Survivor Class? 1966 Ford Fairlane 500

Usually, when we cover a 1966 Ford Fairlane, it’s a two-door hardtop or convertible in 500, 500/XL, or GT trim. Today’s discovery, courtesy of Curvette, is a Fairlane 500 two-door sedan or “Club Coupe” in Ford parlance – I believe a first for us. The seller considers this Fairlane to be a survivor, but I’m not entirely certain about that. So, with no further delay, let’s look this newly-restyled-for-’66 intermediate over and decide. Spokane, Washington, is where you’ll find this post coupe, and it’s available here on craigslist for $14,500

Fairlane’s ’66 trim levels started with the range-topping 500/XL, moved to the performance-oriented GT, continued with the Fairlane 500, and ended with the standard Fairlane bringing up the markers. Fairlane 500s were available in two-door hardtop, convertible, and sedan (Club Coupe) body styles, along with four-door sedans and station wagons. The total Fairlane 500 Club Coupe count amounted to 14K units, with another 13K bearing the entry-level “Fairlane” moniker.  While our subject appears to be straight and lacking body damage and rust, the finish (Patrician Green Metallic, maybe?) has clearly seen better days. It’s actually showing a lot of disintegration, the way a modern clear coat breaks down from a continual blast of ultraviolet rays. That said, the seller claims that it’s original. The chrome and trim, however, are pretty fair, and the wheels appear to be genuine Ford pieces, known as “Styled Steel Wheels” that were a Fairlane option in ’66.

Unfortunately, there’s no accompanying image of the 120 gross HP 200 CI in-line six-cylinder engine. The seller claims that despite 96K miles of use, “Runs and drives great—turn-key classic cruiser…Starts easy, drives smooth.” Also mentioned is the deployment of a two-barrel carburetor, an apparent upgrade over the original single-holer. Not surprisingly, an automatic transmission is perched behind the six-banger.

The cloth fabric interior has received the Zoro treatment – it is shredded! And, it was likely a cheerful looking environment when new – try to imagine finding upholstery like this in a new car! Anyway, the dashpad looks done, and the carpet is worn, but the remainder is still presentable. An underdash A/C unit is in place, but there’s no word on operational capability.

So, A survivor? Perhaps in the generic sense of the term, yes, but does it matter? The seller concludes with, “This is an honest survivor, not a restored or modified car. Hard to find these mid-60s Fairlanes still original and rust-free.” I suppose that’s true too, but let’s not confuse a “survivor” six-cylinder Club Coupe with a V8-powered GT or 500/XL two-door hardtop – there’s a big difference, and it matters on value. Speaking of value, I’m not close to feelin’ $14,500 for this rig; how about you?