Reborn in 1962, into the intermediate sized lineup from Ford, the Fairlane was now nearly one foot shorter than the fullsize Galaxie, and eight inches longer than the compact Falcon. Also new was the lightweight V8 that was designed using a thin-wall casting. Initially displacing 221 cid, the Fairlane V8 was 90 lb. lighter and much more compact than the popular Chevrolet small block V8. In mid-year 1962, Ford introduced the Fairlane 500 Sports Coupe with standard bucket seats and a mini console. Optional was the 260 Challenger V8, a bored out version of the 221.

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How the Ford Fairlane did in a 10,000 Mile Run!

In 1962 Popular Science Magazine purchased a 62 Ford Fairlane to roadtest for 10,000 miles and compare to other models to see how it stood. The Fairlane was driven by staff members, and it was driven hard. It was originally purchased for $2,433.30, and was a manual-shift, 4-door sedan.

The Fairlane as reported weighed in at 2900 pounds was equipped with a 145 hp V-8. At 60 miles per hour, the fairlane still averaged 20 miles per gallon! Among the better notes for the 62 fairlane  included great performance, with a quite engine with plenty of pep to pass. As for as design the car proved to have plenty of leg and head room exept for the shift lever, and the steering wheel as well as being free from rattles.  After the 10,000 mile test, the basic conclusion was that it was a great car in size and performance, easy to drive and completely predictable.

The biggest complaint seemed to be the windshield that produced double images of oncoming headlights at night!