427ci OHV R-Code "Wedge" V8
Dual Holley 4-Barrel Carburetors
425bhp at 6,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Coil Spring Front Suspension, Semi-Elliptic Rear Leaf Springs
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Last of the R-Code Full-Size Fords
*Outstanding Presentation and Colors
*Well Maintained for Show or Go
*A true sleeper

THE BIG BLOCK GALAXIE

By 1966, the idea of a full-size performance car was beginning to lose momentum in the market place. High performance at Ford had found new homes in the mid-size Fairlane models and of course the leader in the sport-compact market, Mustang. But the options for big-car buyers were still there, and a few customers still went after those big guns. For 1966, there were two versions of the "wedge" head 427ci V8s listed, a W-code single-4-barrel rated at 410bhp, and the R-code, with dual Holley 4-barrels and rated at 425bhp. Even though there had been improvements such as refined and tuned cast iron headers, better breathing intake manifolds, and more, the official power output ratings had remained constant since introduced in 1963. Standard with the 427 packages were heavy-duty front and rear suspension as well as the driveshaft, differential and rear axles. Also included were modified transmission mounts output shaft and universal joints. Also, all 427 equipped Galaxies came with dual-exhaust as standard equipment plus a chrome dress-up kit for valve covers and oil-cap. Equipment restrictions still applied such as no power steering or brakes and especially no air-conditioning. By 1966, all Galaxie models were fitted with 15" wheels, but those on the performance models were considerably stronger than the standard passenger car.

Starting with 1965, full-size Fords switched to a new "Torque Box Frame" that allowed for a stable body mount and reduction in body-flex. This new chassis combined with Ford's newly developed "tuned body mounting" system provided for not only a smoother ride, but new insulation methods reduced road noise to a minimum.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The most popular series for the full-size 1966 Ford line was the Galaxie 500 and among its four models, the 2-dr hardtop reigned supreme with 198,532 copies produced. Signified in the serial number or VIN, by the numbers "66" these were rather common cars. What was uncommon, finding the letter "R" in the fifth position of the VIN, the letter that indicated the 425hp version of the mighty 427. This car was assembled at Ford's Twin Cities plant near Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota during the first week of October 1965. In addition to having the R-code 427 V8, it was also one of very few 1966 Ford's that received a two-tone paint scheme with the lower body painted Springtime Yellow and the roof finished in Corinthian White. The interior of the car features full-width bench seats in a the optionally available specially embossed black vinyl seat coverings, black loop pile nylon carpeting and other appointments in black. Under the hood the original 427 engine rests, ready to serve up a mix of premium fuel and air, with a pair of thirsty Holley four-barrel carbs. Those carburetors are protected by that large aluminum oval air filter housing decorated with the spread-wing 427 emblem at the front. You can look but you won't see any horsepower robbing accessories under this hood, only a pair of imposing cast-iron headers.

According to our consignor, this car was sold new in the Kansas City, Missouri area and today the odometer shows just over 23,250 miles, which is understood to be from new. Helping to confirm these low miles is a Royal Triton lubrication sticker dated July 1971, showing the miles at that time to be 21,506. There are a couple of creature comforts like tinted glass all around, Magic-Aire heating and defrost system, and a factory AM-FM push-button radio—still quite a novelty on 1966. The original wheels are adorned with the basic "dog-dish" hubcap and the car is riding on what appear to be period correct Firestone 7.10X15 "Gum-Dipped" blackwall tires.

When new, Ford advertised the Galaxie 500 line as "the smoothest brute on the road". Quite possibly one of the most unassuming sleepers of its day, put yourself behind its steering wheel show others a new trick or two!