Survivor is a term commonly used by sellers to describe automobiles, and often, certain aspects of a vehicle don’t meet the definition of an all-original example. However, sometimes they get it right, or at least come close. The owner of this 1966 Ford Fairlane 500 station wagon calls this one a survivor, and it seems to have many attributes that could indeed constitute a near-survivor. Barn Finds reader Curevtte spotted this one here on eBay in Nogales, Arizona, and we’d like to thank him for taking the time to send in the tip! This family traveler is priced at $11,000, with no option available to submit a best offer.
Arizona is one of those climates that’s typically kind to automobiles, and this station wagon is no exception, with the seller describing the sheet metal as being rust-free. The exterior appears to remain straight and in overall fine condition, though there is a minor dent on the tailgate and some crumpling on the right side of the rear bumper. To be deemed a true survivor, a vehicle should also still be wearing its original paint. Although this isn’t confirmed, the finish is only described as fair, so I’m guessing most or all of the yellow on the outside could possibly be the factory coating.
One area that’s clearly stated as original is the interior, which looks about as good as could be expected for any auto that’s reached the six-decade mark, especially for a station wagon. The top of the dashboard is cracked, but that’s to be expected in the kind of heat found in Arizona, and there is a small amount of wear on the driver’s side of the front bench. However, the instrument panel appears to be in great shape, and it’s nice to see that this one is equipped with A/C. Unfortunately, it’s not blowing cold air right now, but the seller reports that all components are still present.
The entry-level engine here in ’66 was a 200 C.I. inline-six, with this one having a 289 V8 under the hood, which was the next size up. It’s said to be the factory powerplant, and paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. Obviously, the wheels are not original, but the seller has a set of factory hub caps and three steel wheels, so you’re only one rim away from restoring the exterior to a stock appearance. Is this 1966 Ford Fairlane 500 station wagon one you’d like to take out on the road this summer?
I have a soft spot for these late 60’s to late 70’s Ford station wagons, thanks to family vacation trips. My parents would put a twin mattress in the back, leave wayyy early in the morning and, by the time my brother and I woke up, we’d be in Montana, Wyoming or South Dakota. Just in time to crack open a couple of those barrel-shaped high fructose “fruit” drinks and start pleading with them to stop at a motel with a pool for the night. Good times!
I actually owned a 1966 Fairlane wagon this same color way back when, bought used. Mine had the 289 V8 but three-on-the-tree transmission and no AC or power steering.
As I recall I paid $400 for that car and that thing took a heap of abuse and just kept on going. Wish I still had it, but when gasoline reached the stratospheric price of something like 50 cents per gallon I replaced it with a 1971 Datsun 510.
Had a ‘ 68 Country Squire, with the 390 engine. Sucked gas, but who cared at 49.9 cents a gallon! A real “Family Truckster”.
Yes please! Though I’d totally prefer the AMC guy’s wagon with a 3spd and no ac.
Had a ‘66 hardtop for about 30 some years. Wish it hadn’t been such a rust bucket, I’d probably still have it. But always wanted a stacked headlight, midsize, Ford wagon. There was a wagon for sale in PA, years ago when we had a place out there, that I had a hankering for. But I couldn’t get serious about it as I wasn’t about to give up the hardtop then. I had dropped a 351w into it and was very interested in finding parts for a 4spd to swap in place of the existing c4 auto.
This wagon jogs the memories, the price looks pretty reasonable. Given different circumstances its purchase could be part of an awesome summer vacation driving it from the S West to the N East. Only thing I’d change for that trip would be those wheels for steelies.
great looking wagon and it’s got a/c as well. looks solid and rust free too. 11k would be a steal if it is as clean as it looks. love it
The only new car that my parents ever bought was a 1967 Fairlane 500 Station wagen. In Candy Apple Red with the all red interior and the 289 with an automatic transmission. Out of all the vehicles they ever had it is the one I wish I could have.
Since this was back in the days before you had to use a seat belt we would sometimes fold the rear seat back down and slide around the entire back when my dad hit the brakes.
Learn to drive on a 70 Fairlane 500. My dad ordered it in Grabber Orange with a Cleveland 351! Quite the grocery getter!
nice
Hoo-wee, she got a/c an everthin. Something’s up with the front clip, but man, load er up and drive.
What do you see on the front clip that looks off? From what I see it has the correct grill and the 289 with crossed flags was still on the bottom of the fenders then. My parents 67 had the 289 up on the upper front area.
The paint is fresher up front than the body.
These were pretty basic transportation vehicles back in the day,
but also very functional,before people thought they just had to have
a MEGA-sized SUV to haul kids around in & do grocery shopping with.
And anyone else remember 3 years of payments?
This listing sold on Mon, Jun 1 at 10:24 AM.