1968 FORD FAIRLANE 500 FASTBACK 390 4 SPEED S CODE COBRA JET SURVIVOR BARN FIND

1968 Ford Fairlane Description

Back in fall, 1967, the muscle car wars were in full swing. Chevelles, Chargers, GTOs, and Mustangs ruled the streets. However, the Big 3 were now looking for new ways inspire new buyers. "Race on Sunday, sell on Monday" was the mantra and Ford knew just the right combination of big block power and perfect styling to make a big splash for 1968: The redesigned Fairlane 500 and Torino.

The new fastback roof design on the Fairlanes and Torinos is now legendary for its NASCAR Championship in 1968. However, in fall 1967, dealers across the country had to find ways to entice new buyers for this brand new body style. The new car manager of Crater Lake Motors in Medford, Oregon knew just what to order as the dealer demonstrator car: eye-catching Sunlit Gold paint, Fastback roof, 390 4Bbl "S Code" engine, 4 speed transmission, black bucket seats, and console. It was a perfect combination.

I can picture the new car manager arguing with the Crater Lake Motors owner over the high cost of the demonstrator car, while trying to explain how important it would be to have a 390, 4 speed car on hand to increase sales. The dealership owner would finally give in, but insisted a Fairlane 500 be ordered over the Torino to save a few bucks. Little would he know that the Fairlane 500 badging on this S Code powered, 4 speed, fastback would only makes its way into 367 cars. Yes, just 367 S Code, 4 speed Fairlanes were made for the '68 model year. The perfect sleeper.

After a couple months, the newly designed body style was gaining a following and early NASCAR wins in winter of 1968 helped propel sales. A dealer demonstrator car was no longer needed, as these 390 powered cars were selling themselves. The potent Fairlane 500 fastback at Crater Lake Motors was sold to its first owner in March, 1968.

After some time in Oregon, the car moved with its family to the Milwaukee, WI area. After several years of daily street duty, the car was sold to its 2nd owner. By this time, these Fairlanes and Torinos were NASCAR kings and subjects of street racing memories that are still passed down today. The car was driven sparingly and was the owner's weekend cruiser. Although it saw a few winters early on, the clean body and undercarriage are a testament to this Fairlane's long term storage.

Knowing that the famed 428 Cobra Jet wasn't available when this car was ordered back in 1967, the 2nd owner sought out make some over the counter upgrades to bring his cruiser up to Cobra Jet standards.

He took the Fairlane to a buddy who worked the parts department at Jack White Ford on Milwaukee's famed Highway 100. Knowing just what to order, the '68 was quickly equipped with a Cobra Jet dual point distributor, 735 cfm Holley Cobra Jet carburetor, and a set of 3.91:1 gears for the rear. (You Ford fanatics know the insane value of that distributor and carburetor!)

The car has stayed in this configuration for the next 40 years, as that owner would find a way to hang onto this piece of Ford history until 2015.

A close friend of mine purchased the car in 2015 and sold the car to me this spring after he had an opportunity to pick up a '69 Mach 1, 390, 4 speed car.

This special piece of muscle car history has remained unrestored for nearly 50 years. The doors close like they should, the interior smells like vintage Ford, and the car screams "untouched survivor." A minor front end accident forced a repaint in 1975 or 1976, but its single stage patina looks perfect on the car. An Elite Marti report helps fill in the missing production pieces and is included with the car.

Exterior

Panel alignment is very nice on this car, lines are crisp, and the body is straight. The brightwork is in terrific shape, with just some of the chrome trim on the tops of the doors showing some pitting. The bumpers show factory-looking chrome and shouldn't be confused with the triple plated show chrome we see from Keystone. Rather than detail everything, I'll let the detailed photos talk, including dozens of undercarriage photos with the car on a lift. Please notice some of the minor bubbling in a couple spots, as well as some of the minor paint flaws. However, the Fairlane is in fantastic, unrestored condition.

Interior

The interior is 100% survivor, except for carpet replacement and aftermarket radio. The interior wear seems consistent with the mileage on the car and it shows incredibly well. Please take a close look at the excellent condition of the dash, console, and seats. Note the vintage Sun tach that's in place! Please note that the package tray has started to fade and also note the adhesive residue on the top of the dashpad. I have NOT tried to remove this yet, but I may try a couple of techniques this weekend.

Engine Compartment

Again, the engine compartment is in mostly untouched survivor condition. Note that the hoses have been recently replaced, as well as the plugs. The 735 Holley performs well and doesn't bog, as seen in the videos. Note that the water pump was also recently replaced. I prefer an unrestored look to my engine compartments, but it wouldn't take much to detail the block and components, if the new owner prefers that look.

Undercarriage and Trunk

The incredible amount of factory red oxide primer on the floors is really exciting. It helps show how untouched the car has remained, as so many muscle cars received the "black out" treatment at some point. There is some detailing left to do, but note that the torque boxes are solid on this car, although they show some surface rust.

The trunk dropoffs are also nice, but they too, show some light surface rust. Please remember that this car saw a few winters, so although it's very clean, it's not going to be as dry as an Arizona car. Also, please note that a previous owner did a bit of red oxide blending on about a 1 foot section in front of the driver's side rear tire. I believe his intention was to blend that more faded area with the rest of the factory red oxide primer .

The trunk is in nice survivor condition. Please note in the photos that the inner wheel well housings are showing light surface rust, consistent with garage stored cars in the midwest.

If there are specific questions, I can answer, please let me know.

Numbers

I am NOT a Ford guru. I am a classic car fanatic who knows enough to be dangerous, but I'm not going to profess to know everything about these vintage muscle cars. I took photos of all of the major pieces of the driveline and Cobra Jet pieces. The engine tag that's photographed separately, was found inside the owner's manual in the console. I'm assuming it was taken off at some point, but there's no doubt in my mind that it's correct and original to the car. All of the major driveline numbers coincide with a December built car, so I believe the car retains its born-with driveline. However, I encourage inspections if you have any doubts.

About Me

I want you to know that like you, I'm a classic car and truck fanatic.I've also been buying and selling collectibles on eBay sinceFebruary, 1998 and take pride in only receiving positive feedback over the last 18+ years.I've owned dozens of cars over the years and have made many sight unseen deals (many here on eBay) to buy or sell cars across the country.

In addition, I strongly believe in the saying "a picture is worth a thousand words." The Internet has allowed us in our hobby to search for cars nationwide and in the event you decide to purchase the car sight unseen, it's my hope to make you as comfortable as possible with this purchase.

Please grab your favorite beverage and take some time to look at 6 High Definition videos and over 240 high quality photos of this special piece of muscle car history.

Bottom Line

If you've been looking for a documented survivor, factory S code, 4-speed Fairlane or Torino, I think this is it.

I honestly can't think of anything else to say. Please don't hesitate to email me with any other questions. My name is Jeff and the truck is located in Oak Creek, WI. Oak Creek is 1 hour north of Chicago. I am 5 hours from Minneapolis, 5 hours from St. Louis, and 5 hours from Indy.

Sale Terms and Conditions

Please let the 200+ photos and 6 videos of this incredibly gorgeous Fairlane make you comfortable with a purchase. However, don’t hesitate to call me with a specific question. Please remember that your bid is a COMMITMENT TO BUY this car. Because opinions of vintage cars and trucks can vary, please have the car inspected or inspect the car in person PRIOR to purchasing.Any inspection fees are the responsibility of the bidder. I cannot stress enough that I am asking bidders to follow through on their commitment if you bid.

A $500 non-refundable deposit and communication from the high bidder is due within 3 days of the listing's end. The deposit can be paid via Paypal or cash, and I will eat any Paypal fees. The balance is due in full within 7 days of the listing's end, paid via cashier's check (must be verified), wire transfer, or cash in person.

Because of its age and mileage, this vehicle is sold strictly as-is-as shown, with no warranties expressed or implied. If you haven't owned a classic car or truck, please remember that this isn't a 2015 Honda Civic. Older cars, even those with low miles, require an increased level of maintenance and attention.

When you place a bid on a vehicle, you are entering into a legal and binding contract to purchase the vehicle. This arrangement is outlined in the eBay User Agreement. We also reserve the right to cancel bids at our discretion.

We will not be liable for any cancellation of this auction for any reason. We reserve the right to cancel bids from bidders with negative feedback or a bid retraction history and members with zero (0) feedback need to contact us for approval to bid. As with all bids, bidders need to be 18 years or older.

As stated above, shipping charges are buyer's responsibility. We will assist a buyer with shipping the car anywhere in the United States or Canada from zip code 53154, but will not be responsible in any way for claims arising from shipping damage. We assume no responsibility for damages incurred after the vehicle leaves our possession. We are not affiliated with any shipping carrier. Any claims or other communication regarding shipment of vehicles will be between you and the shipper, not with the seller.

The terms of sale shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Wisconsin without regard to any conflict of laws or provisions thereof that might indicate the applicability of laws of any other jurisdiction. The venue for all legal proceedings shall be in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.