Bowing for the 1959 model year, the Ford Galaxie debuted as the full-size top-of-the-line trim level, a spot previously occupied by the Fairlane 500 trim. Ford hoped the Galaxie name would capitalize on the the excitement of the Space Race. Available in sedan, hardtop, Sunliner, and Skyliner convertible configurations, the Galaxie differed from the Fairlane, with the C-pillar lifted from the Ford Thunderbird design. Though it was considered separate from the Fairlane trim, the Galaxie had both Fairlane 500 and Galaxie badges.
By the 1964 model year, the Ford Galaxie was in its fourth and final year of its second generation. The interior trim had been revised, and new chrome-trimmed thin-shell bucket seats with federally mandated lap belts became available in XL trim. The ignition switch was moved to the dash on the right side of the steering column, previously located on the left.
The exterior had changed as well, with a more aerodynamic redesign to make the Galaxie more competitive for NASCAR racing. The formal, boxy roofline had been streamlined into a “fastback” design in all non-wagon hardtops. The 289 cubic-inch engine soldiered on as the base V8 in the XL trim, while the brutish 427 cubic-inch V8 was available in either Q- or R-Code trim, making 410 or 425 horsepower, respectively. Of the more than 900,000 Ford Galaxies built for the 1964 model year, roughly 3,100 units had the 427, with about one-fifth of those being Q-Code cars.
Our feature 1964 Ford Galaxie is one of those rare Q-Code cars. It has covered fewer than ten miles since completing a stunning, concours-level rotisserie restoration. A multiple trophy winner, it had a first place finish at the 2021 AACA Grand National in New Ulm, Minnesota, a 2021 AACA Senior 1st Place Award in Auburn, Indiana, a First in Class finish at the 2021 Des Moines Concours d’Elegance, and an Award of Distinction at the 2021 Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance.
The exterior of this 1964 Ford Galaxie is resplendent in glossy Raven Black. All chrome, bumpers, trim, and emblems are brilliant, with no sign of patina. Stainless trim is equally shiny. Glass and weatherstrip present as new. Original 15-inch diameter Kelsey Hayes steel wheels are five-and-a-half inches wide, topped by correct original wheel covers, and wrapped in whitewall bias-ply tires.
Inside the Ford Galaxie, the bright red interior is the perfect complement to the Raven Black exterior. The vinyl bench seat is as good as new, with no signs of use or wear present. Loop-style carpet is showroom fresh. The pedals are stark black, in perfect contrast to the chrome Hurst shifter topped with an iconic white shift ball. Gauges are sharp and clear. The original AM push-button radio resides in the spotless dash.
Under the hood of the Ford Galaxie is the numbers matching Q-Code 427 dressed with a rare factory engine dress-up kit. The original Toploader four-speed manual moves power to the rear wheels. The engine bay is complete and correct.
This potent Ford Galaxie has been owned by a single family for 50 years, and is accompanied by two partial build sheets. It will cross the auction block at the Mecum Auctions Kansas City event taking place December 2nd-4th.
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Comments
For the 1960’s this was Fords best looking full size car. My uncle had one, a four door wagon in a light blue and standing next to it was stunning. After this model all Fords took on a box look except the Mustang. For those that were not around back then, look at the length of the trunk. You could fit enough luggage for a family of six for a vacation trip and a place for the 26 gallon gas tank.
Absolutely concur George. This bad boy just oozes soul. Might explain why the family kept it so long. Very unlike the battery operated, unsafe, polluting pieces of EV junk being promoted today.
Sweet!!
No Hurst shifter, but rather the original Ford shift lever with reverse lock-out T handle and black four-speed shift knob.
No white shift knob?
What happened to the plans to begin construction of the Thunderbird.