The rise of SUVs and vans spelled the end for domestic Station Wagon production. I’ve always considered that to be a shame, because the traditional Wagon offers a wonderful compromise between practicality and comfort. Buyers now face a choice between spending their money on an import or investing their cash in a classic like this 1966 Ford Fairlane 500 Wagon. It is a neat and tidy vehicle with no immediate needs. The V8 under the hood should provide decent performance, making it ideal for summer adventures for the entire family. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder curvette for spotting the Fairlane listed here on Craigslist in Granite Falls, Washington. It appears that the seller has dropped their price, initially listing the Wagon at $17,950, but now indicating a figure of $14,950.

Ford brought its Fifth Generation Fairlane range to showrooms in 1966, with our featured 500 Station Wagon emerging during that model year. Its history is slightly vague, although the seller confirms that it has spent its life in California before finding its way to its current location. Therefore, the fact that the underside shots show the original Red oxide and no evidence of rust is unsurprising. In fact, the only steel penetration is confined to a couple of small patchable areas in the lower two-way tailgate. The rest of the Wagon looks sound, and the seller believes that the Ford has never been in any major accidents. They state that it received a repaint in its factory Antique Bronze Metallic at some point, but it is unclear when this occurred. It isn’t perfect, although the pleasant shine and lack of significant problems have left the Wagon looking very presentable. The images confirm that the trim shows slight age, and the seller recently added the period-correct 15″ styled wheels and Cooper Cobra tires because the original steelies looked pretty horrible.

I would describe this Fairlane’s interior as tidy and serviceable, although it won’t win the buyer many show trophies. The original Beige vinyl seatcovers have made way for velour cloth, and a cracked pad motivated the seller to install a cap to hide the problem. Somebody has disguised the typically scarred rear cargo area under vinyl that looks okay. The fit is out in a few spots, and I would probably remove it and find a more appropriate solution. The carpet is faded beneath genuine Ford floor mats, and some painted and upholstered surfaces show their age. The factory air conditioning needs a service to blow cold, but none of these shortcomings require urgent attention if the buyer wishes to enjoy this classic immediately.

This Wagon’s mechanical specifications should provide the new owner with a relatively effortless driving experience. The first owner equipped it with a C-Code 289ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, and power-assisted steering and brakes. Ford’s Sales Brochure confirms a power output of 200hp for the C-Code, which should provide very respectable performance in a classic that can comfortably seat six. The seller believes that the motor may have received a top-end refresh at some point, and the vehicle recently received a service. The Fairlane runs and drives perfectly, the transmission shifts smoothly, and it appears that the new owner could fly in and drive it home.

This 1966 Fairlane 500 Station Wagon is a wonderful classic, and well worth considering if you are an enthusiast with children. It is unquestionably practical and would allow the entire family to become fully involved in the ownership experience. It may prove to be the motivation for a new generation of enthusiasts, something that is always welcome to ensure the longevity of the classic scene. It will be fascinating to learn whether we have any readers who like what they see enough to pursue this Fairlane further.