When was the last Fairlane made?
The last Ford Fairlane model in the United States was produced in 1969, and the nameplate faded from U.S. showrooms after that year as Ford shifted to the Torino lineup in 1970. In Australia, the Fairlane badge persisted on Falcon-based sedans until around 2016, when Ford Australia ended Falcon/ Fairlane production.
Understanding when the last Fairlane was made depends on which market you’re asking about. The name has a long footprint in both the United States and Australia, with the U.S. ending earlier and Australia maintaining the badge for decades longer as part of a broader Falcon-based family. The following sections outline the key milestones in each market.
United States: End of the Fairlane era
The following points summarize the final phase of the Fairlane in the U.S. market and how Ford transitioned away from the name.
- The Fairlane name first appeared in the United States in the mid-1950s as Ford’s mid-range full-size line, evolving into Fairlane 500 during the late 1950s.
- By the late 1960s, Ford began consolidating its lineup around the Torino/Gran Torino platform, leading to the phasing-out of the traditional Fairlane nomenclature.
- The last U.S. model year carrying the Fairlane name is generally identified as 1969; 1970 saw Torino-based models taking the place of the former Fairlane lineup.
- After 1969, Ford did not continue the Fairlane name in the U.S. market, marking the end of a decades-long presence there.
The end of the Fairlane in the United States reflects a broader shift in Ford’s design strategy at the time, moving away from the Fairlane’s branding toward the Torino family and its derivatives.
Australia: A longer arc for the Fairlane badge
The Fairlane badge in Australia followed a different trajectory, remaining a prominent part of Ford’s large sedan lineup for far longer as a luxury/near-luxury variant of the Falcon. The following timeline highlights that extended presence.
- In Ford Australia’s lineup, the Fairlane appeared as a luxury variant of the Falcon (and later as a distinct Fairlane/LTD/large sedan variant) from the 1960s onward.
- Through the 1980s, 1990s, and into the 2000s, the Fairlane name continued to be used on Falcon-based sedans and variants, adapting to the evolving Australian market.
- The Falcon/ Fairlane family was retired in 2016, marking the end of the Fairlane badge in Australia as Ford shifted away from locally built large sedans.
- Thus, the last Fairlane produced anywhere, in terms of the badge’s use in Australia, coincided with the final Falcon-based models in 2016.
Compared with the United States, the Australian Fairlane story lasted longer, mirroring Ford Australia’s broader strategy of using the Falcon platform to offer a premium sedan option for many years.
Summary
In short, the Fairlane’s end depends on the market: the United States saw the last Fairlane in 1969 (with Torino-based successors arriving in 1970), while Australia kept the badge on Falcon-based sedans until 2016. The Fairlane name thus marks two distinct chapters in Ford’s global history: an end in North America in the late 1960s and a long, final stretch in Australia lasting into the mid-2010s.
What is Ford's most iconic model ever?
The Top 4 Most Iconic Ford Models of All Time
- Model T. This classic model changed the world.
- Ford Thunderbird. The 1950s saw a growing demand for automobiles.
- Ford Mustang. Let's skip ahead a decade to 1964, and the launch of the Ford Mustang.
- Ford Bronco. The year 1965 introduced a new type of vehicle, the SUV.
When did they stop making the Ford Fairlane?
The Ford Fairlane is an automobile model that was sold between the 1955 and 1970 model years by Ford in North America. Taking its name from the Dearborn, Michigan estate of Henry Ford, the Fairlane nameplate was used for seven different generations of vehicles.
What is the rarest Fairlane model?
Ultra-Rare, All-Original, 1-of-57 1966 Fairlane R-Code 427 4 Speed Spared From Racetrack Duty. You may recall that Ford's Fairlane-based Thunderbolt took drag racing's Super Stock classes by storm in 1964.
How much is a 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 worth today?
The value of a 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 varies significantly, but a good-condition model with average features typically ranges from $16,650 to $34,100, while prices can drop to around $5,500 for cars needing significant work and can exceed $82,998 for exceptional or rare versions. Factors like condition, mileage, engine, and body style (like the highly sought-after Skyliner) greatly impact the final price.
Price ranges
- Average to good condition: Around $16,650 to $34,100.
- Poor condition: As low as $5,500 for vehicles with extensive maintenance needs or title issues.
- Excellent/rare condition: Can exceed $82,998.
Factors that influence value
- Condition: Rust, originality, and the quality of restoration are major factors.
- Mileage: Lower mileage generally increases value.
- Body style: Convertibles and the rare Skyliner models often command higher prices.
- Engine: The specific engine and its performance options (like the 300hp SC) will affect the value.
- History: A well-documented history, especially a single-owner car, can be a plus.
Where to find 1957 Ford Fairlane 500s
- Classics on Autotrader: Features listings from $13,957 up to $82,998.
- Hagerty Valuation Tools: Provides valuation guides and auction results.
- Classic.com: Lists sales data and current listings.
- eBay: Has many listings with a wide range of prices.
- Hemmings: Another source for classic car classifieds.
