The 1964 Ford Fairlane 500 K-Code occupies a hallowed space in Ford performance history, serving as the lightweight vessel for the legendary High Performance 289 V-8. This specific example carries a pedigree that few muscle cars can match, having been sold new at the world-famous Tasca Ford in Rhode Island. It remains a matching-numbers survivor that boasts an incredible paper trail, including a car invoice and purchase agreement signed by Robert Tasca Sr. himself. With only 56,810 miles shown on the odometer, this Fairlane is not just a vehicle; it is a meticulously preserved artifact of the era when Tasca was defining the Ford total performance movement.
Vintage Burgundy Finish and Sleeper Aesthetics
The exterior of this Fairlane is finished in a sophisticated Vintage Burgundy, a color that perfectly masks the aggressive mechanical nature of the K-Code hardware. Following a professional restoration in the 1990s, the bodywork maintains crisp lines and a period-correct luster that honors its mid-sixties heritage. The visual character is defined by its “sleeper” aesthetic, utilizing color-keyed steel wheels and small-diameter hubcaps rather than flashy chrome. This restrained styling was a hallmark of the K-Code Fairlane, allowing the car to blend into traffic until the dual exhaust note signaled its true high-performance intentions on the open road.
Tan Bucket Seat Cabin with Tasca Provenance
Inside, the cabin features a Tan interior that contrasts beautifully with the deep burgundy exterior paint. The environment is focused on the driver, equipped with factory bucket seats and a sleek center console that houses the four-speed manual shifter. Additional equipment includes a padded dash and visors, which were premium touches for the 500-trim level, along with a functional pushbutton radio. The interior is as much a museum of documentation as it is a cockpit, as the sale includes the original owner’s manual featuring the original owner’s name and registrations dating back to 1963. It serves as a time capsule of 1960s Ford ergonomics and high-trim utility.
High Performance 289 and Four-Speed Engagement
The mechanical heart of this Fairlane is the matching-numbers HiPo 289 V-8 engine, a power plant that famously served as the basis for early Shelby Mustangs. This solid-lifter beast produces 271 hp/275 PS and 312 lb-ft/423 Nm of torque, delivering a high-revving character that remains exhilarating decades later. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission, providing the mechanical engagement required to master the HiPo’s power band. The dual exhaust system provides the signature small-block growl, while the factory-spec hardware has been documented through a comprehensive photo book of the 1990s restoration process included in the sale.
Technical Specifications
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | HiPo 289 CI V-8 (K-Code) |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| Exterior Color | Vintage Burgundy |
| Interior Color | Tan |
| Provenance | Sold New at Tasca Ford |
| Documentation | Window Sticker / MSO / Original Bill of Sale |
| Odometer Reading | 56,810 Miles |
Unrivaled Documentation and Robert Tasca Sr. Signature
Ownership of this 1964 Ford Fairlane 500 K-Code provides a level of historical security rarely seen at auction. The documentation package is exhaustive, featuring the Manufacturer Statement of Origin, the original window sticker, and retail installment contracts from 1963. Most significantly, the car invoice and handwritten purchase agreement are signed by Robert Tasca Sr., linking the car directly to the most influential dealer in Ford racing history. Compared to a standard Fairlane or even a 289-powered Mustang, the K-Code Fairlane offers a unique combination of rarity and Tasca-driven heritage. It is a blue-chip investment that has been validated by its registration history through 1976.
A Premier Piece of Ford Performance History
The 1964 Ford Fairlane 500 K-Code is a definitive example of the “win on Sunday, sell on Monday” philosophy that Tasca Ford championed. This matching-numbers survivor is the perfect acquisition for the collector who values ironclad documentation as much as mechanical purity. With its 289 HiPo heartbeat and 4-speed manual gearbox, it delivers the visceral performance that paved the way for the muscle car golden age. As it heads to the Glendale 2026 auction, it stands as one of the most significant K-Code survivors currently available. This Fairlane is not just a classic car; it is a documented tribute to the total performance era of the Ford Motor Company.
Disclaimer: Content on this site is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Details, analyses, and opinions reflect current trends and personal views, not professional or financial advice. Always verify information with official sources before making any decisions.
Source: mecum.com
