What is a 1964 Ford Fairlane worth today?
Prices for a 1964 Ford Fairlane today range roughly from $15,000 for a solid driver to well over $150,000 for rare, high-condition variants such as the Thunderbolt or pristine convertibles, with most cars landing in the mid-range depending on trim and condition.
The value of a 1964 Fairlane depends on model, body style, mechanical condition, originality, and provenance. Market demand fluctuates with restoration quality, documented history, and how closely a car adheres to its original specs. This report outlines current market benchmarks, key factors that drive value, and practical steps to assess a specific car.
Current market snapshot: value ranges by model and condition
Here is a snapshot of observed value bands across common 1964 Fairlane configurations, based on recent listings, auction results, and established valuation guides. Actual prices depend on the car’s condition, documentation, and originality.
- Base Fairlane (2-door coupe/4-door sedan) in driver condition: roughly $12,000–$22,000
- Fairlane 500 (mid-range trim), 2-door coupe or hardtop, good to very good: roughly $18,000–$40,000
- Fairlane 500 convertible or higher-trim hardtop: roughly $25,000–$60,000
- Rare or well-restored variants in strong condition (non-Thunderbolt): roughly $40,000–$90,000
- 1964 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt (limited, high-performance version): typically $100,000–$180,000+ depending on provenance and condition
- Exceptional, documented original or concours-quality examples of any trim: can exceed $150,000 for top-tier specimens
Values above reflect current market dynamics and the premium often paid for originality, matching numbers, and documented history. Collectors may pay significant premiums for cars with a strong, verifiable provenance or rare factory options.
What drives value for a 1964 Fairlane
To understand what might push a particular car’s price higher or lower, consider these key factors that consistently appear in pricing discussions and auction results.
- Condition and originality: The cleaner the body, engine, and interior, the higher the value. Original, unmodified cars in showroom or concours-ready condition fetch premium.
- Provenance and documentation: A documented history, known previous owners, and factory option codes (VIN, drivetrain suffix, and build sheet) add credibility and value.
- Matching numbers vs. restored/modrked components: Cars with original engine, transmission, and rear-end (matching numbers) are typically more valuable than those with replaced or heavily modified parts.
- Body style and trim rarity: Convertibles and higher-trim Fairlane 500 variants generally command stronger prices than base models, with exception for ultra-rare Thunderbolt editions.
- Historical significance and options: Special editions, performance packages, or rare options (colors, interiors, dashboards) can create a price premium.
- Documentation of restoration quality: Professional workmanship, period-correct detailing, and high-quality materials support higher valuations.
In short, condition and documentation often determine why two otherwise similar cars diverge by tens of thousands of dollars in value.
How to determine value for your specific car
To gauge what a particular 1964 Fairlane is worth, follow these practical steps that collectors and dealers use to price vehicles.
- Consult established price guides to establish a baseline for your car’s trim and condition
- Review recent auction results and private-sale listings for similarly equipped cars
- Assess your car’s condition carefully: exterior, interior, mechanicals, and drivetrain, plus rust and corrosion history
- Check for matching numbers and original equipment; gather build sheets and documentation if available
- Consider a professional appraisal or a pre-purchase inspection if you’re buying or valuing a personal collection
These steps help translate a general market range into a precise value for a specific vehicle, accounting for its unique attributes and history.
Where to find reliable benchmarks and latest data
Reliable, up-to-date benchmarks come from a combination of widely used price guides and active market reports, including classic-car valuation services and auction houses. Checking multiple sources helps you triangulate a fair value for a given car.
- Hagerty Price Guide and Hagerty Car Values for classic Ford Fairlanes
- NADA Classic Car Guide for wholesale and retail ranges
- Mecum, Barrett-Jackson, Gooding & Co, and Bring a Trailer auction results for real-world sale prices
- Dealer and private-sale listings with documented histories and photos
Cross-referencing these sources provides a practical sense of where a specific 1964 Fairlane sits in today’s market and how much you might expect to pay or receive in a transaction.
Summary
The 1964 Ford Fairlane carries a broad value spectrum driven by model, body style, and the car’s condition and provenance. Base Fairlanes and standard Fairlane 500s typically range from the low teens to the mid-40s in value for well-presented examples, while convertibles and higher-trim cars tend to command higher prices. The rare Thunderbolt edition sits in the six-figure range when in strong, well-documented condition. For an accurate assessment of a specific car, consult multiple price guides, study recent auction results, verify matching-number status and documentation, and consider a professional appraisal if you’re buying or selling. By combining these data points, you can arrive at a well-supported asking price or offer in today’s market.
