This Ford ‘Tank’ Fairlane 500 is a striking and well-presented example of the stylish classic saloon, benefitting from a previous comprehensive restoration. Under the bonnet sits the original, ‘numbers matching’ 332ci (5.4-litre) naturally aspirated ‘FE’ V8, producing around 240bhp, driving the rear wheels via a two-speed ‘Ford-o-Matic’ automatic transmission with column shift. The odometer indicates 33,016 miles, however this is not warranted. The car is believed to have had two owners from new, and has been with the seller for two years. It is reported to present well ‘in the metal’, and viewings are recommended. This Fairlane 500 is finished in a striking two-tone Indian Turquoise and White paint scheme, with a swathe of chrome trim accents. Inside, the cabin features matching Indian Turquoise and White vinyl upholstery, with a body-coloured dashboard and matching carpets, punctuated by chrome trim accents. It now rides on an aftermarket set of Cheviot Torque Thrust-style alloy wheels, shod in Supercat white wall tyres. The factory specification includes a three-spoke steering wheel, manually operated windows, heater and ventilation controls, a radio, an analogue clock, and push-out front quarter light windows. This Fairlane 500 now features an aftermarket air filter, an aluminium radiator, and a Pioneer CD stereo with Bluetooth connectivity, USB, and auxiliary inputs. The car will be accompanied by a Ford Fairlane brochure from 1959, a folder of maintenance invoices and photos from the restoration, and a spare wheel. The seller is not aware of any bodywork damage. The previously resprayed Indian Turquoise and White paintwork is reported to be in very good overall condition, though the seller notes a small dent on the roof. There are also blemishes on the front bumper with a denting along the lower edge, discolouration on the nearside front bumper, pitting and small rust spots on the door mirror covers, minor dents on the offside upper rear quarter panel trim, a small area of flaking on the nearside rear upper door shut, scratches on the passenger door trim panel, minor dents and blemishes on the offside rear wheel arch trim, a small area of cracking on the nearside front wheel arch, and minor blemishes and a dent on the nearside rear wheel arch trim. Inside, the reupholstered cabin is presented in good shape given the car’s age. There is some pitting on the chrome dashboard trim, flaking paint on the dashboard around the steering column, discolouration on the radio buttons and display, a missing trim piece on one of the radio buttons, pitting on the chrome steering wheel trim, cracking on the steering wheel boss, discolouration on the driver’s footwell carpet, a small blemish on the rear passenger-side door, rust spots on the ends of the front doors, blemishes and a tear on the boot liner, and slight signs of use on the seats, but no wear or discolouration. The seller is not aware of any mechanical or electrical faults. This Fairlane 500’s most recent minor service was carried out in June 2022 by Daniel Kennedy. The new radiator was installed in June 2021. The car underwent a comprehensive restoration while with its previous owner. This Ford ‘Tank’ Fairlane 500 is a striking, ‘numbers matching’ example of the elegant classic saloon, offered in very good overall condition and benefitting from a previous comprehensive restoration. Presented in an eye-catching two-tone colour scheme, with a handful of tasteful performance and cosmetic upgrades, it would make a fine addition to any assembly of American classics, and a wonderful companion for weekend jaunts, fair-weather cruising, and car show visits alike. The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details. This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.