Sunday, October 2, 2016

1958 Ford Fairlane

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At least for me, this car represents what so many of us hope to see when we hear about a car that’s been “barn found.” This 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 two door hardtop is for sale here on craigslist in Wallingford, Connecticut with an asking price of a fairly reasonable $7,550.


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According to the seller, this highly original Ford has been stored for many years. I really like the two tone white and pink or coral, with the anodized gold side spear to break it up. Ford designers were going for the forward motion look with this design, a second year refresh of the new for 1957 that was wider, longer and lower than its predecessors.

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The ad says this Ford is originally from Washington State, which may help explain why the body and floors appear to be in such good condition. Northeastern cars of this vintage and originality just don’t look this decent most of the time.
 
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There’s a bit of rust in the front fenders, and doubtless some more we can’t see. The rear bumper is not in great shape but it’s not a lost cause either. Overall, the body is in very good condition for its age.

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Some of the trim is off the car, but the seller says he has it, which is helpful. At least from a distance, the glass all appears to be intact also.

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This car has a lot going for it. It’s powered by the optional Police Interceptor 352 cubic inch V-8, driving through a Cruise-o-Matic transmission, and even has power steering. But does it run?

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The interior looks really good for being almost 60 years old.

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Fantastic view of ’50s style dashboard. I’d love to have this view in front of me every day.

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The seller does not say anything about how well the car drives, or if it drives at all. So there are quite a few questions still to be answered about this car. But if I were to be the new owner of this car, I’d do whatever work needed to make it into a safe and enjoyable driver, and try to keep the body and interior as close to original as possible. My goal would be to enjoy this extremely original and fun-to-drive automobile, getting it back on the road and driving it as often as possible. So many of the cars from the fifties have now been restored to better than new condition, I think it would be great to see this one on the move again, yes, looking a bit the worse for wear, but doing what we should be doing with these cars – driving them – bringing back memories for those who were there, and reminders of what the past was really like for those who weren’t.

Source: barnfinds.com/

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