Car: Ford Fairlane 500 Hardtop Coupe
Year: 1966
What makes it special: The Ford Fairlane was revised in 1966. Compared to the boxy-looking 1962-1965 Fairlane, the 1966 models were pleasing to the eye, and marginally aerodynamic as well. The appearance was changed to match the full-sized Ford, which had been restyled in the 1965 model year. The front end featured vertically stacked dual headlights. The XL, GT, and GTA packages were introduced, as well as a convertible to join the existing range of sedans, hardtops, and station wagons.
What made it famous: The base engine for 1966 was a 200 hp, 289 V8, mated to Ford’s Synchro-smooth 3-speed manual transmission The “K-code” 289 CID engine was dropped this year. The GT featured a 390 ID FE V8 as standard, while the GTA also included the newly introduced thee Sportshift Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission. The GT/GTA 390 CID engine developed 335 bhp with higher compression, and had a 4-barrel carburetor. The Fairlane Squire wagon was reintroduced for 1966. The Ford Fairlane was revised in 1966. Compared to the boxy-looking 1962-1965 Fairlane, the 1966 models were pleasing to the eye, and marginally aerodynamic as well. The appearance was changed to match the full-sized Ford, which had been restyled in the 1965 model year. The front end featured vertically stacked dual headlights. The XL, GT, and GTA packages were introduced, as well as a convertible to join the existing range of sedans, hardtops, and station wagons.
Why I would want one: Actually, had one. My first “legal” car. ( meaning it was actually registered, and not residing in my parents driveway. ) Same year, same model. Bought with money I was SUPPOSED to use for my High School ring.
Fun fact: A 1966 Ford Fairlane 4-door Sedan model was used in the TV Detective series “Dragnet,” starring actors Jack Webb and Harry Morgan (who would later gain more fame as Col. Sherman T. Potter in the TV series M.A.S.H. )
