427ci OHV R-Code "Side-Oiler" V8
Dual Holley 4-Barrel Carburetors
425bhp at 5,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Coil Spring Front Suspension, Semi-Elliptic Rear Leaf Springs
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Epitome of Performance and Luxury
*Preserved and Well Appointed
*Factory R-Code Engine, J-Code Rangoon Red

THE FORD GALAXIE

When it came to "Total Performance", no one could hold a candle to Ford in 1964. That year everything seemed to come together with superb styling for the passenger cars and some of the hottest engines the American auto industry has ever seen. Introduced for mid-year 1963 was the ultimate FE big-block engine, the 427ci V8. Available in two levels, 410bhp with a single four-barrel, or 425bhp, "R" code version with dual four-barrels. Known among fans as the "side-oiler", these power-houses would propel full-size Fords into the front of pack be it on the street, strip or track. If someone had a hunger, a need for speed, Ford had a full menu ready to be served up.

Style-wise, the full-size 1964 Ford line featured a modern space-age design that had sculpted body side panels with flowing accent lines and on hardtop models, fastback rooflines that emulated the lines of a sporty convertible while providing a snug and cozy riding experience. Capping off the presentation were Ford's traditional jet inspired rounded taillights. Offered in three trim levels for 1964, there was the basic Galaxie and then the upgraded and very popular Galaxie 500. But for those looking for a car that would impress, excite and excel, there was the Galaxie 500-XL. Set apart from the lower priced models, the 500-XL featured special badging, comfortable all-vinyl bucket seats up front and a center console which most often was the home for the gear shift lever.

Car buyers flocked to the Ford showrooms as these big cars won sales, while Ford was busy winning in the world of motorsports. In NASCAR, Ford took the checkered flag in 30 of the 62 official events for 1964 (and another five wins came to Dearborn with the 427 powered Mercurys). For drag-strip competition, Ford produced a limited number of lightweight Galaxie 500 2-door hardtops that a number of teams took to victory to bring home the first NHRA's Manufacturer's Cup.

THE MOTORCAR ON OFFER

But for the person who wanted speed and a desire to impress friends, the Galaxie 500XL was the answer. Our consignor tells us he found this car in 2004 being offered for sale on the Internet. From what he could gather the father of the seller had purchased the car new and had kept it in his garage, protected, for many years. Built at Ford's Atlanta, Georgia assembly plant towards the end of November 1963, it was finished in gleaming Rangoon Red on the exterior and durable all vinyl interior. Best of all the original owner had stepped up for the $461.60 R-code 427ci engine, which also required an addition $188 for the 4-speed manual transmission.

Close inspection of the car reveals it has had one repaint in the original color but that original sharp factory interior is still in place. The odometer shows right at 25,250 miles, but there are no records as to the car's true mileage. Since it was acquired by our consignor, he has kept up the habit of keeping car this car indoors when not in use.

Typical of the R-code engine, it is a little groggy on start-up, but once it gets the juices flowing, she is ready for the open highway. These cars are perfect for cruising all day long as only the rear two-barrels of the front carburetor feed the car when traveling down the highway. But in those instances when performance is required, all eight barrels of those dual Holleys kick in and can get you down the road at break-neck speeds.

The brightwork, including the chrome, shines like beautifully and everything is reported to be operational including the original push-button transistor radio, "Magic-Aire" Heater Defroster and even the clock. The car still rides on its special high-performance 15-inch wheels which are adorned by those unique matching-sized wheelcovers. For the ultimate street performance machine in style, comfort, and performance, this Galaxie 500XL Hardtop will fill the bill!