Frame Off Restored Galaxie 500 427 Dual Quad 4 Speed

If you're a fan of 60s muscle cars, it seems like everywhere you turn you see Mopar this or Chevrolet that. It's almost as if a large segment of the hobby has simply forgotten about how hot Ford and its full-size Galaxie was during Detroit's golden era. Or, maybe it's just selective memory. And maybe Chevy and Mopar guys are too ashamed to admit cars like this highly correct Galaxie 500, with its authentic, dual-quad 427, tough T10 4-speed and beefy 4.11 gears, would lay waste to most of their respective factory's offerings. At any rate, the proof is on the pavement; and if you buy this fully sorted piece of Americana, you'll be able to school 'the other guys' on the road AND at the show. Are you a diehard Ford fan who's looking for a rock-solid classic that's stylish, powerful and roomy enough to take your other-minded friends on enlightening journeys? Then this super slick hardtop is just the car you need!

To illustrate the authenticity of this Ford's current form, I'll go ahead and break down both its VIN and data tag:

VIN: 4U66R105333

* 4: 1964 model year
* U: Assembled at Ford's Louisville, Kentucky facility
* 66: Galaxie 500 2-door fastback
* R: 427 cubic inch, high performance V8
* 105333: Production sequence number

DATA PLATE

* 63B: Galaxie 500 2-door fastback
* X: Maroon Metallic paint
* 76: Black interior
* 26J: Manufactured on September 26th, 1963
* 31: Cincinnati DSO
* 9: 4.11 gears
* 5: 4-speed manual transmission

In typical 60s Detroit fashion, Ford's second generation Galaxie, adorned with long surfaces and creases that stretch from stem to stern, is incredibly hard to get straight once it's been overhauled or reworked. Fortunately, the metal on this Maroon Metallic 500 has been subjected to a professional, rotisserie restoration that involved excellent panel alignment and an astute attention to detail. The car's classic flanks are very solid; leading me to believe it was a clean, rust-free canvas when the first sheet of sand paper was laid on its big, muscled body. That body's gaps are better than average, featuring doors that operate with precision, vertical components that are centered in their respective openings, and fresh and pliable weather stripping. And overall, this full-size cruiser carries every indication that its high quality rebuild was a well-planned effort to create a timeless trophy chaser that looks good on the road and the show field!

For 1964, Ford's Galaxie line featured a sculpted profile that was designed to make the car more competitive at the track. And not only did this newfound aerodynamic prowess allow Ford racers more success, it also gave production units a more substantial appearance. At the front of this big maroon marauder, a body-width 'sabre tooth' grille hangs a monochromatic “Galaxie” script between four FoMoCo headlights, a thick chrome bumper and small, square parking lamps. Behind that grille, a carefully whittled hood, which centers a bold “F O R D” script between small fender fins, leads the eye to like-new glass that's framed in well-maintained trim, flanked by an ornate mirror and cleared by standard stainless wipers. At the sides of that hood, stylish chrome door handles parallel silver-detailed trim spears that frame “Galaxie 500” scripts above expressive Thunderbird 427 emblems. And behind those door handles, traditional 'pie plate' tail lights illuminate a wide-set “F O R D” script, a stainless-trimmed and “Galaxie 500” branded valence, and a second chrome bumper.

Speaking of this Galaxie's hood, it's been carefully whittled for a reason. To hide a 427 cubic inch, dual-quad V8 in a way that leaves no evidence as to the high performance fury the car's cocky traffic light opponent is about to receive. Wearing a correct C4AE-6015-A casting number, this rare Ford block is dominated by an oval, finned aluminum air cleaner and big Holley carburetors that are wedded to a heavy duty fuel pump and clean stainless lines. At the bottom of those carburetors, an authentic aluminum intake, topped by a chromed and decaled oil cap, props a traditional points distributor between eight high quality Radio Resistance wires. At the sides of that distributor, bright chrome valve covers hang Thunderbird 427 decals above restored header-style exhaust manifolds. And cooling is provided by new Ford-branded hoses that circulate water through reproduction tower clamps and a correctly tagged and shrouded radiator. Aesthetically, the car's clean engine bay looks good enough to show off to anyone, anywhere. Its subdued black engine block perfectly contrasts high quality accessory components like a bright blue washer bag and tagged battery. And everything blends seamlessly into gloss black fenders and a gloss black firewall.

At the bottom of this vintage hardtop, solid floors and a beefy frame are supported by a road ready suspension that's been freshly restored and fully marked. The muscular 427's power is transmitted rearward through a correct Borg Warner T-10 4-speed that, with the flick of a wrist, transforms this would be boulevard cruiser into a drag strip battle ship. Behind that gearbox, a large diameter driveshaft spins a buff Ford nine inch rear end which, thanks to fresh 4.11 gears, is ready to supply its new owner with years of hard launches. At the front of the car, old school manual steering mixes surprisingly tight turns with modern, responsive feedback. At the center of the car, you'll find a free-flowing, true-dual exhaust system that, thanks to both an H-pipe crossover and a pair of dual-chamber Flowmaster mufflers, gives the big engine a deep and throaty voice. And at the corners of the car, rebuilt brake drums, which supply quick and precise stops, ride behind traditional steel wheels, fresh stainless center caps and meaty 225/70R15 front and 255/70R15 rear Kelly Charger radials.

One of the best virtues of this Ford is the fact that you can pop its doors open, stretch out across its huge, fully restored interior and enjoy endless hours of cruising! At the center of the car, correct black seats, which feature retro silver piping, are the perfect place for you and your family to spend sunny afternoons seeing the sights. In front of those seats, a freshly finished dash hangs a fade and crack-free pad above original, silver-faced gauges, a vintage AM radio and an ornate, blue-detailed steering wheel. Below that dash, new loop pile carpet props “Galaxie” branded floor mats next to a correct chrome shifter. At the sides of that carpet, stainless-trimmed door panels hang bright chrome handles above pliable, curved armrests. At the back of those panels, a nicely finished trunk features a new mat, a full-size spare tire and a correct jack assembly. And everything in this Galaxie, from its bright chrome mirror to its fully functional courtesy lamps, is stylish and exceptionally well-done!

The sale of this big-boned blue oval includes a reproduction owner's manual, a stack of restoration photos and a two-page breakdown of its data plate and essential part numbers.

When it comes to maximizing the amount of car your money will buy, you simply can't go wrong with a big Detroit cruiser. A scant fraction of Ford's 1964 Galaxies were powered by the mighty 427/4-speed combo. And when you add in this car's thorough restoration, you have a head turning classic that's fun, historic AND rare. If you're looking for a stylish, comfortable, and reliable piece that commands a lot of respect on the highway, and feels right at home at the local show, this hot 500 is your ticket!