If a car with a known history is on your Shopping List, this 1966 Ford Fairlane GTA Convertible deserves a close look. It is a one-owner classic that underwent a frame-off restoration in the 1990s. It still presents exceptionally well as a driver-grade vehicle with a potent 390ci V8 under the hood. The buyer could perform a light cosmetic refresh, although none of its shortcomings are bad enough to make that essential. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the GTA listed here on eBay in Walled Lake, Michigan. The seller set their BIN at $34,900 OBO.
The Fifth Generation Fairlane range provided one of the automotive world’s great visual illusions. Its styling was more aggressive than its predecessor, providing a greater sense of presence. However, the tape measure revealed that this generation and the one before were almost inseparable across most crucial dimensions, except for overall width. This first-year Fairlane GTA looks stunning in Ivy Green, a shade that I consider one of the best to grace that year’s color palette. The seller confirms that this one-owner classic underwent a thorough restoration in the 1990s, and its presentation remains extremely tidy. The close-up shots reveal scratches and chips, but these are acceptable if potential buyers consider this Fairlane as a rust-free driver-grade vehicle. The Black power top is in good condition, while the trim and glass are spotless. The White stripes are free of checking, suggesting this Convertible hasn’t been exposed to adverse weather or harsh UV rays.
The Fairlane GT came standard with Ford’s 390ci V8. The GTA variant received a three-speed automatic transmission, with this car also featuring power-assisted steering and brakes. The GTA Convertible tips the scales at approximately 3,800 lbs, but with the engine producing a Ford-quoted 335hp and 427 ft/lbs of torque, this drop-top can still provide a relatively rapid wind-in-the-hair motoring experience. The engine bay presents exceptionally well for a classic of this vintage, and it doesn’t flatter to deceive. The new owner could fly in and drive this baby home, as it is in excellent mechanical condition and a turnkey proposition.
This Fairlane deserves credit for consistency. Its interior presents a similar standard to the exterior. The bright dash trim exhibits scuffs and marks, but with molding kits retailing for around $300, addressing this shortcoming wouldn’t break the bank. There are no visible issues with the Black vinyl trim or the matching carpet. The dashpad is crack-free, and the console is excellent. It doesn’t feature air conditioning, but who needs it when you can press the button, drop the top, and enjoy what Mother Nature provides for free? However, the car retains what appears to be its factory AM radio.
Possibly the most significant attraction of this 1966 Ford Fairlane GTA Convertible is that it allows the new owner to consider their options before embarking on any form of restoration. Its lack of rust means that there are no urgent needs, allowing the buyer to opt for preservation as a driver-grade classic. Fresh paint would make it “pop,” and may prove irresistible to some. However, it would provide the same level of enjoyment in its current form, while keeping some money in the new owner’s wallet. Which path would you choose if you decided to park this GTA in your garage?
Drive it and enjoy. šš
I would buy this over that way to expensive GT 500 Mustang any day and drive it every day
I would love to park this in my garage, I would just take my time to enjoy her and then decide what to do. I wouldn’t rush it. It just has so much potential I wouldn’t want to F- screw it up.
The Chevelle that year gets all the attention, but this car wouldn’t be a slouch at the strip or on the street. I wouldn’t enjoy it as is.
Just an observation. I have been a frequent contributor for many years. I have grown tired of ranting mostly trying to better manage my seemingly limited time. I stop back on occasion to check the latest pulse.
It seems Barn Find submissions have evolved more or less to cater to the collector car dealers. What was once a fundamental site to find those discoveries and oddities off the radar often on the cheap. I don’t consider vehicles over restored over detailed and dripping with spray and shine considered a barn find.
The Fairlane above is on multiple sites currently and is certainly not unknown and unfound.
I agree with you, to a certain extent. The writers here can’t feature vehicles that they don’t know about. You will notice that most of the vehicles featured here are submissions from readers. I submit as many as I can, mostly from Hagerty and FB Marketplace, because that’s all my limited time allows.
I can’t say why the writers pick the vehicles they choose to write about, but I invite anyone to submit any vehicles that they find interesting.
Find a car that you are passionate about and start searching and submitting. Become an active part of the process.
Hello, AMCFAN –
I also have noticed this trend. There are frequent contributors that share vehicles for suggested articles. If they come from a classic car dealer’s website, I would think the staff is aware. The next decision for a feature should be based on the merits of that vehicle, no matter who has it for sale.
Not fun to see a vehicle with an inflated price in a shiny showroom that was bought from the only owner at a lower price, but the classic car landscape has changed, for sure…
You are right. The staff is aware who posts and has what.
My definition of barn find is in my opinion is a forgotten vehicle left to the elements or or one at least neglected. A largely unrestored but well preserved car. It can even be a project car in process.
I don’t think a pristine vehicle presented in a photo shoot with a 99.95 needs anymore attention then it already receives. Advertising websites that are already out there catering to dealers.
Try and help advertise those truly forgotten vehicle and help the private owners get a fair shake.
AMCFAN –
I agree with you 110% – those Craigslist, eBay and Facebook Marketplace ads are always a fun find! Even with lack of pictures and descriptions, you never know what you find.
This screams fun and simpler times for me!! Love these.
Reminds me of my favorite show the INVADERS!! They had a lot of fords in the show…
The top 1960s TV show about UFOs and alien invasions was
The Invaders (1967-1968), starring Roy Thinnes as architect David Vincent, who fights an infiltrating alien force
I had a 1966 Galaxie 500 , the cousin to the Fairlane . It was a great car and headlights over and under made these cars look sharp. Mine had the 352 engine , but it would scoot. I bet this car with the 390 would be a fun drive. This is a great looking car.
You could fly in and drive it home, but only if it has an excellent heater!
I always thought that the 66 and 67 Fairlane would be the 57 Chevy of the 50ās.
I own one. Silver blue color. Great cars, but with the big 390 it really makes the car bury itself plowing through cornering. The 289 cars were a much more nimble and enjoyable to drive. The 390 is great if you’re always heading straight down the road.
AMCFAN you are absolutely correct! I echo what you stated as well as those who have already responded, as I have also noticed this trend here. It seems like everyday, thereās a new āfindā at one of several notoriously overpriced stealerships such as the one here from GR Auto Gallery, & Garage Kept Motors in Michigan down to that laughably ridiculous Primo Motors in Florida. That one is perhaps the worst. Olā Steve Lash scoops up Mecum Kissimmee cars where the market clearly speaks, then doubles the price, just waiting for some fool who hasnāt done any research to come along. And letās not forget about Atomic Motors in Henderson NV. Prices literally in outer space, just hoping some drunk gambler will stumble in off the strip & cash in his chips.
While itās fun to ridicule these prices as well as other countless overpriced dealers who are effectively ruining the hobby for most enthusiasts, I donāt see the point in BarnFinds providing free advertising & stray from the true spirit of their namesake.
Donāt forget John Clay Wolf and what heās doing to the hobby.
Sweet !
I could never beat one of these in a stop light grand prix in high-school. But, they could never beat me either. With a 390 GTA It always a dead heat with my hopped 283 ’55 Chev Convertible. I always liked this body style. I always thought that these were uni-body cars. If so, how can you do a frame off restoration? Just askin’ for a friend!
Frame off? It’s a unibody. Nice car. I wish people would paint the engine the right shade of blue when restoring a Ford. Happy holidays!
very nice!