Guide To 1967 Ford Fairlane

There are actually two different 1967 Ford Fairlanes.  One marked a beginning:  the debut of the Australian Ford Fairlane, the largest luxury car built in that country, which continues to be made to this day. The other marked an end; though North American Fairlanes would continue to be built through 1972, 1967 was the last year the Fairlane "Thunderbolt" rolled out of the Ford factories. 

The North American Ford Fairlane actually debuted in 1955.  This 1950s Fairlane represented Ford's luxury class, and was intended to compete with the Chevrolet Bel Air.  In time, however, the Fairlane gradually changed its profile and identity.  It became tighter, sleeker--and faster.

By 1964, the North American Ford Fairlane was a bona fide muscle car.  It was roughly identical to the 1966 model with the exception of interior details--vinyl interiors, bucket seats, etc.  It had also become faster.  The 1967 model was able to go from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than seven seconds.  

As in every year since '64, a special model of the 1967 Ford Fairlane was created for stock car racing.  These special models featured a 427 cubic inch engine, rather than the 289 in the Ford Fairlane GT/GTA, or the 390 in the Ford Fairlane V8s.  427s were designed specifically for racing, and featured lift-off plexiglass hoods and modified air-intakes.  Everything that could be stripped to lighten its weight was removed, including mirrors, armrests, and sun visors. 

These 427s were nicknamed "Thunderbolts," out of respect for their power and hard-to-beat road-speed.  The 1967 427 Ford Fairlane was made in very limited numbers--less than 200 were produced.  Ultimately, however, Ford found that though they commanded the racetracks, they were an expensive sideline.  The Ford Fairlane 427s were essentially abandoned after 1967.