FEATURE: 1967 Ford Fairlane GTA

While we were at the downtown Palatine, Illinois cruise night a few weeks ago, we chatted with Brian Bending, the event organizer, who gave us all the details and backstory on the weekly gathering. Naturally, a guy who likes classics enough to take the initiative to organize an event is going to have one cool cruiser himself.

Brian Bending is a long-time Ford fan.

We came upon the Detroit-built machine recently, and discovered Brian is a Ford man, driving a black-on-black 1967 Fairlane GTA. He bought the ultra-clean car nine years ago from a local dealer and hasn’t had to do much to get it in asphalt-ready condition.

“I spent a long time searching for one that was as close to being done as I could. I wanted something reliable and something I could drive anytime I wanted -trouble-free,’ said Brian.

Other than some minor interior work, the biggest change came in the form of the rolling stock. When he made the purchase, the sinister-looking GTA was wearing some tacky aftermarket wheels that didn’t strike Brian’s fancy.

A 390ci V8 is underhood.

“I swapped them out for a more nostalgia look and to keep it more original. I’ve never been a fan of the custom wheels and tires on the classics.”

Under the twin bulges on the hood is a 390ci Ford big block V8 that has been rebuilt for added muscle and mile-after-mile dependability.

“This is just a cruising car – plain and simple. Although, I do have plans of redoing it here in the near future. I’d like to pro-mod it and add suspension components and a bigger, big block.”

As to the root of Brian’s blue oval passion?

“I’ve always been a Ford guy. My first car was a 1967 Galaxy 500. After that one and all the special memories, I’ve been hooked ever since.”

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