Ford shifted the Fairlane nameplate to a new mid-size car in 1962, filling a void between the full-size Galaxie and compact Falcon. The car received its first redesign in 1966 and gained stacked headlights like the senior Fords. This ’66 is a Fairlane 500 XL (“Xtra Lively”), a sporty convertible with bucket seats. It’s a beautiful car owned by the same party for 30 years and can be found in Foxfield, Colorado, and is available here on craigslist for $22,500. Credit goes to Barn Finder Mike F. for this cool tip!
For 1966-67, the Fairlane rode on a revised, extended platform donated by the Falcon, also redone in ’66. While the big Fords had an XL version since 1962, 1966 was the first year for a Fairlane XL. Ford built more than 317,000 Fairlanes in 1966, of which 14,000 were XL convertibles like this one. We suspect most of them were fitted with the same 289 cubic inch V8 that’s said to be under the hood of this car, although the seller overlooked the favor of a photo.
The 289’s original 2-barrel carburetor/manifold was switched for a 4-barrel set-up. The C4 automatic transmission has been treated to a mild shift kit. The car has been upgraded to disc brakes (all four wheels?), and new or newer parts include the dual exhaust, radiator, and a front sway bar. The Ford has more than 81,000 miles, though the presentation looks like it has a lot less.
Candy Apple Red paint adds to the appeal of the vehicle, and it looks fresh. The floorboards were replaced when the interior was refreshed, along with (we think) the black convertible top. The 15-inch “bone” wheels really set off the whole package. We don’t know the history of the Fairlane other than it’s had the same caretaker since around 1995. Could this Ford be part of an estate sale? Because if it were mine, I’d be holding on to it.
This is one absolutely sweet Fairlane. Very nicely done. I wouldn’t change a thing.
I am currently in the process of resto-modding a 1967 XL 500 S-code(390) convertible. Installing a Sniper Cross-Ram 427 Sideoiler motor and 5 speed Tremec. These 66-67 Fairlanes whether hardtop or convertible are overlooked nd under appreciated cars. This is a steal at this price especially with the consoles going for $1,000 to $1,500 not alone the cost of restoring the whole car.
The S-code 390-4V was only available in the ’66-’67 Fairlane GT/GTA. The 390-4V in the XL was a Z-code.
Not to mention those 66/67 Fairlane only seats…..that 8″ is coded Fairlane as well….
The ’66-’67 Fairlanes were my favorite Fords of that era. Those coke bottle shaped rear 1/4s were a great look, and the first year of the big block were great for straight line dragging but terrible in corners. The console and floor shift and bucket seat option was a great addition.
I have a ’66 Fairlane GTA convertible myself and love it.
certainly a fav of mine w/the stamped single piece grill’n stacked hdlghts. The vert just adds more. Nice straight lines between the bulgem0biles of the 50s and the ‘humps over the wheels’ of the muscle. Even the interior ina modern car would B alright, Not a luxury vehicle but nice’n solid. After decades of Italians and 2, 3 Japanese the 116 inch WB might B a lill long to me but I have pick ups so no deal breaker. Is the style only for guys my age? Younger/older folk dont see the value? Is it my ford bias? I even like the matching comet (& falcon altho the bird didnt have the stacked lghts).
Nice
Yep…..would be a buy in my book as well….1966 preferred….