Ford’s Compact Fairlane first appeared in the US 1962 as a mid-range model positioned below the full-size Galaxie at the time. Named after Henry Ford’s estate in Dearborn, Michigan, the Fairlane became known as the Compact due to its decreased wheelbase and exterior dimensions.

Despite their American design, the Fairlane Compact was assembled locally at Ford’s Homebush plant in Sydney.1963’s model was dubbed the FC, and was fitted with the Ford-O-matic auto and a 260ci Windsor V8 as standard.

While the Fairlane was available in a range of body styles over in the US, Ford Australia only marketed the basic four-door sedan. Around 1,771 Ford Compact Fairlane were produced in 1963.