Keep your first car: 1966 Fairlane GT 427 Test Drive with Trickflow Heads Howard’s Roller Cam

Do you ever think about those cars you sold and wished you hadn't? I sure do.
In 1991 at the ripe old age of 15, I found this Candy Apple Red 1966 Ford Fairlane GT in a want ad in the paper (yes, an actual paper). I called the number, and it happened to be the number for a local salvage yard. The grumpy gentleman who answered the phone said he would take a very specific $975 for the beat up old Fairlane. His reasoning for the oddly specific price was that he had that much in the 4X4 parts that the previous owner had traded the car for. I begged my dad to go look at the car, and i fell in love with the ratty musclecar on the spot. I drove the car home, but it needed everything before I could make the journey to high school.
30 years later, I still have my trusty Fairlane. I have to admit, she has faired better than I have with age. She has alot more power, better looks, and has been faithful to me the whole time despite my constant flogging and gear jamming.
The latest upgrades have modernized this vintage often-overlooked Ford musclecar. I upgraded the top end of engine with the new FE Trick Flow® PowerPort® 175 Cylinder Heads for Ford 390-428 heads. After trying a flat tappet (that super-failed). We replace with a hydraulic roller from howard’s cams (.560 lift , 234.6 @ 0.050” intake and 240.6@ 0.050” exhaust). The new Demon carb and cam combo worked great.
The Fairlane may be ready to take on another 30 years of hot rodding, I sure hope I can keep up!!!
#fairlane #trickflow #gassers #musclecars
Check out our website for more services:
flashdrivemotors.com

[@tomschlitter1594]

Great car with noteworthy history with you. Congrats. You killed it on the stance with the bigger wheels/tires. That 427 sounds awesome. Gives me goosebumps. In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful designs to come from Ford during the '60s. Still looks timeless today. I believe that the Fairlane GT models in both 1966 and '67 came standard with a three speed manual transmission, not the 4-speed as you stated. I saw one years ago when I lived in Denver. It's hard to imagine anyone would order that. Because the C-6 transmission was new this year, Ford really promoted it, so it's no surprise that most GTs were GT/As. Can you please show us some of the other cars in your stable? I noticed the '57 Custom and the '56 Ranch Wagon - two of my all-time favorite Fords of the '50s. Thanks for sharing your sweet Fairlane. It made my day.

[@dissrepair]

Thank you!! We’ve done several other videos on Fords the ‘57 custom is in this one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/foivhIpsfs5lqKs

[@dissrepair]

Btw - I’m working on getting a video on the Ranch Wagon!

[@tomschlitter1594]

@@dissrepair Just watched it. What a cool car!

[@waylonmccellon7779]

427 ford 4 speed goosebumps on goosebumps

[@sergeantmasson3669]

Tom Schlitter, FALSE. '66-'67 Fairlane GT cars were manual 4 speed transmission. GTA had the C6 A/T. 427 FE engine Fairlane's were all XL cars. Only 57 were built and all had Ford top-loader 4 speed manual transmission. They were also not street legal.

[@kennethchapman9564]

I owned a 1967 Fairlane GTA with a 428cj that previous owner and put in it. It had domed pistons. I upgraded the valve train and the ignition, carburetion and exhaust. Strong runner, 10.32@138mph 1/4 mile.

[@dissrepair]

That’s hauling serious butt!! Nice work

[@sergeantmasson3669]

I have a '67 Ford Fairlane XL/GT 427 that TASCA Ford built in-house. I bought it new; I still have it and it's still in near perfect showroom condition. Candy Apple Red with black interior.

[@timmotel5804]

Good Day. I haven't seen the "TASCA" name for a long time. Best Regards.

[@corbetcochran5700]

I am jealous

[@b.l.secret2400]

I had a 63 ford fairlane with a built 289. It was bad ass. I wish I had it back. Now I got stopped 5 times in 2 months for loud mufflers. I out ran a couple of them trying to turn around on me. Back then you could. Old memories!!

[@scottguthrie8074]

We had the 66 Fairlane with the 289. Ran like a top the whole time we had her! Grandparents had the GTA convertible. Great video, great car!

[@JacobsDad]

Spitin' image of brother's '66 red GT -- only had the factory 390 but still a very good performer. One of our family's favourite cars ever. Great story and history. Brings many memories back.

[@bunk-bn9eo]

Those 390s were a fairly potent mill in its own right!

[@Loulovesspeed]

@Colin - My high school friend had a '66 GT 390 4 speed and all he did to it was put in a Hurst Comp. Plus shifter. Another towny had a '66 GTO, 389, 4 speed. He put dual quads on it. The GTO pulled stronger off the line and up to around 70mph, then the Fairlane GT left him in his fumes! Don't know what the stock final drive gear was in the goat, but I suspect it was a bit shorter than the GT's, which would account for it being quicker to launch. Also, the GTO ran out of steam at just 118 mph, while the GT would run right on up to close to 140! Fun times were had by all!

[@silverstar4289]

Had a couple red one around the neighborhood back them

[@jeffrobodine1850]

You should have put 428 heads on it 💯💯👍👍😎

[@b.nunn.2702]

Absolutely love the car! My dad had the 66' GTA he bought in 67' so this was the family car till about 79' I remember one time my brother and I and a friend of ours was riding with my dad in this car. He pulled out to pass a slow moving car, and all of a sudden a car traveling fairly fast was meeting us oncoming! My dad's response was to hustle it up and get on out of the way! It was the first time we heard that 390 really open up!! I still remember to this day the dual exhaust and a really mean induction sound with that 4 barrel wide open!!! Our friend told EVERYBODY he seen after that about how fast that car was! Of course we were about 9 to 11 years old! Pretty easy to impress!! Good memories!!

[@williampetsch1244]

Great car, great story. My biggest regret is not pursuing my dream car like you did, and having it. Still dreaming.....

[@errolg1662]

What a beautiful and amazing car!

[@dissrepair]

Thank you. I appreciate the comment!

[@bradduffield9603]

Brings back memories of my drag racing days.

[@Mike583]

Great car & even greater story! Around the mid 70's, for a short time I owned a '67 Fairlane, it was a factory 427 drag car. It had the dual 4's, 4 speed & 5.67 posi. Ladder bars were attached at the front underneath the front seat. It came with a title & stated it couldn't be licensed for the street. It also had the optional fiberglass lift off hood. I ended up parting the car out. It's been too many years, I can't remember how much I payed for it,or the total amount I sold it for. I do remember I sold the heads,intake, dual 652 Holleys & the oval air cleaner for $500. Another one I let get away!

[@dissrepair]

That’s impressive. And those are some deep gears! I bet it left the line like a beast! If we only had knew what they’d be worth today. To bad we can’t keep them all.

[@Johnnycdrums]

Weird that the 427 (R) code Fairlane wasn't licensable for the street, but all iterations of the 1966 full size Ford 427 (R)'s were street legal. The wheelbase of the Galaxie is 119" which is only 3" longer than the Fairlane.

[@Biglug8888]

That's a great story and a great Fairlane!

[@stuttsuttle992]

A truly great video, had a 66gt in 70, made some memories too.

[@stupidasole4890]

I had a 67 GTA, I loved the fact it was a sleeper, especially since l grew up in Fremont 6 miles from drag strip, great car lots of great memories

[@danieltaylor4819]

Awesome car! Loved those 66 and 67 Fairlanes.

[@bobwhite4344]

Great Car, Great Personal Story & History. Family Heirloom.

[@dissrepair]

Thank you

[@edysinsimon8646]

I owned a 66 Fairlane GTA. I LOVED that car and miss it terribly!

[@dissrepair]

They are great cars, thanks for watching

[@davidleach4811]

Had a 66 Fairlane thirty years ago. Swapped to a nine inch and dropped a 69 351 windsor in it. Great fun car.....regret selling it all the time. PS: you're missing two screws in the left rear taillight.... :)

[@kirbygates9531]

Awesome fairlane I've always loved those cars I will get one one day I've built lots of models of them... keep looking after that gem 💎

[@darintaylor4209]

Absolutely loved the car love the story behind it better

[@alfredgrafke1792]

Beautiful car brother. And nice history presentation.

[@briankorner750]

Beautiful car and cool that you have kept it all these years. 👍

[@timmotel5804]

Good day. I'm 72 years old. This is another of the cars from that era that I loved. Great Times for Cars. I have owned a few of them. I was a MOPAR guy back then. Thanks & Best Regards. Beautiful Car.

[@dissrepair]

Thanks! I appreciate you watching!

[@brianpauley4831]

Bought my '66 Fairlane 500 in 1985 for $800 390cid 2 door, sold in 92 to raise emergency cash. In 2023 I can honestly say I've grieved every single damn day of her loss. My fav car of all time.Your's is fantastic, congratulations and build job well done .

[@Skihist2]

I’ve always liked those cars from the day they first came out.

[@aguyinnc2865]

Beautiful car, had a couple of friends that owned these back in the early 70's when we were in high school. Both were 289 cars.

[@dissrepair]

Those 289 cars were no joke. Thanks for watching

[@michaelrini3654]

My good friend's girl friend had a '66 with a 289 & C-4 and had no problem getting on the freeway in a hurry!

[@governmentsucks]

Thank you for sharing. Beautiful car and love the family connection. I still have my first car from high school (purchased in 90), a 66 Mustang with a similar story.

[@darrellmallorca6032]

Awesome is an understatement! well done and the story behind it is even better! Impressive, gorgeous and bad ass are some of the superlatives I can express yet still doesn't do your ride justice. Keep enjoying getting offers from folks that would want to own her, because that will never stop. Geez, amazing fairlane

[@dougdrummond9341]

Keeping your first car. That is so awesome. When I was in 6th grade A friend of ours had a red GT Fairlane like yours with the 390 and I didn't know that till right now and you explain the two scoops for the 390 on the hood. I could have swore you had a dual carbs because the air cleaner was super long like yours

[@dissrepair]

It used to have dual carbs but I swapped when I changed heads. The original lowrider intake didn’t port match the heads. And the pushrods interfered too. So I simplified my life a little and went to single carb! Thanks for watching

[@davidallen5776]

I'll still be looking for this at one of my weekends shows!

[@waynemuehlenbein2281]

A great story and video! 😊

[@richardmodglin3900]

Nice! I had the 66 GT Fairlane 390 back in the 70's. My first car. Yellow with black stipes. I liked the interior and large bucket seats. Loved it. Always regret getting rid of it.

[@dissrepair]

That sounds like a cool color combo. Too bad we just can’t keep them all!

[@richardmodglin3900]

@Diss Repair Yep. I only saw one or two just like it driving around L.A. for a couple years. The red looks great in Fairlanes! Great car!

[@michaelsmith-rh4yt]

Me too ! 66 GTA back in 74-75 I had lots of fun with that car. All stock down to the embossed FORD mufflers. 335 HP 480 ft lbs of torque. Lots of street drags and out in the country like in American Graffiti.

[@ddjsta]

You guys are Killin it with these videos. Good job.!

[@dissrepair]

Thank you! We will keep them coming

[@rosco8720]

My kingdom for that beauty

[@shovelrick1]

In 1976 I bought a 66 GTA 390 console & floor shift auto but someone had put a fiberglass dual scoop hood on it, stock engine but ran fairly fast, I swapped cars alot when I was in my teens and can't remember what I swapped it for lol, I have a 68 Malibu with a bored & stroke 454/489 590 hp 600 tq now and it'll be with me the rest of my life then my Gson takes over, Fantastic you had the smart sense to keep your car, I could go on about the other cars I didn't have the sense to keep, 71 BB Cuda & pistol grip 4 spd or 70 Mach 1 351C & 4 spd or 69 BB Roadrunner BB & 4 spd ...........

[@dissrepair]

That list of cars is The Who’s who of musclecars. You were luck to get to own them. You can’t keep them all

[@tomcronininc]

Wow. Amazing video and story! Thank you for making this. Your Fairlane is legendary. I’m actually picking up at 66 GTA right now and your video has inspired me. Thank you so much.

[@dissrepair]

That’s so cool ! Good luck !

[@michaelharrison6978]

I have a 69 ss chevelle with 565 making 802 hp an i love my gorgeous baby. But man a 66 Fairlane GT 427 4 speed my boss man owned since 1970 he daddy wouldnt buy it for him because it was so fast but he talked his mom into co sign lol he still has the car an someone came in garage an stole his top load 4 speed an his son stole some of the other parts but now his son is fixing it back since my boss has passed away. Ma. The 66 GT is 1 gorgeous car. Hope your boys keeps the tradition going after we all are fone cause i no my daughter is lol she loves my 64 comet caliente i took her to school in all her friends said your dad has the coolest cars an now she is going to ha e both my babies when i pass. Love your 66 brother

[@barryrussell4106]

Great car I’ve always wanted a fairlane. Got a basket case 67 gt couple months ago well pleased

[@FantomWireBrian]

I had a 69 1/2 Mustang Mach 1 SCJ /GT stick with every option and low gear ratio. I wouldn't even run this or a Torino . They ruled the road . Very underrated cars . They would hook also. My car was stock but did have traction bars. One trick I discovered was to skip second gear , but still not enough to match this car. I believe this car also had a frame . Very nice car ❗

[@sorshiaemms5959]

my favorite muscle car 66 / 67 Fairlanes and with the big blocks

[@baustin2402]

Well done Sir 👏

[@davidhughes4728]

I got a Fairlane just sick like it got a 427 in it with a 9-in running gear drag pack rear end very fast love the video keep up the good work

[@treetoppa8388]

Love the lines on the 66. I was born in 53 and when we were in high school it was all GTO’s, SS 396 Chevelle, 442’s, and Road Runners. Nobody had one of these Fairlanes that I knew. I don’t remember seeing one around but this is a beautiful example of an era of machines I wish I had a warehouse full of.

[@garymattingly8300]

Thank you for sharing your cars story and detailed explanation of the GT Fairlane

[@dissrepair]

You’re more than welcome. If you have other ideas that you’d like to see. Let me know

[@chrisbarton1517]

Great car and great job on the car AND the video!

[@stevedevuono4115]

Gorgeous car!

[@ronniemiller280]

66 GT. Has always been my favorite car ❤

[@jodythepig1]

Great story/family and car! Ops left out the SOUND it makes!

[@greenmtnman7714]

Good story. I have a '67 T code, 3 spd. column shift.

[@paulsummers2640]

Beautiful.

[@earniethomas64]

Great story. Mine is very similar I bought my 67 fairlane when I was 15 in 1989. Drove it to prom also along with graduation soccer games etc... I still have it and just did a complete restore on it. I did a similar hood from crities. I kept the car it's factory color frost turquoise with silver gt stripes. I'm in the process of installing a t5 in her. This car will also go to my son one day . I've been through many muscle cars but I'll always keep my first one. Thanks for the great story

[@dissrepair]

That’s awesome to hear! Frost turquoise sounds like a great color. My boys both want the old mans car!

[@thomashines9092]

Love those cars and I will never be was out a FE in something I have love those engine. Love the video

[@vikingmike8139]

A very nice classic Ford car. Tastefully modified as well. Cheers!

[@lawrenceschneider7828]

I owned a 66 GTA my senior year of High School. It was blue on blue. It definitely kicked ass.

[@dissrepair]

That’s awesome

[@morgansword]

I had the 67 mercury cougar. I bought it a year old with just few miles on it as that man only drove it a few times, it would land him in the ditch so he was scared of it. I kept it till a cop chased me down, threw me in jail and then cut the car into small pieces... I come close to a murder rap afterwards

[@jasmith1867]

I bought a 66GTA in 1970. I almost settled for a 66 CometGTA.

[@freewillchoice8052]

What a bad ass car! ❤

[@frankrizzo3922]

Very nice... story and the car!!

[@jamesshingledecker4098]

Very nice car!!!

[@kevinmcconkey468]

I love what you said about the car at the end of the video. They really do have a soul. When I was 16 I drove a 1959 Ford galaxie Fairlane car was older than me. I've owned two 1967 Ford galaxie I had a 1964 galaxie 1963 Ford galaxie got my first speeding ticket in a 1962 Ford falcon 6 cylinder car three on the tree had one dead cylinder only ran on five. Love them old Fords

[@dissrepair]

Thanks for the comment. Sounds like you’ve had some fantastic old fords. They do have a soul!

[@caseyjones1950]

Now I've got a 2006 Mustang Fastback, with a 4.0 V6 modified with BBK Headers, Pypes dual exhaust, & SR Performance cold air intake, and a 5-speed manual. This spring, I'm going to have a Spec 2+ clutch put in it, and maybe a Yukon Posi differential with either a 345:1, or a 373:1 gear? Can't wait for warmer weather here in Michigan! That's a really nice Fairlane you've got!

[@robertharris9074]

I had a 67 cyclone 390 gt came with the top loader 3 speed. lost it in a divorce. had it from 1975 till 1986. I currently have a 67 cyclone (non gt car) 428 dual quad, 600 lift roller set up.factory dual points, ported heads, dont like the solid roller set up, its fast as hell but I have to adjust the solid lifters every time I drive it for 30 minutes. The guy I bought it from set it up for the track, Im going to go to a milder hydraulic cam and single four barrel carb.

[@wayneosmand7652]

my most favourite Ford ever!

[@tonyjones6204]

Beautiful car

[@davidkeeton6716]

I am running that Howards Cams 253385-10 hydraulic roller cam, also after a Comp hydraulic flat tappet lasted an hour and wiped out the lifters, cam, all the bearings in the motor, the oil pump, and the crank. This is in my white 64 Galaxie fastback with a black and white bench seat interior and a 401FE, ProMaxx shocker 200 aluminum heads, TCI C6, 3.89 posi 9"rear.

[@terrancearnold8530]

Im a firm believer that as long as you keep a car lubricated it will provide you with continuous help .

[@weiner19]

Sweet ride! A schoolmates brother had a GT 390 version of this in the dark green. That had me hooked on the body style. My preference would be jet black.

[@fabieneldridge3414]

Love it !👍🇺🇸

[@mickhamilton8385]

Well done 👌.

[@olskool3967]

back in 75 a friend of mine had a 67 GT, i really loved his ride.

[@dissrepair]

Sounds awesome

[@pnwoods]

Living entities, indeed! ..👍 neglect them at your peril.

[@gtfivehundred1521]

Great story

[@user-wf6es1gx8j]

nice cars. i wish i had my 67 gt back

[@donnatalielucasheimbigner7598]

NICE!!! I had a 68 all original GT PS, no air. These are great cars.

[@dissrepair]

I couldn’t agree more!

[@larrydemonte2218]

Back in 68 I think I had a neighbor that bought that Ford Fairlane, it was a simple, looking car with Babymoon hubcaps on it, but on the side it had the cobra jet emblem is only like 2 inches tall, and the car was a powerhouse

[@timr31908]

Nobody ever forgot about the Fairlane.... It was a true nightmare for Chevy and Dodge

[@peterhodges6684]

Not forgotten, I have wanted one for years. Just can't afford one now.

[@sjmckee1609]

I had a 1969 Fairlane 500 with a Boss 302 when I was young. Pretty fun car at that time.

[@pauldhiman8369]

Love it

[@mikenatale5269]

I love that car! If I didn't have a Mach I would have one of those.

[@dissrepair]

A Mach 1 is a great car. I love those too. That would've been my first choice for a car, but I couldn't find a cheap one at the time.

[@familyfirstmaconga.1942]

Nice ride

[@danielsiefken4585]

I have a 67 with a 390 4 speed. It was just a step under a GT and was ordered that way as my brother's friend ordered it. The car has been in the family since new as my 2 brother in laws owned before me. I have had it 40 yrs. In March I took it to get restored, thanks for showing your car as mine is red to. I hope mine looks as good as yours as it is so beautiful. Thanks again.

[@dissrepair]

A plain 390 4 speed was rarer than a GT option

[@danielsiefken4585]

@@dissrepair Thaks for information about my car, it makes sense as the majority were probably GT. As I stated before your car is awesome and I hope my car will be almost as nice as yours. Thanks again for information.

[@jasmith1867]

My first car was a 66FairlaneGTA. Dark green. I paid $1300 at a used car lot in 1970 in WichitaFallsTx. I was 16 years old. I worked and saved to buy it. It took me 6 months to find the car after I had the money to buy it. I decided I wanted this model when I was in JR High. I got a model car for Christmas and fell in love.

[@thyubernoob]

My first car was a 1968 Mustang when I was 16 in 1983, My Dad and I dropped a 351W in it...If someone has to ask why we love these cars I just say you wouldn't understand..

[@nishafleischman4573]

Cool video!

[@dissrepair]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jenden1808]

Love your 66 & I'm currently restoring my 67 GT in the same color option. Nice car.

[@dissrepair]

Candy apple red is the best ! Good luck getting your car running!

[@bobcourier8358]

Is it for sale?

[@bobcourier8358]

If so l need a#

[@125southernnh2]

I wish I could have kept my first car. 1967 Fairlane GTA with a 2bbl 390, C6. 3.00:1 9" rear, black over white. Bought it for $295 in 1976. Sold it for 650 in 1977. I cry when I think of it.

[@caseyjones1950]

Cool! My first car in 1968, was a 65 Mustang GT, 289 4BL, manual trans! Then a 69 Roadrunner, with a 383 HP, automatic. Almost traded it for a 70 Boss 429 Mustang, but the Ford dealer wouldn't offer me enough $$ for the Roadrunner, so I "beefed it up, added a Holley 800, Hooker long tube headers, 391:1 posi rear end, and other goodies! But, I liked the Fairlane's too! My Grandpa had a 1957!

[@dissrepair]

Wow! You’ve had a bunch of the coolest cars Detroit ever made. Nice 👍

[@samg196942]

Awesome

[@toddhirst1788]

I still have my first car, 1966 fairlane hard top, 289 auto, bought it off the original owner when I was 14, restored when 15, now at 51 I'm getting ready to put In a 5 speed

[@edwardbeauchamp5626]

I had a 66 Fairlane and it came with an automatic also something that w2as rarely known the automatic had a hotter cam in them I beat many a 4 speed with it.

[@cheveynutz]

I too have my first car, 66 fairlane, 2 door hard top, 289 auto,still have it, I am 50, 2nd owner too

[@surreallife777]

Wow, good for you. Honestly if somebody asked me if you wanted to drag race car which would you choose I would choose the 427 Fairlane. Back in the early 1980s these superstock engine fair lanes were reving around 8500 RPM and I think they were still using the factory Le Mans rods. I still have the hot rod magazine article from 1975. It’s about a guy named Carl Holbrook who they used to call Mr. Cobra Jet, he specialized in 428 cobra jet race engines for clients. Hot rod magazine was very impressed by his knowledge and technical ability as was I and I still have the article. He had a 1969 mustang convertible super stock car and I think it was around 3600 pounds and it would lift the front wheels at least 2 feet into the air running about 10.5 second quarter mile. I don’t know if the rules have changed but back then you had to use the stock carburetor, stock intake and stock heads unported. Ford produce so many great engines It’s hard to say which is my favorite but the FE is definitely one of them.

[@leej2311]

Thank

[@thomaszaccone3960]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Yes, they ARE living entities.

[@dissrepair]

They sure are!! Thanks for watching!

[@seeharvester]

Very nice. And I'm not a Ford guy. 👍👍👍

[@Nitro_Zeus1307]

I have one at my house that I’m getting ready to restore, all stock parts. It hasn’t been started or run in like 30 or 40 years

[@bunk-bn9eo]

The 66 Fairlane GT/GTA was an awesome car in its own right. It was, unfortunately overshadowed by the GTO, Chevelle and the 442 to some degree. You rarely see these anymore, sadly. It was every bit the street shredder those other guys were.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

1966 Ford Fairlane GT not available with 427 FE engine from the factory. XL only and not street legal.

[@johnnolte952]

I wish I had one

[@jeffhanshaw6712]

I had one came with a 4 speed Hurst and side pipes only made about 300 of them .