The 1963 Ford Fairlane 500 K-Code stands as a milestone in the evolution of the American muscle car, introducing the legendary High Performance 289 V-8 to a mid-size platform. This specific example, bearing the K-Code designation in its serial number, represents a rare intersection of documented ownership history and meticulous restoration. Having secured prestigious wins at the Carlisle All Ford Nationals and the Fairlane Club of America, its pedigree is undisputed among serious collectors. Crossing the block at Glendale 2026, this Fairlane is not just a vehicle but a decorated piece of Ford’s motorsport-inspired heritage that remains in show-ready condition.
Corinthian White Elegance and Factory Precision
The exterior is finished in its factory-correct Corinthian White, a shade that highlights the crisp, clean lines of the 1963 Fairlane body style. Every detail of the 1995 comprehensive restoration by Best of Show Auto Restorations has been preserved, including the gleaming rocker moldings and backup lights. It rolls on wire wheel covers wrapped in white stripe tires, maintaining the understated sleeper look that characterized the early K-Code models. Subtle details like the hooded headlights and chrome bumpers are complemented by a matching-numbers chassis that reflects the high standards required to win an AACA First Junior award.
Rangoon Red Cabin with High-RPM Focus
The interior provides a striking contrast with a Rangoon Red vinyl finish that emphasizes the sporting nature of the Fairlane 500 trim. Occupants are treated to bucket seats separated by a sleek center console, a layout that defines the premium performance cabins of the sixties. A standout feature is the Rotunda “knee-knocker” tachometer, a vital tool for managing the high-revving nature of the HiPo engine. The cockpit remains remarkably authentic, featuring a factory AM radio, seat belts, and 2-speed electric windshield wipers. Every surface reflects a commitment to factory-accurate textures, from the dashboard trim to the replaced carpeting.
The High-Performance Heart of a K-Code
Power is delivered by the matching-numbers HiPo 289 V-8, an engine engineered for high-RPM durability with mechanical solid lifters and a stout 11.5:1 compression ratio. This legendary plant was factory rated at 271 hp/275 PS, though torque figures are maintained as factory benchmarks for the 289 High Performance series. It is paired with an aluminum case BorgWarner close-ratio 4-speed manual transmission featuring nickel-hardened gears and a heavy-duty 11.5-inch clutch. Mechanical upgrades for sustained performance include a large-pulley generator and a specialized aluminum water pump designed to prevent cavitation during aggressive driving at the limits.
Technical Specifications
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Matching Numbers HiPo 289 V-8 |
| Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 |
| Transmission | BorgWarner Close-Ratio 4-Speed Manual |
| Clutch | Heavy-Duty 11.5-inch |
| Rear End Ratio | 3.50:1 |
| Exterior Color | Corinthian White |
| Interior Color | Rangoon Red |
A Decorated Pedigree for the Serious Collector
This 1963 Ford Fairlane 500 K-Code boasts a documented five-owner history, having spent time in the collections of noted enthusiasts like Mark Burgess and Ken Kowalk. Its technical accuracy is verified by a copy of the window sticker and a reproduction of the build sheet, alongside a partial original document. The car’s performance on the show circuit is unrivaled, with two Carlisle All Ford National wins and a feature in Collectible Automobiles magazine. Investors will appreciate the 3.50:1 rear end ratio and the 9-inch rear end, which ensure the car is as capable on the pavement as it is under the judging lights of a national show.
The Benchmark for Early Ford Muscle
This Fairlane represents a rare opportunity to acquire a K-Code that has been vetted by the highest authorities in the Ford community. Between its mechanical purity and its deep list of national accolades, it stands as a reference-grade example of what the Fairlane 500 could achieve when equipped for speed. Whether destined for a museum or a private garage, it carries the soul of 1963 performance in every gear shift. It is a definitive statement of Ford’s “Total Performance” era, ready to continue its winning streak with a new caretaker at the Glendale 2026 auction.
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Source: mecum.com
