1964 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt Tribute. This car has been made in to one of the greatest factory lightweight racers Ford has released. The Thunderbolt was a radical turn from the stock Fairlane, Based on the Fairlane and named for a factory experimental Fairlane of 1963, the Thunderbolt combined the light weight of Fords intermediate-sized body introduced in 1962 with a "high rise" 427 CID V8 engine with dual Holley four-barrel carburetors intended for use in the much larger Galaxie. As installed in the Thunderbolt, the engine was conservatively rated for insurance purposes at 425 horsepower at 6000 RPM estimates placed the actual output at +600 horsepower. In Thunderbolt trim, the Fairlane was three inches shorter than a Galaxie and weighed a significant 700 pounds less. Fiberglass doors, hood, front fenders and even the front bumper on the earliest cars along with plexiglass side and rear windows aided in weight reduction. The hood with its distinctive raised "teardrop" ram air scoop designed to draw hot air from the engine compartment was pinned in position, eliminating the need for a hood latch and making access to the engine quick and easy during the course of a race. Later cars had aluminum front bumpers in place of the fiberglass unit due to racing regulations. Racing equipment included tubular exhaust headers, an electric fuel pump, altered rear suspension with heavy-duty traction control bars and asymmetrical leaf springs, heavy-duty trunk-mounted battery, locking differential, auxiliary gauges, special drag race wheels and tires and an aluminum scatter shield designed to contain the clutch in case of disintegration under load Other weight-saving measures included the elimination of such street items as the sun visors, radio, heater, wheel covers, passenger side windshield wiper, arm rests, rear window cranks, mirrors, sound deadening material, carpeting, trunk mat, lug wrench, jack and spare tire. Front seats were either lightweight units from Fords police package vehicles or rudimentary bucket seats from the Econoline van the carpeting was replaced by a black rubber mat. The rear seat was a standard Fairlane unit. The high-beam headlights were eliminated as well and in their place were mesh-covered air intakes which ran directly to a special air cleaner atop the 427. These modifications resulted in a car which, as tested with a four-speed transmission at Lions Drag Strip in November 1963, ran 11.61 seconds at 124.8 MPH! This car has been made with nearly every option that would have been on an original Thunderbolt from the engine and ram air setup, fiberglass body panels and hood, plexiglass windows, fiberglass bumpers rubber mats light bucket seats and more. The only piece that is noticeably absent is the warning plate in the glove box letting buyers know that this vehicle does not meet Ford??s fit and finish standards. Other than that we are hard pressed to find much else not changed. This is a beautiful car and an accurate tribute to a legend. This vehicle is located in our Louisville for more information please visit gatewayclassiccars.com or call the showroom at 812-294-1555.
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