There is much to be said for purchasing a survivor-grade classic. They typically offer a more relaxed ownership experience than a pristine vehicle, but offer scope for improvement or restoration if the owner wants to make their mark. That is the opportunity provided by this tidy 1966 Ford Fairlane GTA Convertible. It presents well, but needs little to lift its appearance markedly. The icing on the cake could be the 390ci V8 under the hood, blessing the GTA with excellent performance. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J for spotting the Fairlane listed here on eBay in Springfield, Pennsylvania. A solitary bid of $30,000 is below the reserve, though the seller offers a BIN of $40,000 for those who view this Ford as a must-have.
This 1966 Fairlane emerged during the initial year of Fifth Generation production. Ford’s latest offering featured bolder and more aggressive styling than its predecessor, and although the wheelbase and width both grew, the car’s overall length was slightly shorter. The first owner ordered this Convertible in Silver Blue Metallic, paired with a White power top. The paint is in good condition, with only a few minor chips and marks. There are no significant panel imperfections, and the top fits nicely. The seller supplies several underside shots, revealing no evidence of rust or other issues. The trim looks comfortably acceptable for a survivor-grade classic, and I have always found Ford’s styled steel wheels in chrome, as found on this Fairlane, particularly attractive.
The interior is where the new owner could make their mark on this Fairlane. It isn’t horrendous and can be considered serviceable. However, with new seatcovers and a replacement carpet set, its appearance would lift markedly. The total outlay would be around $1,200 if the new owner replaced all of the seatcovers for a consistent look, but that is all it really needs. Of course, they might elect to replace only the front covers, which would reduce that figure accordingly. The few wrinkles in the door trims should stretch into shape, while the dash, pad, and console look pretty tidy. Although it isn’t lavishly equipped, the first owner ordered it with an AM radio for tunes on the move.
Lifting the hood reveals this Fairlane’s S-Code 390ci V8. The Dealer Bulletin quotes power and torque figures of 335hp and 427 ft/lbs, and, as the GTA variant, the power feeds to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission. Power-assisted steering and brakes will lighten the driver’s load, making the Fairlane a breeze to maneuver in tight spaces. The seller confirms that they recently rebuilt the Fairlane’s front end, fitted a new radiator, and replaced the power steering control valve and hoses. They identify a slight transmission leak as the only mechanical issue, though it sounds like a fault that does not require immediate attention. Therefore, it is probably fair to describe this Convertible as a turnkey proposition.
It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback on this 1966 Ford Fairlane GTA Convertible. Would you splash cash to refresh its interior, or would you fit a set of slipcovers to prevent further deterioration and enjoy the car as-is? Either approach is valid, though few experiences are more satisfying than stepping back to admire an interior you have returned to a pristine state. The bigger question is whether you are tempted to pursue this classic further. I wish you luck and years of motoring joy if you do.
I like the car but. For a large $40k I would expect a show ready car. The seller would do themselves a favor by investing a couple grand on an interior kit before listing at this price. As is imho $30k is all the money on this car.
I like the car too, but I agree with Rusty, $30k is all the money for this car.
Whatever a fair price might be, I’d say that overall the car looks nice enough that an interior refurbish would be appropriate. Silvery blue, one of my favorite colors.
It doesn’t have the GT steering wheel. Other than that it looks legit.
It’s a shame, because any GT of the same year GM brand would bring 50K +
I do believe that is the standard steering wheel, the wood rim ‘GT’ steering wheel was an extra-cost option. I learned to drive in a 1966 GT 4-speed and do not remember it having the wood rim. But then again, that was almost 50 years ago. So I could be wrong.
The simulated wood grain “Sport” steering wheel was an option. I had to order one over the counter from the Ford dealership where I bought a ‘66 GTA in May, 1966.
Great car and this is coming from a Chevy guy. Leaving it with out going all out restoring would be my two cents. I would definitely clean up that interior a bit and enjoy it.
Sweet….prefer the 1966 over the big taillights of 1967’s….
The roof profile of the car under the cover is of a ’66 Galaxie – wonder if it’s a 7 Litre or 500XL?