How to identify a Fairlane Cleveland 351?

[Byte76]

A couple of years ago before I became interested in muscle cars I was driving around and noticed a white Fairlane standing in someone's driveway. I have driven past lots of times since then and always seen the car standing in the same spot out in the sun.
The other day I decided to go and have a look and see if the owner would be willing to sell but unfortunately nobody was home.

What I could see from the gate of the yard was that it is a slightly off white color with a fairlane 500 badge on the front grille and a black vinyl on the roof. I think its the 63 body style with the four small headlights.

From looking at the car from the front about 10m away, is there any way to tell if its a Cleveland 351?

[Dougie]

It's doubtful, the Cleveland 351 was only produced from 1970 to 1973.

[zahistorics]

At that age is is more likely to be a 289 or 302 Winsor

[ZA Perana]

At that age is is more likely to be a 289 or 302 Winsor

Or the 260cu motor.

[Byte76]

OK I got the year wrong, it looks like maybe a 73 model.

I went back and took a picture. The light is not good so you can't easily see the vinyl roof but it does have black vinyl over the roof.

[FPT]

Looks to be a 71/72.
Should be a 351 if it is a 72...
Looks like it can be saved!

[hanov0]

If it says Fairlane 500 it should be a 351c , Fairlane V8 will be a 302W
Also bumper overriders and crome trimming points to a 500

[vbiyase]

I have a 72 351w.
It looks like that with white top but mine green.

Chances are its a 351

[Byte76]

I also think it has a 351 motor and that badge on the front fender probably says 351. (Did the SA model come with Cleveland or Windsor motors from factory and were the cars actually manufactured in SA?)

Now if only I had the money to make the owner an offer but unfortunately its going to have to stand for another 6-12 months and hopefully it will still be there when I have enough to make an offer.

What is a Fairlane like that, in generally good condition worth these days if it is complete? (Still has its motor, gearbox etc.)

[WhiteRhino]

I really depends on the condition...just looking at that picture i and assuming its still running i will offer 20K to 35K. More than that the cost of restoring will catch up with you if you don't have money available.

A small breakdown...
Respray: 15K - 25K depending on the depth you going to...could be more
Interior(carpets and seats and roof): Most probably 10K+
Engine: infinity...Lol. I have not looked into this but by the sound of it it you can get away with about R5000 if you just dress and chrome a bit...no performance mods

Note that this does not include suspension, brakes, tyres or similar things...This is what i gathered in my limited experience and if i'm wrong please feel free to correct me...

On a more realistic note i would, in the beginning, just put some nice rims and tyres and fix what is essential to get it going. Then, without fail, assign money to the car on a monthly basis and spend it on the car not on booze....or anything else. You will slowly see the car become what you want it to be.