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427 Powered 1966 Ford Fairlane GT

Ford’s 1966 and 1967 Fairlanes rank high on my list of Cars to Own. Though I normally favor sleepers, this in-your-face ’66 with its pinned 427 hood, mottled primer, and slicks makes me want to click “Place Bid.” Located in Montgomery, Alabama, this 1966 Fairlane GT finds itself searching for a new owner here on eBay.

First off, kudos to the seller for drafting an excellent listing (clear high-resolution pictures and plenty of details) when some wrongly believe its acceptable to take a few iPhone pictures and 27 words to sell a $50,000 car. Like all 1966 Fairlane GTs, this one left the factory with the stout “S” code 390 cid V8.

Though currently sporting a drag-race-friendly C6 transmission, a manual transmission backed the original 390, and the car comes with the separate three-pedal assembly. The roll cage is bolted (not welded), and other precautions were taken should a later owner wish to return it the leisurely life of a full-time street car. It even comes with a 390 GT hood.

Few people complain about this car’s original 325 HP S code “Thunderbird Special” 390, but later in life this car swallowed a 427 FE “Center Oiler” from 1963. Stock, this motor was no joke, using an 11.6:1 compression ratio, solid lifters, and other tricks to make 410 HP and 476 lb⋅ft of torque (thanks to wikipedia.org for some details). The seller does not know the history of the engine, but rest assured those numbers probably represent minimums after any respectable rebuild. I’d walk by a row of perfect 390 Fairlanes to talk with the owner of this one, and I’d have to give this car a safety shake-down and run it as-is for a while, even if I eventually restored it. What would you do with this rough-and-ready Fairlane?

Comments

  1. HoA Rube Goldberg Member

    In the 60’s, Ford meant business in high performance cars. I think they beat them all to the punch with this car. This motor was not the real beast, that was the R code dual quad, of which I read, they made 57 in 1966. Still, make no mistake, this car would set you back, and probably lift the front wheels off. While I never cared for the stacked headlights, this was one fast, good looking
    car. Took the others several years to catch up.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Matt Trummer

      Rube I am a Mustang Maniac. The 427 I thought was only for a Shelby and only 1/2 of 1968. Have did this 427 show up? Had NO idea a Fairlane ever received one.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Jim

        There were no Shelby’s in ’68 that came with a 427. Only the GT500 had a 428PI and the KR used the 428CJ half way through the year. 427 and 428 are two entirely different animals. Only a few documented 427 Shelby GT500’s in ’67.

        Like 0
      • Avatar KKW

        The 427 was made from mid-63 through 68, and was available in most models, including later Mustangs, although I have never seen or heard of one.

        Like 0
      • Avatar TriPowerVette

        @KKW – Absolutely correct. At one point, there was an extended research performed. The goal was to determine whether or not there had actually been any 427 ’67 (I don’t recall whether or not ’68 was included) Mustangs produced. There were and are factory brochures in existence, as well as option codes on order forms, etc… But there had never been one example produced as far as anyone could determine.

        It was the option that never was.

        By mid-1968, Ford was ballyhooing the 428 C.J. as the next coming, even though it was little more than a cheaper-to-produce 428 bottom end, mated to a pair of mid-riser 427 heads. The real puzzler was the fact that all FE engines 352, 390, 406, 427 and 428 were essentially identically-sized packages, and for all intents and purposes, fit the exact same space.

        On the other hand, many 427’s were installed into the unsuspecting engine compartments of lots of 1967 and 1968 Mustangs.

        I remember one example was that of a gentleman who used to cruise Central Avenue in Phoenix, back when that meant something.

        (That was the same Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, that saw a host of 50 Hemi-powered cars make two passes down the Avenue as a flight. My brother’s and my 1971 HemiCuda convertible was staged next to a ’27 T-Bucket with a tunnel-ram-equipped Hemi. That was an AWESOME night.)

        Anyway, the man’s name was Buddy Hall, and his 1968 427-powered Mustang FB was caged, and had all the M&H Racemaster that could be stuffed under the fenders. That was a brutal car.

        He and I never met in anger. Lucky for me.

        Like 1
    • Avatar TriPowerVette

      The 1966 / 1967 427 Fairlane / Comet is one of my bucket list cars. That being said, the author’s statement that the industry too years to catch up completely ignores the 426 Hemis, and 427 Chevys of the period.

      The 427 Corvettes were so potent that NHRA wouldn’t even let them run against other cars, but had to run in the ‘Corvette’ class, against other Corvettes only. 427 Chevys were also available as an RPO option in the entire Biscayne-Bel Aire – Impala line. Tuners were putting the 427s into Chevelles and Camaros.

      Do I need to say anything about the Hemi’s and 440’s? They represented the most brutal competitors of the period. ANY mid-size-car driver that came up against an Elephant-powered, say, a Plymouth Belvedere with a factory Aluminum Front-end, knew they had their hands full. The tuners were putting those monsters into Darts and Barracudas.

      Ford has ALWAYS been a strong competitor. Ford-powered cars have won everything worth winning throughout the years. 427 Fairlanes were tough in the Super Stock Ranks, but to dismiss 427 Chevys and 440 and 426 Hemi Mopars is really a travesty.

      Like 1
  2. Avatar mike

    Run it til the wheels fall off…then do it up again!

    Like 0
  3. Avatar KKW

    Just one example of Ford’s domination of every class of racing in the 60s.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Tom Member

      What? I am a GM guy but have you heard of Nascar, 1969 and the Daytona/Superbird? I am not an avid race statistic guy but I am waiting to hear from them….weird comment dude.

      Very cool car. Would love to buy this one. No time and less money right now !!! Ugh !

      Like 0
      • Avatar KKW

        That’s a weird comment? I suggest you do some research. I am quite familiar with NASCAR, including the year of 1969, which also belonged to Ford. And how bout 48 wins out of 55 races in 1965.

        Like 0
    • Avatar Tom Member

      I guess your wording of “every class” in a 10 year period bothered me.

      I will give you 1965. 1 year does not make a decade.

      Ford can’t buy a Nascar win these days just ask Brad K.

      Don’t get me wrong, I am not a Ford guy BUT I love MANY Ford cars from the 60’s. I am a GM guy. Always wondered why MOST people (not every one) restore 30’s Fords and put Chevy motors in them? Anyway.

      Like 0
      • Avatar KKW

        No, one year does not make a decade. Rather than contradicting, try simply reading a NASCAR history book.

        Ford can’t buy a NASCAR win these days? Ford and chevrolet each won 10 races last season. Hmm, apparently chevrolet can’t buy a win either, ask Jimmy J. Lol.

        Never really understood why people bastardize old Fords with orange crates. I think because they’re cheap, they’re a dime a dozen, and anybody with a shoebox full of tools and half a brain can throw one together.

        Like 1
  4. Avatar Steve M

    This car is 2 hours away and i NEED to bid, but Egay and I had a serious falling out a few years ago and Ill never buy or sell there again. If by chance the seller sees this, reply to my post with an email and Ill send my phone number.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Steve M

      I reread the ebay……never mind. No title is a deal breaker for me, I know there are many ways around it, but Ive lost my butt on a 280z and a Honda CRX in the past……..no thanks, I learned after 2

      Like 0
    • Avatar grant

      Ya, I think I know why Ebay kicked you off…

      Like 0
  5. Avatar Troy s

    Fearsome Ford!
    427 Fairlane was what Ford needed on the street to really go tiger hunting in ’66, top 390 was rated at 335 horsepower but lacked serious performance, poor heads had a lot to do with it which were specific to the 335 horse version. ’67’s could be had with single quad 427 however, a whole whopping 200 or so were built, but that 427 was just too serious and temperamental for most folks, not to mention expensive.
    The car above is so cool as it sits I wouldn’t change a thing, not even a paint job. Killer drag car.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Classic Steel

    Titles are a tuff item to get and salvage kills values. To make a ford matching numbers one needs a 390 that’s 90 days prior to build or both date.

    The current engine is worth money as these at getting harder to find .

    First on race day meant much back in the day with big blocks !

    Like 0
    • Avatar RockNRoll

      With Ford’s, a numbers matching engine isn’t as deterimental as GM products.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Classic Steel

        If you can get the Title and Marti Report showing build date then one can find the engine less than 90 days and say its original. This is still not a easy feat.. but possible… no 90 days prior then NOM and value drops.

        I have had many corvettes where every thing is stamped from frame to engine to bird cage etc.. etc..

        Like 0
  7. Avatar Dusty Stalz

    I’d leave the cage in and drive it daily. My wife wouldn’t be able to get in but my girlfriend would have no trouble lol.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jeffro

      Best comment of the day!

      Like 0
  8. Avatar Jim

    I’d be very careful on this one as that 427 does not look like a “real” 427. Look closely at the cross bolts. There are no machined bosses for the washers to rest in on the block. It is a common trick to turn a 390, 428, etc into a look alike 427 by drilling the holes and installing caps with washers both inside and out to make it appear as a 427 and it definitely strengthens the bottom end if done correctly but it’s not original and I’ll bet good money the price is being driven by the idea that you get an authentic 427 Center Oiler out of the deal.

    Like 0
    • Avatar phil

      and check to see if it has been sleeved many cracked cylinder walls with the 427 i know from experience i had a 66 cyclone that I blew up the 390 so in went a 427 easy to do

      Like 0
  9. Avatar wuzjeepnowsaab

    I’m with you Todd. 66-67 Fairlanes are hands down my favorite Fords.

    Like 0
  10. Avatar Classic Steel

    Looks like one of each headlight needs to go for ram air old school!

    Like 0
  11. Avatar jay bree

    no title….sigh……

    Like 0
    • Avatar kenzo

      just checked the ad and the seller has found the title

      Like 0
  12. Avatar Ed

    Who needs a title drive it like you stole it leave as is

    Like 0
  13. Avatar john chump

    If the engine is legit….$5,000

    Like 0
  14. Avatar George Soffa

    When I blew the S-code 390 in my 67 Fairlane GT, on a kamikaze run to a mountain party, New Years Eve 1969 , I knew right then there was only one thing to do ! I bought a 66 427 Side Oiler with the Dual Quads , in pieces and went to work ! In four months , I balanced and blueprinted the motor, down to both piston end and crank end of the Le Mans rods and forged steel crank ! I matched the intake ports of the heads and manifold and many other details! Suffice it to say, I made believers out of some Bow tie 427 skeptics , and with a 5.14 Locker rearend , it would wind to 7500 rpm as it went through the lights ! Scared the hell out of me a few times, as well ! Most memorable car I ever owned!

    Like 0
    • Avatar phil

      as I said i did the same with a 66 cyclone….and just had drum brakes…..scary car

      Like 0
  15. Avatar SC/RAMBLER

    I wouldn’t care whether the 427 (if it’s actually a 427) is original or not. 428 had smaller bore but longer stroke to make a more street friendly engine. This needs the 4 speed to be more fun. Always loved doing full throttle speed shifts. Although at 60 I’m sure I would be better off with an automatic transmission.

    Like 0
  16. Avatar RicK

    If we’re talking travesty, don’t forget to mention 421 Dual Quad Pontiacs, 455 Stage 1 Buicks and Tri-Power 455 Oldsmobiles, all were very potent machines

    Like 0
    • Avatar TriPowerVette

      @RicK – Thank you for your thoughts, and yes, there are maany more that I could’ve added, but I was only naming the contemporaries to the 1966 /1967 427 Fairlane / Comet / Cyclone, in response to @Rube Goldberg -‘s statement that “Took the others several years to catch up.”

      Respectfully: Oh, no it didn’t.

      The 427 Fairlanes were just another salvo, fired in the muscle car wars of the time. Those Fairlanes kept Ford in the thick of things (as would the 427 Mustang have, had they actually built any).

      You are correct about the 421 SD Ponchos (especially the aluminum front end versions), but I didn’t mention them, because they were a few years earlier in the horsepower wars. I probably shouldn’t have mentioned the Aluminum-front-end Chevys and Mopars, because the most recent of those was still 2 years before the 1966 Fairlane, but hey, you gotta draw the line somewhere.

      AAaaaannnnndd, there were no such things as tri-power 455 anythings, Buick, Pontiac or Oldsmobile. Interestingly; with 1″ spacers (available from Kenne-Bell), the 455 Buick could use the Mopar 440 Six Pack setup with only throttle bracket modification (and maybe hood clearance mods as well). Of course, tri-power was available for almost anything via the aftermarket (Edelbrock, Weiand, etc…)

      Thanks again.

      Like 0
  17. Avatar James boyd

    A 427 medium riser was detuned in the GT40 for reliability at Le Mans and it made 485 hp. The 427 was underrated at 410 & 425 hp. Per The Complete Ford Book swapping out the cam, steel head gaskets, headers, Le Mans rods and a 427 can make 600 hp. They where almost at their max from the factory. Price is way too high.

    Like 0
  18. Avatar James

    Title has been found. The seller has added that he now has the title. I’d love to have this car.

    Like 0
  19. Avatar chad

    I like the ‘lines’ (from ALL angles)
    the 1 yr stacked headlight ‘chero is 1 of my 3 or 4 fav body styles too.

    Like 0

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