Ah, teenagers. They are a fascinating section of our society. Nobody can accept and adapt the latest technology to their needs more quickly and effectively than a teen, and their insatiable appetite for the online world means they are generally better informed than we were at their age. However, they can cause an enthusiast longing for a classic Convertible untold heartache. Like their clothes, a vehicle might provide sufficient room to accommodate them this year, but the inevitable growth spurt many experience means that such vehicles can quickly become unviable. That’s where cars like this 1966 Fairlane 500 Convertible slot nicely into the equation. It presents well, its engine bay houses a healthy V8, and there is enough passenger space for all but the tallest basketball-playing teen. It needs a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Chester, New York. Bidding sits below the reserve at $11,725, but plenty of time remains to measure your children to determine whether submitting a bid would be the next logical move.

This Fairlane is 1-of-9,299 ordered as the “500 Convertible” derivative in 1966, with the seller admitting it received a repaint in its original shade of Springtime Yellow. Its overall presentation probably isn’t perfect, but it is good enough to attract attention for the right reasons on the street or at a Cars & Coffee. The exterior shines nicely, with no significant flaws or defects. The Black power top provides a striking contrast. It is free from rips and tears, operating as it should. There are no visible signs of rust, and the underside shots reveal no nasty hidden surprises. The trim and glass look exceptional for a driver-grade classic, while the shiny Magnum 500 wheels look right at home on this Ford.

If this Fairlane has a weakness, it could be the few trim flaws that prevent the interior from presenting perfectly. The carpet shows some fading, particularly in the back seat. It isn’t horrendous, and the winning bidder might choose to live with it rather than spend $250 on a new carpet set. More visible are the cracks in the dash pad. Cracking is a common problem as the vast expanses of plastic and foam succumb to UV abuse. Throwing on a cover costing $50 would hide the fault from prying eyes, but I believe this car deserves better than that. A replacement pad retails for $700, which represents a significant investment. Fitting a replacement and then throwing on the cover should ensure this problem is never repeated. The upholstered surfaces are spotless, and no other flaws require attention. For those enthusiasts with teens, there is no shortage of rear seat legroom.

The V8 hiding under this Fairlane’s hood is not the most potent on the planet, but it should satisfy the needs of most potential buyers. It is the sweet little C-Code 289ci powerplant, producing 200hp and 282 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a three-speed automatic transmission, while the original owner decided to pass on the idea of power assistance for the steering and brakes. Many consider the car’s ability to cover the ¼-mile in 17.8 seconds irrelevant, but there are a few attributes worth considering. This Convertible should comfortably cruise on the open road at 70mph, while the low-end torque delivery means it would get up and moving pretty smartly if the driver floored the gas to overtake someone at highway speed. The seller indicates they recently fitted new tires, brakes, wheel cylinders, shocks, and a battery. The car runs and drives perfectly and is ready for some top-down touring with a new owner behind the wheel.

Finding a classic with impressive looks and practicality can be challenging, but this 1966 Fairlane 500 Convertible ticks those boxes. Its needs seem minor, and the winning bidder could choose to address them at their leisure. Its overall condition suggests the auction should run out of steam before hitting $20,000. However, ruling out a higher figure would be unwise with thirty-one bids submitted. Would you consider this Fairlane Convertible a viable classic buy if you have growing teenagers?