1964 Ford Galaxie factory lightweight up for grabs

By: Guy Allen, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 30.12.2016

One of just 50 race-developed models for that year

It's probably as fast as it looks.

This reads like a Ford fan's dream come true. According to the Ford statement sent to dealers on release:

"This car is a maximum performance vehicle and should only be sold to the knowing customer who understands the warranty implications if the car is used in competitive events."

In reality that means it's a stripped-out Gal, running the 427 cubic inch V8 (with twin four-barrel Holley carburettors), claiming 425 horses (316kW) and 480ft-lb (650Nm) of torque.

This R-code car is not only one of 50, but one of just 25 fitted with the four-speed top-loader manual transmission.

Other niceties included a 4.57 Detroit Locker rear end with 31-spline axles and an aluminium bell housing.

The whole intention was to provide a platform for drag and stock car racers, so luxuries such as the radio, heater and carpets were deleted in favour of a fibreglass hood and rubber floor mats.

The story goes that in fact the engine power was deliberately under-rated and these things were good for closer to 500hp (373kW). If that's true, they would have been a formidable performer right out of the box.

This example is being auctioned by Mecum at its Kissimee (USA) event over Jan 6-15. It's estimated at US $150-175k (AU$208-243k). This is very high on the lost of desirable American performance cars, so we wouldn't be at all surprised to make that sort of money.

Ed's note: while this auction listing says the car is one of 50, we have seen other info that suggests there may be as many as 212 - whther they were all 1964 models is unclear.

Full auction listing

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