Ford’s intermediate class of cars in 1970 was, by far and large, all about the word Torino. Torino Cobra. Torino King Cobra. Torino GT. Torino Brougham. Except for two options: the super-base 1970.5 Falcon, and the base-level Fairlane 500. Fairlane had been the model that bequeathed the Torino, and for 1970 was a sub-model of the Torino. Confused? Yeah, it’s not too difficult to get confused, so here’s the simple explanation: in 1968, “Torino” was the upmarketed level of Fairlane. That name proved popular enough that by 1970, it was made the name and Fairlane was reduced to base-level, similar to what GM did with “Bel Air”. Still confused? Ok, I’ll make this simple: decontented 1970 Torino. I’m done, let’s move on.
It isn’t everyday that my Rough Start finds equate to, “BUY THIS NOW”, but this Fairlane is certainly worthy. The 1970-71 Ford mid-size shape is nice and even though it isn’t a super-trick Cobra with the hidden headlights, there’s a lot to like about the simple nature of this Fairlane. The interior is exactly what you should expect from a 1970 Ford, there but nothing too radical, and the powertrain is the simple 302/automatic combination, plenty for a runaround car. I’ve got no earthly clue what kind of wheels are on it, but I wouldn’t care to keep them, or to find a nice set of Cragars on BFGs to put on for the right Day Two feel.
The Rough Start battle plan is simple: five grand in total for a running and driving potential project car. This Fairlane eats up all five grand, but far as my eyes see, there’s nothing that needs to be done in the immediate timeline that would stop you from enjoying the car. Buy, buy now, and enjoy it!
Craigslist Link: 1970 Ford Fairlane 500
Cobras didn’t have hiden headlights
Like the formal roof better than the fast back any day . Put some 275’s on the back on steelies with poverty caps and build a Q ship
And already gone by the time I get to the article.