1966 Ford Fairlane

The 1965 and 1966 full-size Fords had similar styling but were quite different with only the hood being the sole interchangeable exterior body component. Even though the features lines were in the same location, they became rounder than the previous year. Ford's lineup was busy fulfilling the company's Total Performance marketing campaign, spearheaded by the Mustang, Cobra, and GT40s winning victories at tracks around the world. The 1966 Fairlane received a major restyling that brought them in line with full-size Ford styling, complete with stacked headlights, taillight treatments, and trim appointments. They became longer, wider, and lower with an aggressive stance, full-width grilles, and a host of engine options. Body styles included 2- and 4-door sedans, convertibles, station wagons, and hardtop coupes. Several trim levels were offered accomodating both sport and luxury.

The base Fairlane was available as a 2- or 4-door sedan and 6-passenger station wagon. The factory base price began at $2,240 for the six-cylinder 2-door sedan. They came with chrome around the windshield and rear window, chrome rain gutter molding, and chrome horn ring. There were armrests for both front and rear passengers, cigarette lighter, and vinyl-coated rubber floor mats. The overhead valve 170 CID six-cylinder engine offered 105 horsepower while the 200 CID version delivered 120 horsepower. Total production for the base level Fairlanes reached 52,047 units with the most popular body style being the 4-door sedan with 26,170 sales.

The intermediate trim level for the 1966 Fairlane was the 500 Series, with the same body styles as the base trim level with the addition of a hardtop coupe, convertible, and squire station wagon. Additional exterior appointments and equipment included polished aluminum rocker panel moldings, color-keyed carpets, and Fairlane 500 identification, crest, and script. Total output reached nearly 200,000 units with the four-door sedan proving popular once again with 68,635 sales. The most popular body style was the hardtop coupe, however, with 75,947 sales.

The sporty version of the Fairlane was the 500XL series offered with both six- and eight-cylinder power in either hardtop coupe or convertible configuration. Special nameplates and additional exterior trim were among the distinguishable features along with bucket seats and console, and deluxe wheel covers. For enthusiasts seeking even more performance, Ford offered the new GT package that featured the Thunderbird Special V8 engine. The GT moniker signified the Fairlane had a manual gearbox; GTA denoted the car is automatic.

1966 was also the first year the Fairlane was engineered to accept Ford's larger FE big-block engines, albeit only 57 examples were built as lightweight R-code FE 427425 HP big-block V8s. Originally intended for NASCAR's speedways, the R-code 427 featured cross-bolted main bearing caps, forged aluminum pistons, a forged steel crank, and connecting rods, forged steel valves with chromed stems, and free-breathing heads. Built at the Atlanta, Georgia assembly plant, the 427 R-Code Fairlanes relied more on its standard power-to-weight ratio than lightweight factory components for its speed, although they did include a lightweight fiberglass hood with leading-edge intake scoops. The 427 CID Side Oiler engine with factory dual Holleys was paired to a four-speed Toploader transmission, 9-inch 3.89 ratio positraction rear end, front disc brakes, and transistor ignition. They had a lift-off hood, radio delete, and a Wimbledon White exterior with a black interior. These potent Fairlanes were built to qualify for NHRA and IHRA Super Stock racing, and proved very capable in the hands of individuals such as Ed Terry, John Downing, and Bill Ireland. Prepared by John Healey, Downing's 1966 Fairlane 500 set a national record in NHRA's Super Stock B class at 11.42 seconds in early 1967. The Fairlane R-Code would prove to be a consistent contender in Stock and Super Stock competition.

The 390 CID equipped cars proved to be very capable street and track performers, while the 427s were happiest on the track. Depending on the configuration, the 390 CID V8 produced 275 - 335 horsepower. The 427 CID had factory ratings of 410 to 425 horsepower.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2020