The Sleeper
The Fairlane was first launched by Ford for the 1955 model year. At that time, it was still at the top of the model range. From 1962 onwards, the Fairlane was only a mid-range model – and after the 1971 model year, production was discontinued altogether and the Fairlane was replaced by the Torino. But the sixth generation, built only in 1968/1969, was able to draw on the full range of resources once again. At that time, the Fairlane was available as a two-door coupé, hardtop and convertible, as a four-door saloon and as a station wagon. And there were various derivatives, such as the Mercury Cyclone – or the Ford Ranchero, that extraordinary pick-up truck. The base engine was a 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder, but there were also various V8 options. The most powerful was the 428, a 7-litre V8.
This engine is also known as the Series 385. It was available as a Cobra Jet with 335 hp and later as a Super Cobra Jet with an official 375 hp, which was actually closer to 450 hp. The 428 was installed in many different products, including the late AC Cobra, but it was also used in the AC Frua. It was not quite as powerful as the legendary 427, but it was significantly more reliable. Here we see a very modest 1969 Ford Fairlane in beautiful ‘Candyapple Red’. From the outside, it doesn’t look like much, a typical American car from the late 1960s. But under the bonnet is this very 7-litre V8, fed by a quadruple Holley carburettor – the power is transmitted manually to the rear wheels via four gears. Powered like this, this visually unassuming vehicle goes from 0 to 60 miles in less than 7 seconds. In the USA, they are called sleepers.
We have more exciting US cars at: Numbers.
Be First to Comment