Ford
Fairlane 500 R-code 427 (1966)

Why it matters

The 1966 R-code Fairlane 500 put the 427 cu in FE V-8 into the mid-size Fairlane to qualify for NHRA and IHRA Super Stock drag racing. Mecum counts 57 built, at the Georgia (Atlanta) plant. It followed the 1964 Fairlane Thunderbolt as Ford's factory drag Fairlane.

How rare is it?

Six separate kinds of rarity – never combined into one number.

Each kind of rarity is rated separately and never combined.

Production

Every figure says what it counts.

Independent counts (e.g. engine and colour) are never combined into a calculated figure. Surviving examples are never presented as original production.

History

The 1966 Fairlane left the factory with the 390 V-8, which made it simple to fit the 427. The R-code cars received the 427, a Toploader four-speed, larger front disc brakes, manual steering, a larger exhaust and a 9-inch rear with 3.89 gearing. Unlike the Thunderbolt they kept steel body panels, bumpers, a bench seat and glass, and one lot puts the weight around 3,300 lb. They cost more than $4,000 new.

One lot records John Downing's car setting an NHRA Super Stock B class national record of 11.42 seconds in early 1967.

Technical specifications

Engine

Transmission & drivetrain

Chassis, body & dimensions

Performance

“Not yet verified” means no source has been checked for that value yet. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap.

Sources

Each number links to the exact facts it supports.

1. 1
   Street Muscle – Rare Rides: The 1966 Ford Fairlane XL500 427 R-Code Level C

   • 57 1966 R-code 427 Fairlanes built (exhaust-manifold shortage stopped production)

   Accessed 2026-11-12
2. 2
   Mecum lot page Level C Mecum Auctions · 2020-01-11

   • R-Code FE 427/425 HP big-block V-8 engine
   • 427CI/425HP
   • dual inline Holley 715 CFM 4-barrel carburetors on an aluminum intake
   • 425 HP and 480 lb-ft of torque
   • 480 lb-ft of torque
   • Toploader 4-speed manual transmission
   • 3.89:1 limited-slip differential
   • front disc brakes

   Accessed 2026-11-12
3. 3
   Mecum lot page Level C Mecum Auctions · 2025-01-18

   • 11.1:1 compression ratio
   • rated at 480 lb-ft of torque
   • manual steering
   • it still tipped the scales around 3,300-pounds

   Accessed 2026-11-12