A Slice of Automotive History: The 1967 Ford Fairlane
When you think of the classic Ford Ranger, the image of rugged toughness might come to mind. But let’s take a trip down memory lane to a time when the name Ford was synonymous with raw, untamed power: the year was 1967 and the car, a Ford Fairlane Club Coupe. This particular ride was no ordinary Fairlane—it was an R-code 427 beast, one of just 35 ever made. And, oh, it was dressed in the rarest Springtime Yellow color, making it a classic that turns heads even today.
An Iconic Owner and Rare Origins
Originally, this Fairlane beast roared its way into the hands of Harold Keck, a factory Shelby driver who had already earned his stripes by clinching a victory at the 1965 Daytona 2000km race in a Shelby Daytona Coupe. Fast forward to the model year, it’s worth noting this vehicle rolled out of the factory with an R-code 427ci V8, complemented by two four-barrel carburetors and a four-speed manual transmission. By the way, did we mention the Elite Marti Report confirms it’s one of only two finished in that mellow hue of Springtime Yellow?
Owning this Fairlane is like having a direct hotline to the bold ’60s era of American muscle, when cars were all about power and style.
From Dream Car to Dormant Icon
This Fairlane wasn’t just parked—it was ensconced in a time capsule of sorts, stored away by a single owner from 1969 all the way to 2022. During its slumber, it clocked a paltry 4,600 miles—barely a warm-up lap! Enter the year 2022, and this dormant beast was awoken from its long pause, undergoing a comprehensive mechanical refurbishment that saw the engine, braking, and suspension systems getting a full overhaul.
Performance and Provenance
Fast forward to its revival, and the Holman-Moody connection becomes doubly interesting. This outfit was the go-to for performance parts back in the day, and it turns out a Holman-Moody oil pan was a relatively early upgrade for our friend the Fairlane. The car also received 4.10 gears and some additional gauges, proving it was always geared towards high performance.
A Snapshot of the Present Day
Now offered by its current caretaker with a trusty Pennsylvania title ready for the next chapter, it’s like inheriting a beloved baton in a classic car relay. Along with the car comes an Elite Marti Report, the owner’s manual, spare parts, and an all-important past covered in a delicate patina of history. This Fairlane even won the Originality Award at DragFest 2025, which it accepted, no doubt, with a sense of considerable pride.
Inside the Cockpit
True to its origins, this Fairlane sports Parchment upholstery and tinted windows. A Holman-Moody sticker—a badge of honor, if you will—now resides on the dashboard. Behind the wheel, you’ll find a classic horizontal-sweep 120-mph speedometer, complemented by a fuel gauge, a Sunpro tachometer, and a Stewart Warner oil pressure gauge for the particularly detail-oriented.
Imagine driving a machine where every rev and every shift speak the language of history—a rolling museum exhibit that doubles as the ultimate road companion.
The Heart of a Beast
Pop the hood, and you’ll find the soul of this machine, a 427ci V8 engine crowned with not one, but two Holley four-barrel carburetors. Recently rebuilt, as per the seller, and with re-chromed valve covers gleaming proudly, it stands ready to roar to life in a heartbeat. The four-speed Top Loader manual transmission is ready to deliver power to the rear wheels thanks to its Rear End Team worker, a 4.10 gear ratio—the secret sauce for that bit of extra grunt when you punch the pedal.
Conclusion: More than Just a Car
In summary, this Ford Fairlane is more than just a hunk of beautifully crafted metal—it’s a conversation starter, a piece of history, and an opportunity to own a slice of the past, all rolled into one stunning package. It’s a vintage gem that’s not just for show. And unlike a sleek VW Amarok, this Fairlane has the gritty soul of a bygone era.