What is a Ford Custom 500?
The Ford Custom 500 is not a single, standalone model; it’s a mid‑range trim designation Ford used on a variety of cars and light trucks over several decades. In practice, “Custom 500” signified equipment above the base level but below the top‑tier models, and the exact presentation varied by year and model.
Origins of the Custom 500 name
The Custom 500 name emerged as Ford reorganized its mid‑range trims to help buyers distinguish between basic, mid‑level, and more feature‑rich versions. In Ford’s lineup, the word “Custom” indicated a family of mid‑level offerings, while the addition of “500” signaled a step up within that family. The combination appeared on different body styles and model lines at different times, rather than being tied to a single, continuous model line.
What the name signified within Ford’s lineup
Across generations, the Custom 500 tag was used to denote a package that offered more comfort, styling details or equipment than the most basic configurations, but did not reach the premium status of the highest trim levels. Because Ford’s trims and badges changed with each model cycle, the exact features associated with a Custom 500 could differ from one year to the next.
Where Ford used the Custom 500
Ford applied the Custom 500 designation to a mix of passenger cars and light trucks, with usage that varied by model year and market. Below are the two primary contexts in which you’ll encounter the name.
Below are common examples of where you might find the Custom 500 badge.
- Passenger cars: The Custom 500 trim appeared on certain Ford Fairlane/Falcon‑derived lines and related full‑size configurations during the 1960s, serving as a mid‑level option within the Custom family. The exact year range varied by model and market.
- Light trucks: The Custom 500 designation was used on some Ford F‑Series pickups and related trucks, signaling a mid‑level trim with upgraded exterior and interior details compared with the base Custom.
In each case, the Custom 500 badge indicated more equipment than the base trim but less than the top‑tier configurations offered at the time. Given Ford’s shifting branding over the decades, the badge’s location and exact features aren’t uniform across all years or models.
How to identify a Ford Custom 500 today
Because trim names and badges changed over time, determining whether a vehicle is a Custom 500 requires a careful check of several elements. The following approaches are commonly used by enthusiasts and researchers.
- Badges and scripts: Look for “Custom 500” lettering on the rear quarters, deck lid, or grille, depending on the model year. Some versions used a combined badge or a small script near the insignia.
- Trim tags and build sheets: Examine the fender tag (or equivalent trim tag) and the factory build sheet for references to the Custom 500 option package, which can confirm the trim level.
- Model context: Compare the body style, grille treatment, interior detailing, and available options to typical iterations of the Custom line for that era. The exact appearance evolved with each generation, so cross‑checking brochures or dealer literature from the year is helpful.
- VIN and documentation: The vehicle identification number (VIN) and original window sticker (when available) can clarify the installed trim package and confirm whether the vehicle carried the Custom 500 designation.
Because Ford’s trim naming varied by year and model, a badge alone isn’t always conclusive. Cross‑checking with documentation is the most reliable method.
Impact and context for collectors
For collectors, the Custom 500 label often adds historical interest as a snapshot of Ford’s mid‑range packaging strategy during a given era. Values and desirability are influenced by the model, its condition, and how well its original trim and features have been preserved. In some markets and years, the Custom 500 was a common sight, while in others the name is rarer and more collector‑driven due to limited production runs or badge changes.
Summary
In short, a Ford Custom 500 is a mid‑range trim designation rather than a single, stand‑alone model. It appeared on various Ford passenger cars and light trucks over different years, signaling more equipment than the base trim but less than the top tiers. Identifying a Custom 500 today relies on a combination of badges, build sheets, and historical documentation, with the exact meaning evolving by model year and market.
For anyone researching a specific vehicle, consult model‑year brochures, trim tags, and reliable archives to confirm whether the “Custom 500” label applies to that particular car or truck, and what features it would have included at the time.
What does Ford 500 mean?
Internally designated the D258 model, the Five Hundred was styled by George Bucher, Chief Designer, under the direction of Ford Vice President of Design, J Mays who gave the Five Hundred its name, recalling the "500" suffix Ford had used to designate a model's top trim level, as with the Galaxie "500".
What are the different types of Ford Custom?
How many trim levels are available for the 2024 Ford Transit Custom? The 2024 Ford Transit Custom is available in seven different trim levels: Leader, Trend, Limited, Sport, Trail, Active, and PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle).
What year did Ford make the Ford 500?
The Ford Five Hundred sedan was introduced for the 2005 model year. It was produced for three years, until 2007, and was later replaced by the 2008 Ford Taurus.
- 2005: The first model year for the Ford Five Hundred.
- 2005–2007: The period during which the Five Hundred was in production.
- 2007: The final model year for the Five Hundred.
- 2008: The Ford Taurus returned to replace the Five Hundred.
How much is a Ford Fairlane 500 worth?
The value of a Ford Fairlane 500 varies significantly by year and condition, with a broad range of prices. For example, a 1958 model in good condition might be around $9,760$ 9 comma 760$9,760, while a 1967 model could be valued around $10,700$ 10 comma 700$10,700 in average retail condition, and 1963 models have sold recently for between $7,000$ 7 comma 000$7,000 and $21,525$ 21 comma 525$21,525. Prices are highly dependent on factors like the car's overall condition, mileage, original features, and history.
- Condition is key: A car in excellent condition with desirable features and a clean history will be worth much more than one needing significant work or with a poor history.
- Year-to-year differences: The year of the Fairlane 500 significantly impacts its value. For example:
- A 1958 Fairlane 500 in good condition is around $9,760$ 9 comma 760$9,760.
- A 1963 Fairlane 500 has seen recent sales ranging from $7,075$ 7 comma 075$7,075 to $21,525$ 21 comma 525$21,525.
- A 1967 Fairlane 500 in average retail condition is around $10,700$ 10 comma 700$10,700.
- Market fluctuations: Prices are also influenced by the current market. For example, a 1965 Fairlane 500 Custom Ranch Wagon sold for $9,450$ 9 comma 450$9,450 in October 2025, while a 1965 Fairlane 500 sold for $14,300$ 14 comma 300$14,300 in June 2025.
