1964 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt was a drag race only, limited production and factory experimental automobile produced by the Ford Motor Company. It was an especially designed lightweight drag vehicle that is able to operate in the low 11 second bracket.
1964 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt has been made specially as a lightweight competitive car which includes certain aluminum and fiberglass components. Due to the specialized purpose for which the car has been made and to achieve maximum weight reduction, Ford Motor Company's normal quality standards, in terms of surface appearance and exterior panel fit, are not met on this vehicle.
At the heart of Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt, there was a 425hp and 427 cid high rise engine. Though the horsepower was said to be 425, it was closer to 500hp. It is equipped with ram air induction system, compression ratio of 12 to 1, scatter shield made of aluminum, dual four barrel Holley carburetion, revised drag suspension, electric fuel pump, four speed transmission, trunk mounted battery, tachometer, heavy duty brakes, special wheels, gauges and drag tires.
The interior of the 1964 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt featured no sun visors, heater controls, arm rests, radio or window crack mechanisms. Its seats were very light weight and from a Ford van. The car also has an 8000rpm Rotunda tachometer.
The 1964 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt was intended to be used at the drag strip. The car was unit built and presented in October 1963. It was restored to 'match race' configuration of 1964, with Plexiglas windshield, ultra light hood, fiberglass doors, aluminum radiator as well as water pump,. Even the set of the original rims and tires that ran on the car were placed and integrated in the restoration. All the original body components, exterior trim, Plexiglas of 1964 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt were retained and refurbished.
This classic car was prominently showed at the 100th anniversary celebration of Ford Motor Company at Ford World Headquarter and at the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) show in 2009.
