Before owning a Ford, R-code meant nothing to me. I’ve since been enlightened. Seeing this Ivy Gold ’67 Fairlane 500 “sleeper” on eBay hit me like a shot of espresso. An original 427 paired with a 4-speed hidden beneath “grandma green” paint and a conservative, boxy exterior? Yes! It’s just the right amount of obscure and powerful that a second look was inevitable
Of course, rarity will likely drive the bidding high on this one. At a little over $25K when I drafted this post, the seller claims this is 1 of 72. I found a range of numbers that all confirm this is a super rare combination. The color is probably a love-it-or-hate-it scenario for most, but it takes me back to my first car, a ‘68 Impala in Ash Gold. Good memories.
All the excitement about the 427, and there’s only one picture of the engine bay. That said, the other shots are gorgeous, and the resolution shows enough detail that you can see the car isn’t perfect (the bumper chrome is marred and scratched, for example). The interior looks immaculate, the glass is crystal clear, the trim is pristine, and that understated 427 badge quietly makes a statement of superiority. I do have to wonder about the dirty, discolored white walls. Is this supposed to reinforce the “sleeper” look?
The car is The car is listed with a dealer in Cedar Rapids, IA. Their reviews are positive. Born and raised in Kansas, I tend to trust Midwesterners a little more than the general population. This car is so far out of my league that I couldn’t begin to guess how high the bidding will go. Others with a similar pedigree brought around 80K, and I found at least one case where bidding went to 140K. The eBay ad is full of technical information, so I’ll spare you a repeat of gear ratios, compression ratios, and race history. It’s worth a read just to find out more about the history of the 427. So what do you think, readers? Where do you think the reserve is set? Anyone out there interested in placing a bid?
Cool car. Like Curtis notes, it’s a sleeper. Not many made; I wonder how many still exist.
The dealer has been around for decades. If you pull up their inventory, note that most of the listings are “sold.” Only 44 are “available.” It is on their website for $140,000.
Asides: no Marti Report on a car of this stature ??; take a deep breath before you try to read the 19-line, single paragraph ebay ad; lots of pics; really cool background on the outdoor pics (makes me think they are recent.)
Thanks Curtis.
With all the new writers, I hope I don’t miss any, and welcome to Curtis, you just posted probably the most bad axx Ford of the 60s. The R code was a monster. Ford in the mid 60s was having great success on the ovals, but were getting walloped at the drag strip. Chrysler ruled the roost there. This car changed everything for Ford. I read only 92 ’67 R code Fairlanes were made, making this incredibly rare. I’m not sure future generations will understand the magnitude of that. Most of those ended up at the drag strip, but for some reason, not this one. One word. Traction. With those tires, and no ladder bars, be like skatin’ on eggs. This car was bought for oohs and ahhs at the drive in. If, and big if, you did get it to hook up, it did 0-60 in 4.8 sec and the 1/4 mile in 13.2@104 mph, 12s, easy. Again the R code added almost $1,000 to the cost, and wasn’t what most Fairlane buyers wanted anyway. The Fairlane went on to great heights in drag racing,, and it all started here. Unbelievable car here. Gannon would be proud,,,
Oh, by the way, it was well known the 427 here, advertised at 425 HP, but was closer to 500 and Fords hemi killer, for sure.
In the days when NASCAR wanted racers based on actual production cars, it wasn’t uncommon for manufacturers to underrate their engines. I have heard of actual power figures well north of 500 horses for the 427.
Those were the days!
“Open 9-inch rear with 3.89 gears” and those skinny tires????? When the light turns green, you’ll still be BBQing the tire at the end of the 1/4 mile.
I’ve never been a Ford fan, but this is probably the coolest car I’ve ever seen. I would like to take it for a test drive. I’m pretty sure I won’t make the highest bid. Thanks for the write up and the pictures.
Back in the 70s I knew someone that had one in red. He took off all 427 call outs. Replaced with 289s . Let’s say he never lost a race!!’😂😂
That first photo looks like the centerfold of a ’67 Ford brochure. Well done.