1960 Ford Fairlane “The Spaceliner” Custom Concept

The 1960 Ford Fairlane “Spaceliner” is a one-of-a-kind custom concept car that embodies the retro-futuristic optimism of the Atomic Age, blending jet-age aesthetics with mid-century American automotive design. Built as a showpiece rather than an official Ford factory prototype, it captures the era’s fascination with space travel, rockets, and sci-fi visions of tomorrow—think a real-world version of the flying cars from The Jetsons. Despite its wild appearance, it’s a fully drivable vehicle that prioritizes visual spectacle over high performance.

History and Creation

The Spaceliner started life as a standard 1960 Ford Fairlane four-door sedan, a mid-range model from Ford’s third-generation lineup that year, which introduced sleeker styling alongside the new Galaxie flagship. In around 1963, legendary custom car builders Gene Winfield (known for his work on films like Blade Runner and The Beach Boys vehicles) and Darryl Starbird (a pioneer in show car culture) transformed it into this radical custom at their respective shops. It was never commissioned by Ford Motor Company but was designed specifically for the booming 1960s custom car show circuit, where it wowed crowds with its spaceship-like flair.

The car spent much of its post-show life in storage, resurfacing in 2017 after a meticulous restoration. It debuted at Art Basel Miami that year, earning the Judges’ Favorite award. Since then, it’s been a highlight of the Klairmont Kollections Museum in Chicago. As of 2025, it’s scheduled for auction at Mecum’s “Larry’s Legacy” event on September 20 in Chicago, selling without reserve from the museum’s collection. Comparable custom Fords from the era have fetched between $10,000 and $28,000 at auction, though its rarity and provenance could drive a higher price.

Design and Features

Winfield and Starbird radically reimagined the Fairlane’s body to evoke a spacecraft on wheels:

Exterior: The roof was chopped off and replaced with twin forward-hinging Perspex (acrylic) bubble canopies over the front seats, inspired by fighter jet cockpits—giving it a panoramic, enclosed vibe but sacrificing some headroom. The original doors were welded shut for a seamless look, with access via the bubbles and a functional rear door. The rear features exaggerated fins, a central “jet thruster” (actually a repurposed 1951 Ford bullet nose ornament acting as a reverse light), and ten taillights sourced from a 1959 Cadillac for a rocket-launch effect. Up front, it retains the Fairlane’s signature quad circular headlights and chrome bumper. The body is finished in Roth Metalflake “Trippin’ See Sic Blue,” a shimmering metallic paint that shifts hues in the light.

Wheels and Stance: It rolls on steel wheels with full hubcaps and wide whitewall tires, keeping the stock Fairlane ride height for practicality.

Interior: The cabin seats four in white-upholstered bucket seats with fluffy, luxurious accents reminiscent of mid-century modern lounges. The dashboard matches the exterior’s blue hue for cohesion, with simple gauges and controls—no over-the-top gadgets, emphasizing the era’s blend of fantasy and functionality. This design wasn’t just for show; it was engineered to tour exhibitions while remaining street-legal in its time, highlighting the ingenuity of 1960s custom culture. The Spaceliner’s modest powertrain underscores its role as a design experiment—it’s more about turning heads than burning rubber.

Cultural Impact

The Spaceliner has become an icon of retrofuturism, frequently featured in online communities like Reddit’s WeirdWheels and RetroFuturism, where it’s praised for its quirky charm and historical nod to a time when cars dreamed of the stars. Videos of it have racked up millions of views, inspiring modern custom builds and model kits. It’s a testament to how Winfield and Starbird pushed boundaries, influencing everything from hot rod culture to today’s concept cars. If you’re into automotive oddities, it’s a must-see—pure 1960s imagination on four wheels.

Base Model: 1960 Ford Fairlane 4-door sedan

Engine: 223 cubic inch (3.6L) inline-6 "Mileage Maker", (original, -90 hp)

Transmission: Ford-O-Matic 2-speed automatic

Body Style: Custom 2+2 coupe (modified sedan)

Weight: ~3,000 Ibs (estimated, similar to stock Fairlane)

Top Speed: ~100 mph (stock performance)

ODOMETER READS: 41,830 miles

VIN / SERIAL: 165726658E60L