1966-1967 Ford Fairlane 500XL/GT & GT/A

For many car enthusiasts, the Ford Fairlane wasn’t initially associated with sportiness until the 1966-1967 models, the 500XL/GT and GT/A, arrived. Many overlooked the fact that Ford’s high-performance 271-bhp 289-cid V-8 engine first debuted in the Fairlane. Even fewer knew about the Fairlane-based Thunderbolt’s achievements in 1964.

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A wide range of handling and performance features soon became available, yet most buyers still viewed Fairlanes as practical family cars. The Fairlane sedan stood out with its appealing design and smooth road manners, though it was essentially a larger version of the Falcon.

In 1966, perceptions shifted with the introduction of the elegant 500XL and the high-performance GT. Both models elevated the Fairlane's reputation as a car deserving attention.

That year, mid-size Fords received a redesigned body while retaining the previous 116-inch wheelbase. The boxy silhouette was replaced with clean, sculpted lines and minimal trim, giving Fairlanes a refined and modern appearance. Curved side glass, stacked quad headlights, tall vertical taillights, upswept quarter panels, and low-profile 14-inch tires enhanced the car's dynamic look. Two-door hardtops featured a graceful semi-fastback roofline.

At the top of the lineup, the 500XL hardtop coupe and convertible offered bucket seats with a console and bucket-style rear seating. Engine options ranged from a 120-bhp six-cylinder to two powerful 390 V-8s. Most buyers opted for the mid-range 289-cid V-8, delivering 200 reliable horsepower. For added style, XLs could be upgraded with a vinyl roof, accent stripes, and a wood-tone steering wheel.

The GT model was even sportier, featuring a Thunderbird Special-tuned 390 V-8 as standard, producing 335 bhp and promising impressive performance. The engine included a high-lift cam and a large Holley four-barrel carb, adorned with chrome accents. GTs showcased bold triple racing stripes, nonfunctional hood vents displaying engine displacement, a rear-deck emblem, and a distinctive blacked-out crossbar grille.

A three-speed manual transmission came standard, but buyers often chose the four-speed option for $183 or the SportShift Cruise-O-Matic automatic for $215. Opting for the automatic turned the GT into a GT/A, though it still permitted manual gear shifts. A tachometer was available as an additional cost.

Enhanced handling was central to the Gran Touring concept, achieved through stiffer springs and a reinforced front stabilizer. Firestone 7.75 x 14 whitewall tires were rated for speeds up to 125 mph. Optional cast steel wheels were priced at $93.

1966 marked the debut of the Fairlane convertible. In GT configuration, it was priced at $3068, $225 more than the hardtop, with an optional power top. While popular, the XL and GT models accounted for only 20% of total Fairlane production.

Proceed to the next page to discover the updates introduced in the 1967 Ford Fairlane.

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1967 Ford Fairlane 500XL/GT & GT/A

For the 1967 Ford Fairlane 500XL/GT and GT/A, engine options were updated, featuring the standard small-block Challenger 289-cid V-8. The two-barrel 390 added $74 to the cost, while the four-barrel version increased it by $150. The top big-block engine saw a 15 bhp reduction due to the inclusion of a Thermactor emissions system.

Exterior updates were subtle. The GT's grille was redesigned into a single eight-segment aluminum piece, and backup lights divided the taillights into two parts. Hood "power domes" now housed turn-signal indicators. Mechanically, power front-disc brakes and F70 x 14 Wide-Oval tires became standard on the GT. The shiftable automatic transmission was rebranded as SelectShift, featuring a T-bar lever on the console.

Inside, the 1967 Fairlane introduced a padded steering wheel hub, padded windshield pillars, and a lane-change feature on the turn-signal lever. Optional accent stripes were available in black, red, or white, while vinyl roofs for hardtops came in black or white. A console was standard on the XL but optional for the GT. Audio enthusiasts could opt for a Stereo-Sonic tape system using 70-minute cartridges.

But did the big-block Fairlanes deliver on their performance promises? Motor Trend answered this by testing an early 335-bhp GT/A, which accelerated to 60 mph in just 6.8 seconds and completed the quarter-mile in 15.2 seconds, hitting 92 mph.

However, some enthusiasts, unimpressed by the 390's capabilities, managed to equip their Fairlanes with the legendary "side oiler" 427-cid V-8, boasting an impressive 410 or 425 horsepower. Oddly, this engine was only available in base, 500, and 500XL trims, not the GT. Despite lacking the 427, Fairlane GTs played a key role in Ford's rise in the late 1960s "supercar" era, eventually evolving into the Torino and Cobra models.

For detailed specifications of the 1966-1967 Ford Fairlane, continue to the next page.

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1966-1967 Ford Fairlane 500XL/GT & GT/A Specifications

Transitioning from a family car to a sportier model, the 1966-1967 Ford Fairlane 500XL/GT and GT/A received an exterior redesign to complement its performance upgrades.

Specifications

Engines: 1966 500XL: ohv I-6, 200 cid (3.68 x 3.13), 120 bhp; ohv V-8, 289 cid (4.00 x 2.87), 200 bhp; 390 cid (4.05 x 3.78), 265/275/315 bhp

1966 GT & GT/A: 390 cid, 335 bhp

1967 500XL: 200 cid, 120 bhp; 289 cid, 200 bhp; 390 cid, 270/315 bhp

1967 GT & GT/A: 289 cid, 200 bhp; 390 cid, 270/320 bhp

Transmissions: 3-speed manual; optional 4-speed manual and 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic

Suspension front: upper A-arms, strut-stabilized lower arms, coil springs (anti-sway bar on GT & GT/A, and all 1967 models)

Suspension rear: live axle, leaf springs

Brakes: front/rear drums (front discs optional on 1966 GT, standard on 1967 GT)

Wheelbase (in.): 116.0

Weight (lbs.): 2,955-3,607

Top speed (mph): V8-289: 108; GT/A 390: 125

0-60 mph (sec): V8-289: 10.6; GT/A 390: 6.8-8.1

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