A refurbished 1966 Ford Fairlane 500 Convertible is drawing attention as it heads toward the final days of an online auction, offering bidders a classic open-top Ford with period styling and updated mechanicals. Located in Woodlawn, Virginia, the mid-size convertible shows 15,900 miles indicated, noted as total mileage unknown, and has attracted more than 7,300 views with active bidding underway.
Introduced for the 1966 model year, the Fairlane 500 Convertible represented the upscale trim in Ford’s mid-size lineup. The model combined restrained muscle-era styling with comfort-focused features, making it a popular choice for buyers who wanted V8 performance without stepping into full-size territory. Today, surviving examples are increasingly sought after for their clean design and relative rarity compared to hardtop counterparts.
According to the listing, this Fairlane spent approximately 27 years in storage before being purchased by the current seller in 2008. Following its discovery, the car underwent a refurbishment that included a repaint, drivetrain replacement, interior refresh, and installation of a new convertible top. The exterior was resprayed in Dodge Flame Red, paired with a black folding soft top.
Originally equipped with a C-Code 289-cubic-inch V8, the car now runs a replacement 302-cubic-inch block that has been de-stroked to 289 cubic inches using a 289 crankshaft and connecting rods. The engine is fitted with an Edelbrock intake manifold, a Holley 600 four-barrel carburetor, roller rockers, and a mild camshaft. Power is delivered through a replacement TCI C4 three-speed automatic transmission sourced from Summit Racing.
The interior was reupholstered in a two-tone red and black vinyl and cloth combination and retains factory features such as bucket seats with a full-length center console, heater and defroster, vent windows, and an AM pushbutton radio. Four-wheel drum brakes remain in place, and the car rides on 14-inch Cragar S/S chrome wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires.
Chassis number decoding confirms the car as a Fairlane 500 Convertible assembled in Lorain, Ohio, with its original engine code designation. Included with the sale are the removed factory C-Code 289 V8 engine and automatic transmission, along with a convertible boot cover and spare tire. The seller notes paint and trim imperfections consistent with age and use since refurbishment, as well as minor interior wear.
As bidding continues, this Fairlane presents an opportunity to acquire a classic Ford convertible that blends original character with updated mechanical components while retaining its factory roots. See it here.
