What is the rarest Fairlane?
The Ford Fairlane is a classic American car that has captured the hearts of automotive enthusiasts for decades. However, among the many Fairlane models produced, one stands out as the rarest of them all. In this article, we'll delve into the details of this elusive and highly sought-after Fairlane variant.
The Fairlane: A Brief History
The Ford Fairlane was first introduced in 1955 and quickly became a popular choice among American car buyers. Over the years, the Fairlane underwent numerous design changes and model variations, each with its own unique features and characteristics. From the sleek and stylish Fairlane 500 to the powerful Fairlane Cobra, the Fairlane line-up offered something for every taste.
The Rarest Fairlane
Among the many Fairlane models, one stands out as the rarest of them all: the 1964 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt. This special edition Fairlane was designed specifically for drag racing, with a focus on performance and lightweight construction.
The Thunderbolt was powered by a 427 cubic inch V8 engine, which was a massive upgrade from the standard Fairlane's engine. This powerful engine, combined with a lightweight body and other performance-enhancing modifications, made the Thunderbolt a formidable force on the drag strip.p>
Production Numbers and Rarity
The Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt was produced in extremely limited numbers, with only 100 units ever built. This makes it one of the rarest and most valuable Fairlane models in existence.
The Thunderbolt's rarity is further compounded by the fact that many of the original 100 units have been lost or destroyed over the years, either through racing accidents, neglect, or restoration efforts that altered the original specifications.
Collector's Item and Investment Potential
Due to its rarity and historical significance, the Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt has become a highly sought-after collector's item. Pristine examples of the Thunderbolt can fetch astronomical prices at auction, with some selling for well over $1 million.
For automotive enthusiasts and collectors, the Fairlane Thunderbolt represents a unique and exciting piece of American automotive history, a testament to the ingenuity and performance-driven spirit that defined the golden age of muscle cars.
What's the rarest Ford car?
The 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake is arguably the rarest Ford, with only one unit ever built. Other contenders for the title include the 1965 Ford GT40 Roadster Prototype and the 1967 Ford GT40 Mk III, with only five and seven units produced, respectively.
You can watch this video to learn more about some of the rarest Ford cars built: 50sWheels HistoryYouTube · Jul 10, 2025
- 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake: Only one of these supercharged GT500s was ever built, featuring a 427ci V8 engine.
- 1967 Ford GT40 Mk III: This street-legal version of the GT40 was extremely limited, with only seven units produced.
- 1965 Ford GT40 Roadster Prototype: Just five of these open-top prototypes were built, and only four have survived.
- 1991 Ford SkyRanger: With a production run of only 14 to 19 examples, this convertible pickup truck is so rare it's not well-known.
- 1980 Mustang McLaren M81: Only 10 of these rare Mustangs were ever made, a collaborative project between Ford and McLaren.
Is a 1965 Ford Fairlane 500 rare?
A new Fairlane look appeared for 1965, as the car shared heavily sculpted sheetmetal with that year's Mercury Comet. Rectangular tail lamps replaced formerly round units. The pleasingly styled 1962-65 Fairlane 500s are scarce, but generally quite affordable today—Thunderbolts excluded!
What is a 57 Ford Fairlane worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $15,407 for a 1957 Ford Fairlane in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1957 Ford Fairlane? The highest selling price of a 1957 Ford Fairlane at auction over the last three years was $28,050.
What is the rarest Ford Fairlane?
The 1966 Fairlane 500 R-Code Is The Rarest Ford Muscle Car
With only 57 units produced, the rarest Ford muscle car ever produced is the 1966 Fairlane 500 R-Code. The Fairlane 500 R-Code was a special, high-performance muscle car, built to compete in drag racing and showcase Ford's engineering prowess.
