1967 Ford Fairlane

Competition between Detroit-based manufacturers during the mid-to-late 1960s was fierce, both on the road and the track. The Mustang had captured the youthful heart and spurred a new generation of so-called 'pony cars,' while the Fairlane had firmly established itself within the midsize market. Following a boycott over engine rules in 1966, Ford re-entered NASCAR with the FE 427-powered Fairlane, homologated by installing slightly detuned R-code versions in a limited number of production Fairlanes. The R-Code 427 cubic-inch V8 engine was based on the FE big block, and used cross-bolted main bearing journal caps, forged rotating assembly with 11:1 forged aluminum pistons, a flat-tappet solid-lifter cam, and special new 'medium riser' heads. Using the same light-alloy valves as the 'high riser' heads, the R-code engine was topped with a well-designed aluminum intake manifold mounting dual inline Holley 4-barrel carburetors. Low-restriction dual exhausts, free-breathing cast iron exhaust headers, and Ford's top-loader 4-speed manual transmission completed the drivetrain. The race-prepared 427 Fairlanes could easily dip into the 11-second quarter-mile times. On the street, the factory rating of 425 horsepower made them one of the fiercest on the road. A mere 72 examples of the R-Code Fairlane were built in 1967.

The 1967 Ford Fairlane was offered in 'base,' '500 Series', and 500XL Series trim levels, with numerous engine, transmission, and body style options. The base trim level came equipped with a chrome windshield and rear window moldings. They had a chrome horn ring, chrome rain gutter moldings, front and rear armrests, vinyl-coated rubber floor mats, cigarette lighter, and a single horizontal chrome trip strip that ran along the bodyside, with the Fairlane name at the front end.

The Fairlane wore the same body that had been introduced the prior year but with minor trim changes. In the front, the grille was a single aluminum stamping instead of the two grilles from 1966. The taillights were divided horizontally by the back-up light. The previous year, they had been vertical.

Body styles include a 2- and 4-door sedan along with a station wagon. The base engine was a six-cylinder 200 cubic-inch engine offering 120 horsepower. Pricing began at $2300 for the 2-door sedan and $2340 for the 4-door version. The station wagon listed for $2640.

The intermediate trim level for 1967 was the Fairlane 500. It came equipped with all the Fairlane trim plus special Fairlane 500 moldings and trim. They had color-keyed carpet and a choice of four nylon and vinyl upholsteries. There was a stamped aluminum lower bodyside molding that had the Fairlane name at the front edge and another aluminum stamping with the Ford name located on the vertical section of the trunk lid.

Body styles included in the Fairlane 500 were a 2- and 4-door sedan, hardtop coupe, convertible, and station wagons (a 6- and 9-passenger version).

Next was the Fairlane 500XL Series and was described as the sporty version. They had all the Fairlane 500 features plus special name plagues and exterior trim, Deluxe wheel covers, bucket seats and console, red safety lights, and white courtesy lights in the lower interior door panels. Six-cylinder cars could be purchased as a convertible or a hardtop coupe. V8-powered cars could be purchased as a hardtop coupe, convertible, GT Coupe, and GT Convertible. GT models came equipped with the 289 CID V8 engine rated at 200 horsepower. For the other cars, this was a $106 option. A two- and four-barrel 390 CID V8 was available.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2013