In 1964, Ford worked with Andy Hotten of Dearborn Steel Tubing Company to fit a limited number of Fairlane 500s of 427-cubic inch V8-powered engines. The iconic Thunderbolt was born.

The vehicle complied with all the newly established NHRA regulations, including the minimum weight rules for stock-class drag cars, weighing 3,203 pounds. The suspension and many other mechanical components were improved to handle the massive amount of power produced by the 427 engine. It was rated at 425 horsepower, though it probably produced closer to 500.

The true potential of the car was revealed on the drag strip, as Gas Ronda earned the NHRA's 1964 World Championship with his T-Bolt, accomplishing the quarter mile in a mere 11.6 seconds at 124 mph.

There were only 111 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt two-door hardtops created in 1964, 89 of which were fitted with four-speed transmissions. The one pictured was brought to the 2007 Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions. Restored to its original condition, its estimated value was $225,000 to $275,000, but it sold for $165,000.

The 1964 Ford Fairlane 500 Thunderbolt's original base price ranged from $2,180 to $2,600.

• Wheelbase, inches: 115.5
• Weight, lbs: 3,225
• Length, inches: 197.6
• Width, inches: 72.2
• Height, inches: 54.3
• Production: 111
• Base price: $3,780
• Current Value: $6,000 - $17,000

• Type: Spark-Ignition 4-stroke
• Displacement: 2781 cm3 / 169.7 cui
• Fuel system: Carburetor
• Engine: V8 6997 cc | 427.0 cu in. | 7.0 L
• Compression ratio: 12.7:1
• Horsepower @ rpm: 425 hp @ 6000rpm
• Suspension: Heavy Duty
• Torque @ rpm: 480 @ 3700 rpm
• Transmission: Manual
• Axle ratios: 3.89:1

• Top Speed, mph: 120 - 126 mph
• 0-60 mph, sec: 17.4
• 1/4 mile, sec @ mph: 11.76 seconds @ 122.7 mph