1966 Ford Fairlane 500 Convertible
For consignment, a 1966 Ford Fairlane 500 convertible, garage kept, with low ownership, an older repaint, and some updated parts our consignor had installed.
Exterior
Repainted in 1980 in its original Ivy Green Metallic, its single stage coverage shows some age, lacking the definitive shine of two stage paint, but looking period correct and original. Stacked headlights flank a wide grille with handsome vertical strakes above a robust chrome bumper with embedded market lights. Ford is written broadly on the nose of the hood which is a flat plane with center fold that leads to a vented cowl. The metalwork is a combination of pieces in very nice condition with others that would benefit from restoration, if that's the direction of the next owner. The square taillights bookend a wide and straight tail where Ford is expressed again on the lid of a trunk that is also wide and flat. Color matched 14-inch steel wheels wear period Ford hubcaps that look great. Imperfections include chips, scratches, some bubbling down low, and taped over holes on the white canvas top.
Interior
Soiled surfaces on the intact door panels are begging for a deep cleaning or restoration and present in barn find condition. The split bench, also intact, is discolored and dirty while the back seat also shows dirt and staining, and side panels are just dirty. The two tone steering wheel shows patina and its narrow column is shared by a slim shifter and gear indicator, all leading to a simple dash that is dirty but complete, including an AM radio. The gold loop carpet is in decent condition and some vintage rubber mats reside on top. The trunk contains a spare and the jack over a plaid mat that shows usage.
Drivetrain
We open the hood to reveal a 200ci inline 6 cylinder engine rated at 120 horsepower, fueled by a 1-barrel carburetor. The bay is driver quality, undetailed, and our consignor states it has newer belts, hoses, water pump, radiator, and exhaust manifold. A C4 3-speed automatic transmission sits behind it and sends power to the Ford 8" rear with 3.25 gears. Drum brakes are supplied front and back.
Undercarriage
Driver quality conditions underneath with typical surface rust, residual oil, and grease on the knuckles. The single exhaust runs to a stock style muffler, and this one has holes, then exists through a standard steel pipe under the car. Coil spring suspension is found up front, and leaf springs are in the back. The undersides of the doors have surface rust, but no invasive rust was noted.
Drive-Ability
The fuel sipping inline 6 started up without complaint and the big convertible traveled onto the test loop where it tracked straight, stopped fine, and handled well. We do note that there's a miss under heavy acceleration and the windshield wipers are not working. All other functions on the simply configured car all work as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Here's a car with great bones, a handsome shape, straight panels, and of course, a soft top for your consideration. With the right ingredients, this could be quite the build. But even without intervention, it presents as a decent driver that is, in every way, a classic automobile. The Fairlane community is well populated and enthusiastic and welcoming regardless of where you are on the Fairlane ladder of collectability.
6H45T130775
6-1966
H-Lorain, OH Assy Plant
45-Fairlane 500 Convertible
T-200ci 120hp I6
130775-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
