eBay Find: ’66 R-Code 427 Fairlane. Bring The Big Bucks

Sure, late-model and vintage Mustangs are totally cool and all that. But once in a while we all have a craving for something just a little bit different, right? This one isn’t really all that out in left-field, though. Rather, it’s what we consider to be the ultimate Ford musclecar in terms of its look and its scope.

In terms of the look, we’re talking about the ’66-’67 Fairlane two-door hardtops that were produced for just those two short years, with one of the most dramatic rooflines extant during the 1960s.

In terms of the scope, it’s all about the dual-quad, R-code FE 427 that Ford fitted to a scant few of these striking mid-sized two-door hardtops that are often overlooked among similar-sized models like GM A-body (Chevy, Pontiac, Olds, and Buick) and Mopar B-body (Dodge and Plymouth) cars.

Not this time, campers. These Fairlanes are front and center here and the stodgy Wimbledon White ’66 Fairlane 500s R-code cars, of which only 57 were produced, are the biggest stars of the ’62-’68 mid-size Fairlane lot.

To paraphrase the ad on this example for sale on eBay, the vitals are as follows:

“This fully documented 427 Fairlane 500, is probably the most desirable Ford musclecar of all time,” the seller said. “Number 52 of 57 R-code Fairlanes produced for the 1966 model year, this car wraps a correct 427/4-speed drivetrain in original sheetmetal, a largely original interior and a vintage Wimbledon White single-stage finish. In the Ford musclecar realm, it doesn’t get much more special.”

The seller continues, “Original owner Jim Plavney had been tracking the the 427 Fairlane’s development and, after many attempts to order one of the rare cars, finally took delivery. Without logging any street miles, Jim promptly prepped the car for the NHRA Super Stock B Class. And it would spend the next 17 years and 138 miles focused on traversing 1,320 feet at a time as quickly as possible. At the end of that tenure, the car, still dressed in Jim’s black-and-silver racing livery, was sold to Clayton and Jeff Baker for a tidy $1,700. The Bakers installed a fresh 427 short-block and fresh medium-riser heads. The father/son duo eventually raced the car roughly a dozen times, getting into the 10s during several runs. Sometime in the ’80s, the body was sprayed in the correct Wimbledon White single-stage finish.

“And today, this car is a piece of storied Dearborn history that’s guaranteed to turn heads and start conversations. Remove the car’s functional hood and you’ll find a correct, 427ci side-oiler V8. Dearborn’s brass clearly installed the nastiest FE motor there was at the time, which was essentially a de-tuned NASCAR engine that also powered the iconic GT40. It won the 1966, 24 Hours of LeMans for Ford that year for the first time.”

“Under the car are its solid floors, with a rugged Toploader four-speed at the center,” the seller also related. “That transmission channels power to the original 9-inch rearend that has its correct 3.89:1 gear ratio.”

He continued, “Showing evidence of one-time aftermarket supplements, most likely common traction bars, the car’s suspension is currently restored to stock form; including vintage Gabriel shocks that are believed to be original equipment. Stops are smooth thanks to original front disc brakes. And torque melts the pavement through dog-dish-capped and body-matched steel wheels, which spin correct 7.75-14 BF Goodrich Silvertown blackwalls in front and 10.00-15 Firestone Dragster cheaters out back.”

Though our '66 Fairlane isn't an R-code car, its humble original straight-6 roots are well hidden with a hot 306ci small-block with a big roller cam and other cool stuff. And for about 95 percent less money, its similar stodgy Antique Bronze paint, same Ford dog-dish hubcaps and 15-inch steel wheels give it an almost identical street/strip vibe to the R-code car that we love so much.

Reviewing the mostly-original interior, you’ll find it has a standard front bench seat and a stock dash with its ultra-cool radio-delete plate that features a Ford crest emblem. To cap it all off, the car’s original window sticker is still attached to its quarter glass. How neat is that?

Next to our car at last year’s Galpin Ford car show is a ’67 R-code Fairlane owned and flawlessly restored by our friend Rob Ball. This is a 500XL version which adds bucket seats and a console over a standard 500, which is what all ’66 R-code cars were. This car is one of 72 R-code 500XLs produced for 1967 and one of only three finished in Vintage Burgundy.

“If you’re a fan of ’60s Detroit muscle that’s as pure as the day it left the assembly line, it doesn’t get much better than this highly authentic R-code Fairlane.” the seller said. We will certainly drink to that.

About the author

Miles Cook

Miles Cook began his automotive writing career at SEMA, then spent a year at Turbo & Hi-Tech Performance covering the ’90s import scene. He then worked for Car Craft magazine, where he became the de-facto Ford guy on the staff. Next, he went to Mustang Monthly where all Mustangs were the mainstay. Miles is well versed in vintage and late model Mustangs as well as GM, Ford, and Mopar musclecars. His expansive background ensures that Miles is right at home writing for Power Automedia.
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