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1965 Ford Fairlane

The '65 Ford Fairlane: a cool cruiser! Its sleek lines and available GT package made it a stylish, sporty ride. Popularized in pop culture, it reflected the optimism of the mid-60s. Think sharp angles, a long hood, and a distinctive profile—a true American classic.

The Iconic 1965 Ford Fairlane: From Muscle Car Legend to Cultural Icon

The 1965 Ford Fairlane holds a revered place in classic car history, embodying both a significant era in automotive performance and a distinct chapter in American culture. From the roaring drag strips to silver screen stardom, the Fairlane is more than just a car; it's a living testament to the spirit of the 1960s.

Photo of a 1965 Ford Fairlane

1965 Ford Fairlane Models:

Select the vehicle's model to see the correct data for it.

How Much is Ford Fairlane Worth?

Original MSRP :$2,377.00

Outstanding

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$55,000

Clean

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$49,000

Average

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$27,000*

Rough

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$11,400

1965 Ford Fairlane Specs

Body Maker: Ford
No. Of Doors: 2
Model Number: 65A
Length: 198.4 inches
Width: 73.8 inches
Height: 54.9 inches
Wheelbase: 116 inches
Weight: 2,877lbs
Type: Inline 6, overhead valve, Single downdraft, Helical
Displacement: 200 cu. in.
Cylinders: 6
Bore And Stroke: 3.68 & 3.13 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 9.2 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 120@4400
Horsepower Rated: 32.5
Torque: 185@2400
Main Bearings: 7
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Own
Type:
2 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Single plate dry disc
Clutch Size:
8.5 inches
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
2.76
Gear Ratios Second:
1.69
Gear Ratios Third:
1 to 1
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
3.74
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 2.80 to 1
Front: Independent ball joint with coil springs
Rear: Semi-elliptic leaf springs
Service Type: Hydraulic, self-adjusting drums
Service Front Size: 10 inches
Service Rear Size: 10 inches
Emergency Type: Rear service brakes
Emergency Size: 10 inches
Type: Regular
Tire Size: 6.95 x 14
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 16 Gallons
Oil: 3.5 Quarts
Rear Differential: 4.5 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:Starting 5a43T100001
Total Digits:11
Digits 1:Model year
Digits 2:Assembly plant
Digits 3-4:Body style
Digits 5:Engine
Digits 6-11:Production number
Raven Black, Honey Gold, Caspian Blue, Prairie Bronze, Silver Blue, Ivy Green, Silversmoke Gray, Vintage Burgandy, Tropical Turquoise, Brittany Blue, Wimbledon White, Dynasty Green, Rangoon Red, Silver Mink, Chantilly Beige, Charcoal Gray, Patrician Green, Navajo Beige, Midnight Turquoise, Diamond Blue, Caribbean Turquoise, Marlin Blue, Holly Green, Champagne Beige, Poppy Red, Frost Turquoise, Twilight Turquoise, Phoenician Yellow, Rose Beige, Arcadian Blue, Pastel Yellow
Hardtop: Opt
Cruise-O-Matic Automatic Transmission: Opt
289 Cu. In. V8 Engine: Opt
Power Brakes: Opt
Power Steering: Opt
Pushbutton Radio: Opt

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History of the 1965 Ford Fairlane

Introduced in a decade of innovation and change, the Fairlane emerged as an intermediate-sized marvel in Ford's impressive lineup. It wasn't just about size—this beauty carried the DNA of muscle car royalty. With its sleek retro design, the Fairlane captured the hearts of a generation craving both speed and style.

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Detailed Specifications of the Ford Fairlane

This classic car was engineered to thrill—a robust 427 cubic inch V8 engine in its high-performance variant, the Thunderbolt, left rubber-burning memories on countless drag strips. Imagine peeling down the quarter-mile in a vehicle known for achieving impressive speed records, and you'll get why this model captivated racing enthusiasts.

Famous Figures Who Own the 1965 Ford Fairlane

Les Ritchey

This icon of the racing world wasn't just a fan; he was a trailblazer. Les Ritchey owned one of a special pair of Fairlane 500s, kitted out for drag racing. The car's historical significance is rooted in its exclusive build and the legendary races Ritchey powered through in Southern California.

Connie Kalitta

Connie "The Bounty Hunter" Kalitta, another revered name in drag racing, pushed the Fairlane Thunderbolt to its limits, securing its place in speed record history and making it a coveted model among collectors.

Fun Facts about the 1965 Ford Fairlane

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    Market Appeal: Even today, there are roughly 80 Fairlane listings in the classic car market, highlighting its lasting allure.

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    Auction Records: A well-maintained Fairlane once sold for $44,000, a testimony to its earning power if well-kept.

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    Pop Culture Star: This car hasn't just raced; it's strutted through films and TV, underlining its lasting impact on automotive culture.

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Explore Ford Fairlane from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

The '65 Fairlane? Oh man, it's a classic! Think sleek lines, a long hood, and that short deck; a real head-turner, you know? It's instantly recognizable. Key features include its distinctive body styling, which set it apart from other cars of the time. The availability of a wide range of engines, from relatively tame six-cylinders to seriously powerful V8s, is another hallmark; you could get one tailored to your personality, which was pretty cool for the day. Plus, those taillights... totally iconic. Let's face it, these Fairlanes are just awesome.

Now, this is where things get interesting! Ford offered a veritable smorgasbord of engine choices for the '65 Fairlane. You could get yourself a pretty basic six-cylinder if you were on a budget, or go all-out with a big-block V8—something that really screams American muscle. There were inline sixes, of course, then a small-block V8, and, if you were feeling adventurous—and maybe a bit reckless—you could opt for a 427 cubic inch V8, and that was just a beast. Seriously, you'd have to think twice before flooring it in that bad boy! In short, the choice was yours; the engine was the heart of this car!

Compared to other cars from '65, the Fairlane held its own, especially the V8 models. Some might say it was a bit of a sleeper, meaning it looks unassuming, but it could really move. Think of it like a really nice-looking guy who can also bench-press a small car—surprisingly powerful, you know? The smaller engines were more economical, which was important for everyday driving, while the big-block V8s were all about raw power. It really depended on what you were looking for. Depending on the engine, its performance would vary, from economical to absolutely thrilling. Bottom line: it was competitive, to say the least.

Buying a classic car is like adopting a vintage pet; it requires some TLC. With a '65 Fairlane, you'll want to keep an eye on things like the brakes (those drums were not known for their stopping power!), the electrical system (it can be temperamental, like a grumpy old uncle), and the suspension (these cars got a bit bouncy over time). Rust is another big concern, particularly in areas like the floors and trunk; it's a common problem in older cars, and it's usually a big expense. So before you buy one, you've got to bring your mechanic for a looksee.

The value of a '65 Fairlane really depends on its condition, the model, and what engine it sports under the hood. A well-preserved, low-mileage example with a desirable V8 can fetch a pretty penny; I'm talking really good money, sometimes thousands of dollars more than a more run-of-the-mill model. Think of it like buying art; a truly pristine piece will always command a higher price. So, a bit of research on your part is going to be crucial.