Vehicle: 1963 Ford Fairlane 500 Sport Coupe

For January 2026, CAL-RODS proudly spotlights a classic slice of early-’60s Ford heritage—the 1963 Ford Fairlane 500 Sport Coupe owned by member Gary Bogle.

Finished in a bright yellow exterior with a clean black vinyl interior, Gary’s Fairlane is a perfect combination of vintage charm and dependable cruising power. Under the hood sits a 260ci (4.3L) V8, paired with a 3.03 Borg-Warner 3-speed Top-Loader transmission and a Ford 8-inch rear end with a 3.25 ratio. The car rolls on 14-inch steel wheels capped with classic spoke-style hubcaps, staying true to its period look.

Finding the Fairlane
Gary discovered the Fairlane online, and although the car appeared to be complete, it also came with “a few surprises”—the kind every classic car owner knows a little too well. He bought it as a finished car, but one that needed serious attention.

A Rough First Drive
The real adventure began the day he went to register the car at the DMV. On the drive home, the Fairlane stalled repeatedly, to the point where tools had to be brought out just to help it limp the final mile. For many, this would be the moment of regret—but for Gary, it was the start of bringing the car back to life.

The Revival
Over the next six months, Gary dove into repairs and upgrades. The car received:

• A new gas tank
• Fresh brake lines
• Z-bar repair
• Electrical and wiring work
• A refreshed distributor
• A new carburetor

With patience, persistence, and plenty of wrench time, the Fairlane transformed from a roadside headache into a strong, reliable cruiser.

Life with the Fairlane
Gary has owned the car for three years, using it mainly for car shows and club events. One of his favorite drives so far has been the run up to Big Bear, where the Fairlane performed exactly as a revitalized classic should.

Other Rides in the Stable
The Fairlane shares the garage with two other projects close to Gary’s heart:

• A 1929 Ford Coupe, steel-bodied hot rod
• A 1963 Triumph Spitfire, currently mid-upgrade with the drivetrain about 80% completed

Gary’s journey with his Fairlane is a familiar one to many CAL-RODS members—a mix of frustration, fun, triumph, and deep satisfaction. Today, his 1963 Fairlane 500 Sport Coupe stands as a shining example of what patience and passion can bring back to life.
Congratulations, Gary, on being our CAL-RODS Car of the Month for January 2026!