483ci OHV 'Experimental' V8
Two Holley 4-Barrel Carburetors
500bhp at 5,000rpm (est.)
4-Speed Borg-Warner T-10 Manual Transmission
Front Coil Spring and Rear Leaf Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Factory Experimental Performance
*Incredible Find for Ford Enthusiast
*Biggest Big Block Ever in a Ford

THE FORD BIG BLOCK

In late 1957, the Automobile Manufacturer's Association announced a voluntary ban on using performance and speed as selling factors for their automobiles. However, Ford had several projects in the works when the ban went into effect and in 1958, the FE block which displaced 352 cubic inches and was rated at 300bhp was introduced. In 1960, Ford brought out a high-performance edition of that engine, one fitted with an aluminum intake manifold, cast-iron headers, special brakes, wheels and other internal tweaks with an output of 360 horses. The following year a 390ci version was released, 300bhp in street form, but a performance version from the factory with 375bhp, while a dealer installed triple two-barrel carburetor set-up was available which bumped the output to 401bhp. In 1962, the next step was taken with the introduction of the 406ci V8s, a four-barrel version rated at 385bhp, and the triple-deuce version at 405bhp.

As the next generation engine, the legendary 427, was being readied for production, work was underway on the "335" project the next generation V8. Based on the project number, not its size, this would be Ford's last big-block engine design. With a displacement of 483ci, its horsepower estimated to be well north of 500. Never released as a production engine, a few of these experimental power plants evidently made into the public's hands.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

According to our consignor, this is one of those cars. The story goes that a Texas gentleman and father named Coleman, had a couple of daughters that were into showing horses. A vehicle was needed to tow the horse trailer to various events. To perform this duty a basic 1962 Ford Galaxie Club sedan was ordered from Doug Shaw Ford in Burleson, Texas. It had the 405bhp version of the 406 engine which required special brakes, 15" wheels a 4-speed manual transmission, but did not allow for items like power steering, brakes or air-conditioning. As the story goes, the owner wanted something even more potent and the dealer told him of a Grand National stock car engine, the 483ci V8. An order was placed through Holman & Moody, Ford's go-to shop for go-fast cars and an engine was secured and installed. Mr. Coleman insisted that he must have the fender badges that displayed the displacement on the fenders and those were also shipped with the engine.

The car was used for several years for the purpose it was intended, and then parked and forgotten about until it was acquired by our vendor. Since it was acquired, it has been given a complete rebuild and today sits as a tribute to the horsepower and ingenuity of Ford's Total Performance programs of the 1960's. Finished in Corinthian White, all exterior side trim and badging have been removed except for the those special "483" badges. This super Ford is riding on specially prepared high performance 15" wheels wearing fresh Goodyear Eagle ST blackwall tires with performance orientated special treads.

The engine has been completely gone through and features trumpet exhausts just ahead of the rear wheels that let out a roar when the 483 V8 comes alive. Electrical charging has been upgraded to an alternator system and the during the rebuild, the trailer tow-bar was removed from the back of the car. All remaining chrome and bright work is either from new-old stock or been professionally re-plated to show-car standards. Looking inside the car, the seats are done with mottled gray vinyl bolsters combined with period correct insert fabrics while the dashboard and garnish moldings are finished in silver-gray metallic. All instruments are of the original style with the exception of an in-dash tachometer that has been mounted into the instrument cluster nacelle normally reserved for the electric clock.

Currently showing just over 34,000 miles, our consignor believes there are most likely from new, but the true miles are unknown. He does say that this Ford is powerful, almost scary fast, and has only been given a few test miles since its build was completed. An interesting part of Ford's Total Performance Program, with a powerplant and a story that has never come to auction before.