1966 Fairlane GT: Remembering Ford's First Thoroughbred Muscle Car

During the early 1960s, Ford launched its Total Performance program, aiming to rule motorsport and unleash some of the most fearsome high-performance production models on public roads.

When the program ended about a decade later, Ford was the first American manufacturer to get an overall win at Le Mans and the first to grab a Formula 1 manufacturer's title.

Apart from dominating the international racing scene, the Blue Oval was also extremely successful back home, dominating NASCAR and multiple drag racing series.

These national racing endeavors spawned some of the most iconic models of the muscle car's golden age, like the Torino Cobras, Boss, Shelby, or Mach 1, Mustangs, and, last but not least, the rare 427-powered Galaxies and Fairlanes.

But have you ever wondered which was the first thoroughbred Ford muscle car?

Well, if we go by the strictest definition, that distinction goes to the 1966 Fairlane GT.

Though not as glamorous or high-powered as the legends mentioned above, the '66 Fairlane GT was the Blue Oval's first high-performance intermediate with a potent big-block V8 under the hood, and it deserves to be remembered.

New Fairlane, new performance package

The Fairlane had been around since 1955 as a full-size model, but in 1962, it became an intermediate.

Four years later, the fifth generation (and the second as an intermediate) was introduced.

Substantially redesigned, the Fairlane was now brought to the same modern styling standards as its bigger Galaxie sibling, which also got a thorough makeover a year before.

More elegantly outlined than ever before, the new model donned Galaxie-style stacked headlights and a slicker semi-fastback roofline. Moreover, the Fairlane was available in convertible guise for the first time ever.

While the new styling and the addition of a convertible option were welcomed upgrades, the biggest news for the rapidly growing performance crowd was the introduction of the GT package.

A high-performance intermediate for the masses

The previous generation didn't lack performance. Customers who wanted more power from their fourth-gen Fairlane could get the 271-hp Hi-Po (K-code) 289 since mid-1963. If that wasn't enough, in 1964, Ford unleashed a limited series of 427-powered, Fairlane 500-based factory drag weapons dubbed Thunderbolt.

However, the new GT package brought visual enhancements, chassis upgrades, and a powerful big-block V8, transforming the Fairlane into a true high-performance intermediate for the masses, much like Chevy's Chevelle SS396 and Pontiac's GTO.

Similar to the Mustang GT introduced a year earlier, the Fairlane GT distinguished itself from the standard model thanks to a series of distinct visual features, including faux hood scoops, deluxe wheel covers, unique badges, and side stripes applied above the rocker panels.

The upgrades continued inside, where the GT received a padded dashboard, bucket seats, full vinyl upholstery, and an optional simulated wood-rimmed steering wheel.

Chassis-wise, the GT package included the heavy-duty suspension with stiffer shocks and springs, as well as a beefier sway bar. Moreover, the rear drums were wider than those of the standard Fairlane, and later in the model year, a front disc brake option became available.

Ford's first mass-produced intermediate with a standard big-block

The last, most important feature of the GT was found under the hood.

With the highly-praised yet expensive K-code discontinued for the Fairlane range, the '66 GT received a 390-ci (6.4-liter) S-code FE, making it Ford's first mass-produced intermediate with a standard big-block

Built around a rigid, deep-skirted Y block, the S-code only featured two-bolt mains and a restrictive lubrication system, yet thanks to its nodular cast-iron crankshaft, forged steel conrods and flat-top pistons that easily coped with the 10.5:1 compression ratio, the block could handle plenty of power.

With bespoke exhaust manifolds (devised to make the V8 fit rather than boost power) and Holley four-barrel carb sitting on top of a standard cast-iron intake, the S-Code 390 made a more-than-decent 335 hp and 427 lb-ft (579 Nm) of torque.

As standard, power was sent to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual and the bombproof 9-inch rear end with forged axles and 3.25:1 gears.

Transmission options included Ford's Toploader four-speed manual and the Cruise-O-Matic 3-speed automatic. Selecting the latter turned the GT into the GT/A.

For the rear axle, customers who wanted more traction could go for the optional Equa-Lok limited-slip differential and set it up with one of the multiple gearing options.

Overshadowed by the Fairlane 427 R-code

Today, when enthusiasts talk about the mightiest Ford intermediate of 1966, the GT is seldom the main subject. Instead, the Fairlane 427 R-code receives all the attention.

Introduced mid-model year and part of a small, 57-unit production run, the 427-powered Fairlane continued to carry the factory-built drag weapon torch from the Thunderbolt.

Despite being heavier, less powerful, and consequently slower, the GT held its own against the competition.

In GT/A guise, with its formidable Cruise-O-Matic, the muscle car could run the quarter mile in the low 14-second range, according to a test conducted by Car and Driver.

That was slightly faster than the Chevelle SS396 and Buick Gran Sport 401 - according to tests performed by the same publication.

The 1966 Fairlane GT's current value

It's worth noting that Ford subsequently admitted that the GTA provided to Car and Driver was "slightly" tuned by Holman-Moody, and many argue that its true, bone-stock quarter-mile capabilities were closer to the mid-15s.

But secretly modifying press cars to get better figures was an industry-wide practice back then, so that doesn't mean rival models were much faster.

Regardless of the actual performance figures and its position on the list of fastest intermediates of 1966, the Fairlane GT remains an important milestone in the history of Ford muscle.

During the 1966 model year, Ford built 37,342 GTs and GT/As. Though not as popular as Mustang GTs or GT350 Shelbys, surviving, matching-numbers examples are still prized collector's items today.

Depending on mileage, condition, and optional features installed, a 1966 Fairlane GT (or GT/A) is currently worth between $40,000 and $80,000.

You can admire one of the few highly original survivors in the YouTube video below by Muscle Car Campy.