1966 convertible was always loved, but rarely driven
It's hard to know what vehicles will be collectible. The original owner of this 1966 Ford Fairlane XL500, Robert Bruno, took a chance and figured his ride would be desirable for years to come.
The Fairlane's current owner, Dennis Roxworthy of Elgin, shared its story. The forward-thinking Bruno knew what Ford had in store for 1966 and determined the car was special.
“He was aware of the big Fairlane redesign,” Roxworthy said. In addition to fresh styling, 1966 marked the return of the Fairlane convertible after a four-year hiatus.
It was also the first time a sporty new package, called the XL500, was made available. Bruno ordered one, ticking the boxes for such options as the 289 cubic-inch V-8 and a “Cruise-O-Matic” three-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle was delivered to Little Falls, New Jersey, on April 27, 1966.
While Bruno had acquired all the makings of a fine cruising machine, he opted to leave his Vintage Burgundy drop top indoors — permanently.
“He thought it would be worth something if he saved it,” Roxworthy said. To that end, he kept it in his garage for decades. Detailed notes were made in a diary on what little maintenance was done to it and Bruno saved all the documentation.
When Bruno passed away and the car was sold in 1989, the odometer showed a scant 200 miles. Today, it shows 700. Roxworthy purchased the vehicle in 2012 and is the third owner.
“It had all the right ingredients for a Ford guy like me,” Roxworthy said. “It was the opportunity of a lifetime.”
No physical parts have been changed — only the oil, oil filter and antifreeze. Even the air cleaner is original. The Fairlane's seats have the plastic that protected them while it was in transit from the factory.
While a motoring fanatic, Roxworthy is careful to not add any additional mileage to the vehicle. He's frequently asked how he can resist not driving such a car.
“One day, it'll belong to someone else,” he said. “I want to be a caretaker of history and keep it preserved.”
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