“Sleeper-Touring” – Roadster Shop’s 850 HP 1963 Ford Fairlane Build

Sleepers are far and away some of our favorite builds. There’s just something about a car that can perform like a modern sports car, but could easily blend in thanks to its unassuming looks. This 1963 Ford Fairlane may not be a true sleeper in the purest sense, but there’s no doubt that its performance capabilities it will surprise more than a few folks when it hits the streets.

The Fairlane will be a real 'turner and burner' thanks to a full Roadster Shop FAST TRACK independent suspension and an 850 HP Kaase Boss 9.


We stumbled across the wicked in-progress Ford Fairlane on The Roadster Shop website, and just had to know more about the build. Chris Gray from The Roadster Shop tells us, “The car is being built for a customer who really enjoys cars with a very subtle, almost ‘sleeper’ exterior, but with the powertrain, handling, and performance that defies the subdued exterior.”

The heart of the Fairlane will be a 429ci John Kaase Boss 9 crate engine. The Boss 9 features Kaase’s own stack fuel injection induction system, and is controlled via FAST’s XFi system. The estimated 850 horsepower is transferred through a a T-56 Magnum 6-speed transmission on its way to the Fairlane’s fully independent rear end built by The Roadster Shop.

The plan is to keep the exterior simple and subdued, giving no hints about the kind of performance the Fairlane is capable of.

“We custom made a chassis for the Fairlane incorporating our FAST TRACK front suspension and rear independent suspension,” says Gray. “The car will also feature many subtle custom touches such as a completely handmade hood ‘power bulge’ to accommodate the giant Boss motor, but still appear factory from the outside. The Fairlane will ride on custom-cut 18″ billet wheels that will give the appearance of a factory painted steel wheel and hubcap, but can still accommodate larger brakes.”

We love it, and there seems to be more and more of this type of build popping up. Could “Sleeper-Touring” be the next trend for classic cars? Tell us what you think.

About the author

Clifton Klaverweiden

Clifton has been a car fanatic since his late teens, when he started the restoration of his '67 Camaro. He considers himself a student of automotive science and technology, and particularly loves all things LSX. And, although he has an appreciation for everything, from imports to exotics, his true passion will always be for GM musclecars.
Read My Articles

Hot Rods and Muscle Cars in your inbox.

Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from Street Muscle, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE!

Free WordPress Themes
Street Muscle NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

We'll send you the most interesting Street Muscle articles, news, car features, and videos every week.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Street Muscle NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...


fordmuscle
Classic Ford Performance
dragzine
Drag Racing
chevyhardcore
Classic Chevy Magazine

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...

  • fordmuscle Classic Ford Performance
  • dragzine Drag Racing
  • chevyhardcore Classic Chevy Magazine

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Loading