Summary

Powered by a 427ci V8 engine mated to a 4-speed manual transmission this re-creation is a great homage to Ford's limited-production experimental factory drag-racing automobile from 1964.

Details

This 1964 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt re-creation is a great example of the original. The Thunderbolt was a limited-production, factory experimental, drag-racing automobile built by Ford in 1964. A total of 100 units were produced; enough to secure the 1964 NHRA Super Stock championship for Ford. This car was originally from Texas and had a very solid body, which made it a perfect candidate for a Thunderbolt re-creation. This car underwent a complete restoration with many correct features throughout. An organized binder of restoration photos and receipts is included. Parts and instructions were used from well-known Crites Restorations, which specializes in Thunderbolt conversions. It retains all the original sheet metal, except for the bottom of the rear quarters and floors. The body is very straight and properly fitted with a fiberglass hood, fiberglass fenders and fiberglass bumpers. The Wimbledon White paint is beautiful and dressed in period-correct decals. All the glass and trim work is in excellent condition. Some other correct features include the front twin air scoops that replace stock headlights, front tow hooks, one windshield wiper and rear window clips. The car sits on the correct steel disc 15-inch wheels with Continental front tires and Mickey Thompson rear tires. The tan interior has been completely restored and finished like the original. It has only one sun visor and no coat hooks or rear window regulators. Some of the restored features include the headliner, dash, gauges, door panels, hardware and rubber floor covering. It's equipped with Econoline bucket seats, seatbelts, dash tachometer, Hurst shifter and fire extinguisher. The trunk compartment is nicely detailed with a trunk mat and correct battery. The engine compartment is very detailed and finished like the original. The heart of this beast is a 390ci FE V8 engine that was stroked to a 427ci. The engine was professionally built by R&R Performance and dyno-tested at 404hp. It is equipped with dual 4-barrel carburetors and correct air cleaner with Dearborn steel tubing. The engine is cooled by a Howe aluminum radiator. It breathes through the correct-style headers and 3-inch side exhaust with cutouts. The engine is coupled to a correct BorgWarner T10 4-speed manual transmission with a Proven Force clutch and Wilwood hydraulic assist. Power is transferred to the pavement through the Ford 9-inch rear end with 3:50 Trak-Loc differential. The undercarriage is very presentable with all-new suspension, including the correct ladder bars.