Description
The first half of the 1960s marks the golden era of drag racing in the USA. The quarter-mile races conducted under the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) were never this popular. More displacement, more power, more racing was the credo. The manufacturers from Detroit also joined in on a large scale and earned their own racing class with “FX” (Factory Experimental) to compete there. The basic principle: strip a compact production car of all unnecessary weight and install the biggest and most powerful engine from production. Thus began the contest between Ford, GM and Chrysler. After all, it was the era of “win on Sunday, sell on Monday”. In 1962/ 63 the Fairlane drew more focus for Ford’s drag racing programme, where they had previously relied on the Galaxie. A brand-new 1963 Ford Fairlane was equipped with a 410 cu in Mercury V8, which soon after made room for the new 427. Heating, radio, insulation and other superfluous components were also removed. To make space for the gigantic engine, the iconic teardrop bonnet made of fibreglass was fitted. According to NHRA regulations there were 7-inch slicks on the rear axle. In this car, Ford test driver Bill Humphrey ran the quarter mile on the Detroit Dragway in 11 seconds. From then on it was clear: the Fairlane was the new star in the quarter-mile sky. The project was driven further and with the 1964 model year the Fairlane “Thunderbolt” officially appeared. Only 127 of these cars with the 427 engine left the factory and are today extremely rare and highly priced collector’s vehicles. The prototype, however, the Tasca Ford-sponsored car of Bill Humphrey, was subsequently cannibalised. Unfortunately a common practice back then.
This Fairlane 500 is the reincarnation of that Thunderbolt prototype. It was rebuilt after the example of Humphrey’s car. The sponsors and class designations were faithfully reproduced. Shortly before his death Bill Humphrey even signed the dashboard. The mechanics were completely overhauled between 2021 and 2024. Recently a completely rebuilt 351 Windsor V8 was installed. It breathes through an Edelbrock High Rise intake manifold and a Holley four-barrel carburettor. Further optimisations included electronic MSD ignition, stainless steel header manifolds with side pipes, electric fuel pump and aluminium radiator with additional fans. The suspensions and brakes have also been renewed. At the front there is an upgrade to Wilwood disc brakes with four-piston calipers and internally ventilated discs. The powertrain is a C4 3-speed automatic transmission. As with the original car, the radio, heater and insulation were left out. Only a body on Mikey Thompson slicks and the brutal power of the Windsor V8. No frills. A folder with documentation of the lovingly built car is present. The Ford carries the 13. 20a customs document. A real eye-catcher in mechanically near-new condition. Just turning the ignition key makes the earth shake and you can’t help but smile. A certainly unique and extraordinary car for discerning taste. America’s motorsport at its zenith. Swiss MOT (MFK) by arrangement possible.
Trade-ins / swaps welcome, please offer.
