What years did Ford make the Fairlane 500?
The Ford Fairlane 500 badge appeared in multiple periods, most notably 1956–1959 and then again through the mid-to-late 1960s on various Fairlane/Galaxie models.
Early launch and first run (1956–1959)
The Fairlane 500 was introduced as the premium trim level on Ford’s Fairlane lineup in the mid-1950s, with the first sustained run of the badge lasting through 1959. During these years, the 500 designation signified a higher level of equipment, luxury features, and oftentimes more powerful drivetrain options available on the top-tier Fairlane family.
Major years associated with the Fairlane 500 in this initial period:
- 1956
- 1957
- 1958
- 1959
These years established the 500 badge as a recognizable mark of a well-equipped Ford full-size car at the time.
Reorganization and mid-1960s presence (1962–1969)
In the early 1960s Ford reorganized its full-size lineup under the Galaxie umbrella, and the Fairlane 500 badge continued to appear in various forms within that family. This era saw fluctuations in how the badge was applied across different bodystyles and model names, but the 500 label remained a recognizable part of Ford’s mid-size/large-car strategy for several years.
Years commonly associated with the Fairlane 500 badge during this era include:
- 1962
- 1963
- 1964
- 1965
- 1966
- 1967
- 1968
- 1969
Consonant with Ford’s broader branding shifts, the Fairlane 500 was often paired with or overlapped by the Galaxie 500 naming, depending on body style and market.
Late-60s to early-70s and eventual phasing out (late 1960s–1970)
As Ford continued to evolve its lineup toward new mid- and full-size models, the Fairlane 500 badge persisted on select trims through the late 1960s and into 1970 on certain bodystyles. Beyond this period, the badge faded as Ford shifted emphasis to newer model names and families such as the Torino/Galaxie lineup, with regional variations in naming persisting.
Years where the Fairlane 500 badge appeared in this late period include:
- 1969
- 1970
Conclusion: The badge’s presence in the late 1960s and into 1970 illustrates Ford’s gradual transition away from the classic Fairlane/500 naming toward other designations as the lineup modernized.
Summary
In summary, Ford’s Fairlane 500 appeared mainly in two broad waves: first from 1956 to 1959, and then again through the 1960s (with varying application across years and body styles, often in tandem with Galaxie 500 branding). The badge was eventually phased out as Ford restructured its lineup in the early 1970s.
