1966 Ford Fairlane 500
Fairlane · New 390 big block available. GT and GTA models added. GTA = ... · The GTA introduced the automatic big block mid-size — a forgotten giant
Ultra Rare
Production & Overview
Total Production
229,600
Original MSRP
N/A
Assembly Plants
Atlanta, GA · Kansas City, MO · Mahwah, NJ
Wheelbase
116 inches
Body Styles
2-Door Hardtop · Convertible · 4-Door Sedan
Curb Weight
3,160 lbs
Notable Packages & Production
427 R-code — 427R
8-12x base
Unknown
produced
Available Engines
200 200ci — inline-6
Base six cylinder
120 hp
289-2V 289ci — V8
Base V8
200 hp
289-4V 289ci — V8
Optional 4-barrel
225 hp
390GT 390ci — V8
GT and GTA standard big block
335 hp
427 427ci — V8
Race engine R-code — extremely rare in Fairlane
410 hp
Buyer Checklist
⚠ Clone warning: 427 non-matching loses 70%+. Always verify with cowl tag, engine stamp, and registry before purchase.
Order Marti Report for production verification
Check door tag engine code (Z=390, R=427)
Verify GT or GTA trim via door tag
Inspect floor pans and lower body for rust
Check frame rails
Verify correct 390 or 427 engine
427 cars — verify all R-code specific components
Check convertible top mechanism if applicable
Verify correct transmission for trim level
Road test all systems
Known Problem Areas
Floor pan rust — very common
Lower quarter panel rust
427 fraud — any 390 can be made to look like 427
Frame rail corrosion
Convertible top mechanism failure
What Drives Value
↑ Increases Value
427 R-code with documentation — values $100,000+
Convertible GT with 390
Numbers-matching 390 GT
Marti Report confirmed
↓ Decreases Value
427 fraud
Non-matching engine
Heavy rust
Clone GT
Restoration Overview
Difficulty
Medium
Parts Availability
Fair — improving reproduction market
Driver Quality Cost
$15,000 – $30,000
Show Quality Cost
$35,000 – $70,000
Key Suppliers
National Parts Depot · Marti Auto Works · Dennis Carpenter Ford
Pop Culture & Legacy
The underdog mid-size Ford that competed with the GTO and Chevelle
GTA model pioneered the big-block automatic combination in a mid-size
Strong following among Ford muscle car collectors
Other Ford Fairlane 500 Years