Classic Fords at a Glance ...

1959-Ford_galaxie_sunliner_ Ask a Ford enthusiast which model he considers to be a "classic", and you will get almost as many opinions as there are Ford models. Some will argue for the Model A, some for the late Thirties models, culminating with the beautiful lines of the 1940 Fords. And then there are the Thunderbirds and Mustangs to consider. An equal case can be made for the full size Ford Galaxie of the early Sixties.

Introduced in the mid 1959 Ford lineup, the Galaxie was an upscale version of the Ford Fairlane. Among those models was the Galaxie Skyliner, a retractable hardtop model which had introduced in 1957. It's unique roof, through a bits of electronic wizardry, folded up into sections which disappeared into the trunk area, converting the car into a convertible in about 60 seconds.

1960 saw the introduction of the Galaxi Sunliner convertible, and the Galaxie Starliner hardtop coupe models.

The "options" list for the Ford Galaxies were almost endless. Many of the "power" options available to the Galaxie buyer are taken for granted today, such as power windows, power seats, power brakes, power steering, and air conditioning. The 1961 Ford Galaxie was completely redesigned and won awards for its new styling. The 1962 Ford Galaxie was offered in 14 different body styles, five engine choices, and 45 plus color option for the interior trim. The 1963 model year offered up a 425 hp motor, in the Galaxie 500 XL, one of the most luxurious sedans ever offered by Ford.

The 1964 Ford Galaxy body style selections increased to 16, and offered buyers a completely redesigned interior. This car proved to be one of the most popular of the classic Ford Galaxy years, it was a real head turner, and was probably the apex of Ford Motor Company's production of "big block"," big horsepower" sedans. The huge 427 ci V8 motor in the 64 Galaxie 500 took to the racetracks in the US, UK, and Europe in earnest showing off its 425 horse power. Ford production included a model which was referred to as a "Lightweight". Many of the components of the body were made of fiberglass and aluminum, to reduce the weight of the car for race track drivers. Records indicate that there were only about 50 of these special "Lightweight Galaxie's" ever built.

Late in the Ford production year of 1964 a monster engine, the "sohc 427 Cammer" was made available. This "Cammer" motor was rated for over 600 horse power. This motor was developed strictly for racing, but Ford gave thought to making this engine available to the public as a production motor. When there were some rule definition changes made by NASCAR, and the potential liability issues of selling a car with 600 hp to the public, Ford rethought its decision. The 1964 Galaxie 500 sedans with all their raw horse power motors, remain as one of the all time favorites for big block Ford enthusiasts. Although the Ford Galaxie name continued on for another 10 years, it was these early full size Ford Galaxies that deserve to be included in any list of "classic Fords".

Classic Ford History Timeline:

1959, Ford Galaxie model introduced
1962, Galaxie 500 XL introduced
1963, The 427 cubic inch, 425 horsepower V8 was made available
1964 , The entire Ford Line won the Motor Trend "Car of the Year" award

Quick Facts about the Ford Galaxie:

The "500" in the Galaxie line, was a reference to the 500 mile NASCAR races of the era
"Galaxie", "Starliner", "Sunliner", "Skyliner" names reflected the nations new interest in the Space program
"XL" reportedly stood for "Xtra Lively"
The Galaxie Skyliner was the first production retractable hardtop convertible