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.
How the Ford Fairlane did in a 10,000 Mile Run! In 1962 Popular Science Magazine purchased a '62 Ford Fairlane to road test 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 except 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!
1962 Ford Fairlane Specifications
Model Number
Body/Style Number
Body Type & Seating
Factory Price
Shipping Weight
Total Production
Fairlane Six-Cyl Series
N/A
32
4 Dr Sedan
$2,216
2,791 lbs
Note 2
N/A
31
2 Dr Sedan
$2,154
2,757 lbs
Note 3
Fairlane V-8 Series
N/A
32
4 Dr Sedan
$2,319
2,949 lbs
Note 2
N/A
31
2 Dr Sedan
$2,257
2,915 lbs
Note 3
Fairlane 500 Six-Cyl Series
N/A
42
4 Dr Sedan
$2,507
2,808 lbs
Note 4
N/A
41
2 Dr Sedan
$2,304
2,774 lbs
Note 5
N/A
47
2 Dr Sport Coupe
$2,504
2,870 lbs
Note 6
Fairlane 500 V-8 Series
N/A
42
4 Dr Sedan
$2,407
2,966 lbs
Note 4
N/A
41
2 Dr Sedan
$2,345
2,932 lbs
Note 5
N/A
47
2 Dr Sport Coupe
$2,607
3,002 lbs
Note 6
Notes:
Total series output was 79,606 units including both Fairlane sixes and V-8s.
Total series output was 217,510 units including both Fairlane 500 sixes and V-8s.
Production was counted by body style only. 45,342 Total.
Production was counted by body style only. 34,264 Total.
Production was counted by body style only. 129,258 Total.
Production was counted by body style only. 68,624 Total.
Production was counted by body style only. 19,628 Total.
1962 Ford Fairlane Chassis Data
Model
Wheelbase
Overall Length
Width
Front Tread
Rear Tread
Tires
Fairlane Six-Cyl
115.5 in
197.6 in
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
6.50 x 13
Fairlane V-8
115.5 in
197.6 in
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
7.00 x 13 / 7.00 x 14
Vin Number Decoding - 1960 - 1969 Ford (All Models)
Location: stamped on top upper flange
of left front fender apron. Located on top of dash visible through windshield.
On lock face of left front door.
First Symbol - Year
0 = 1960
1 = 1961
2 = 1962
3 = 1963
4 = 1964
5 = 1965
6 = 1966
7 = 1967
8 = 1968
9 = 1969
Second Symbol - Assembly Plant
A = Atlanta
L = Michigan Truck
B = Oakville
N = Norfolk
C = Ontario
P = Twin Cities
D = Dallas
R = San Jose
E = Mahwah
S = Pilot Plant
F = Dearborn
T = Metuchen
G = Chicago
U = Louisville
H = Lorain
W = Wayne
J = Los Angeles
Y = Wixom
K = Kansas City
Z = St. Louis
Third & Fourth Symbol - Body Series
01 = Mustang 2 Dr Hardtop
51 = Ford 4 Dr Sedan (Custom)
02 = Mustang 2 Dr Fastback
52 = Ford 2 Dr Sedan (Custom 500)
03 = Mustang 2 Dr Convertible
53 = Ford 4 Dr Sedan (Custom 500)
10 = Falcon 2 Dr Sedan
54 = Ford 4 Dr Sedan (Galaxie 500)
11 = Falcon 4 Dr Sedan
55 = Ford 2 Dr Fastback (Galaxie 500)
12 = Falcon Station Wagon
56 = Ford 4 Dr Hardtop (Galaxie 500)
20 = Falcon 2 Dr Sedan (Futura)
57 = Ford Convertible (Galaxie 500)
21 = Falcon 4 Dr Sedan (Futura)
58 = Ford 2 Dr Hardtop (Galaxie 500)
22 = Falcon 2 Dr Sedan (Bucket Seats)
60 = Ford 2 Dr Fastback (XL)
23 = Falcon Station Wagon (Futura)
61 = Ford Convertible (XL)
30 = Fairlane 2 Dr Hardtop
62 = Ford 2 Dr Hardtop (LTD)
31 = Fairlane 4 Dr Sedan
63 = Ford 2 Dr Fastback Coupe
32 = Fairlane Station Wagon
64 = Ford 4 Dr Sedan (LTD)
33 = Fairlane 2 Dr Hardtop (500)
65 = Ford 2 Dr Hardtop Coupe
34 = Fairlane 4 Dr Sedan (500)
66 = Ford 4 Dr Hardtop (LTD)
35 = Fairlane 2 Dr Fastback (500)
70 = Ford Station Wagon (Ranch Wagon - 6P)
36 = Fairlane Convertible (500)
71 = Ford Station Wagon (Custom 500 Ranch Wagon - 6P)
37 = Fairlane Station Wagon (500)
72 = Ford Station Wagon (Custom 500 Ranch Wagon - 10P)
Note: Information, Specifications, Resources & Photos found in the Research Library should only be used as general guidelines. OldRide LLC makes no warranty as to the authenticity and accuracy of the information contained hereon.
