In an effort to capture the interest generated by the famous space race, Ford created one of the best performance cars of the era: the Ford Galaxie 500.
Joining the scene in 1959, the Ford Galaxie 500 had an impressive outlook, with a sleek exterior with a two-tone paint option, as well as stainless steel and chrome accents and taillights that they glowed like afterburners. Not forgetting an elegant interior decoration.
During its lifespan, the Ford Galaxie came with two engine options: the 223-cubic-inch Mileage Maker I6 and the 427-cubic-inch FE-series V8, rated between 140 and 345 horsepower. Today, the Ford Galaxie is among the most valuable classics.
Here are some things you might not know about the Ford Galaxie 500.
10 The Ford Galaxie 500 was inspired by the space race
If you’re a fan of space expeditions, you might be familiar with the space race. If you’re not, the space race was just as the name sounds, a race in space. In the 1960s, countries competed to see who could successfully land on the moon.
The main players in the space market in this period were, of course, the USA and the USSR. To outdo each other, these two players sent bigger things into space. Things like chimpanzees and dogs. But hey, this was a time before Neil Armstrong happened.
Seeing all the space race buzz, Ford produced the Galaxie, the Ford Galaxy essentially used the feelings surrounding the space race to become an iconic nameplate.
9 The Ford Galaxie 500 is a valuable classic
Unlike most others, the Ford Galaxie 500 is among the most affordable classic cars you can buy, with lower-powered variants starting at as little as $16,700.
For a model with the 7.0-liter engine and the convertible option, however, expect to pay between $35,000 and $60,000. Apart from the engine and other features, it is of course the rarity of the model that affects the price. However, the Ford Galaxie is not the most classic aftermarket.
8 The Ford Galaxie 500 left the scene in light of oil restrictions
Due to the famous fuel restrictions of the 1970s, which only allowed a person to get a limited amount of oil, performance cars were hit hard. As muscle car power began to decline, so did sales.
This was a bullet the Ford Galaxie couldn’t dodge, especially since it was among the biggest gas-guzzling cars. From its sales peak of 650,000 units in 1963, sales fell as a result of the restrictions. In 1974, Ford only made 110,000 units.
7 The Ford Galaxie 500 had powerful powertrain options
While the 292 CI V8 engine proved strong and reliable, things got interesting with the top-of-the-line powertrain: the 352-cubic-inch V8 engine that threw out a staggering 300 horsepower. With this powerful engine, the Galaxie became as respected as the Mustang’s Boss model.
The second generation brought more powerful 390, 406 and 427 cubic inch FE series V8 engines, accessible with a 2-speed automatic, 3-speed automatic or 3-speed manual gearbox.
6 The Ford Galaxie 500 drove at the end of Ford’s Fairlane
The Ford Fairlane, the highest trim level offered in late 1958, marked the start of the Ford range for 1959. But in 1959, the Galaxie replaced the Fairlane 500 as the top trim.
An expensive but desirable option across the line was the Ford Galaxie Skyliner. Unlike the rest, this model came with a retractable hardtop and was the prettiest Galaxie. But the hardtop took up boot space when folded, which was a price to pay for an airy driving experience.
5 The 1965 model year brought an interesting overhaul to the Ford Galaxie 500 lineup
1965 was a big year for the Ford Galaxie, which debuted its third generation. Unlike the older models, the third generation versions gained considerable length and height.
This new generation dropped the older 3.7 liter engine. In its place, the Ford Galaxie line adopted a 3.9-liter engine, which came with a four-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust system. The fleet also included a two-key entry system and an upgraded suspension system.
Since its inception, the Galaxie was one of the best sellers alongside the Impala. But it wasn’t until 1966 that the Ford Galaxie officially became the third best-selling muscle car in town.
4 The Ford LTD joined the Galaxie 500 line
While the LTD name wasn’t new to the lineup, things got a little different when the Ford LTD went from a trim level to a stand-alone model.
This was because the LTD was largely considered the top trim of the entire Ford line, with features seen on Lincoln cars. The decision to convert it to an LTD gave the car its own direction, which inspired the birth of the Ford Taurus.
3 The Ford Galaxie 500 was not a track worthy competitor
Above all its excellent attributes, such as the Space Race-inspired styling and rumbling powertrains, there was one problem that always plagued the Ford Galaxie, weight.
Compared to its competition, the Ford Galaxie was tediously heavy, especially in full-size configuration. This made his track performance laughable. The brand tried repeatedly to correct the problem by adding fiberglass, but all efforts failed.
2 A rare Galaxie 500 7 liter
At the time, only a few people noticed the 7.0 liter fit. With only 11,000 models made, the Galaxie 7.0 liter was a rare breed in its day. This is also because some 7.0 liter versions did not carry the Galaxie nameplate for the 1967 model year.
Apart from that, it made the coupe the ideal family car, making it extremely popular. These days, however, they are even rarer. It is not clear how many 7.0 liter Galaxie models currently exist.
1 A racing version of the Ford Galaxie 500 appears
While the Ford Galaxie was, as we mentioned above, plagued by weight issues, Ford finally made one that was perfect for the drag strip. Unfortunately, this model was largely deemed too powerful and unsafe that NASCAR banned it from the racing scene.
This race-emphasized Galaxie carried the stronger Cammer 427 engine. Unlike the standard Galaxie, the Galaxie racer produced an impressive 650 horsepower.
