 4 comma 000$4,000, and a used Volkswagen was priced around $1,376$ 1 comma 376$1,376.
Average and specific car prices in 1963
- Average new car: Around $2,700$ 2 comma 700$2,700
- New Cadillac: Prices varied by model, but the Eldorado Biarritz Convertible was $6,608$ 6 comma 608$6,608 and the Fleetwood 60 Special was about $6,366$ 6 comma 366$6,366.
- New Lincoln Continental: The base price was over $4,000$ 4 comma 000$4,000.
- Used Volkswagen: Approximately $1,376$ 1 comma 376$1,376.
Other factors to consider
- Price range: The price of cars in 1963 covered a wide spectrum, from less expensive used models to luxury new vehicles.
- Gas prices: Gas was about $0.30$ 0.30$0.30 per gallon during the 1960s, which made fuel efficiency less of a priority for buyers, notes ICA Agency Alliance, Inc..
Is a Fairlane a good investment?
Yes, well-maintained models can appreciate in value, making it a solid investment for collectors.
