Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at Race Retro 2026 - Collectors' Cars on Saturday the 21st of February, Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh Rd, Coventry, CV8 2LG. A rare opportunity to acquire a meticulously executed, period-correct drag-spec 1964 Ford Galaxie Custom 500, built to faithfully interpret Ford’s factory R-code full-size drag cars of the early 1960s. Restored in the United States during the early to mid-2010s, this example benefitted from expenditure in excess of $120, 000, with a clear emphasis on authenticity, mechanical integrity and period detail throughout.
Originally a C-code car, the Galaxie has been comprehensively re-engineered to reflect Ford’s lightweight drag philosophy, combining a Costa Mesa R&D–built FE engine stroked to 452 cubic inches, a Galaxie-spec Toploader four-speed manual transmission and a Traction-Lok 9-inch rear axle, supported by a carefully curated selection of correct period components.
Imported into the UK during 2024, it has since been UK registered and sympathetically recommissioned, including new radial tyres, replacement ignition components and a rolling-road set-up completed in October 2025. The original US drag tyres are included in the sale, comprising Firestone front cross-plies and ‘cheater’ rear slicks, noting that the slicks are not road legal.
The history file is extensive and particularly well curated. Compiled by the owner who oversaw the restoration, it includes detailed photographic records, invoices and personal notes documenting both the restoration process and the passion that drove the project. The restoration began with a complete strip-down and media blasting. The chassis was realigned, strengthened where required and powder coated, while the body required only minor metal repairs, retaining largely original sheet metal. Finished in two-stage Wimbledon White, chosen as a deliberate reference to Ford’s ‘body-in-white’ lightweight drag cars, the exterior is completed with original and NOS stainless trim, a fibreglass teardrop bonnet with stainless pins and a fibreglass front bumper.
At its heart is a Costa Mesa R&D–built 452ci FE engine, originally a 427 top-oiler, stroked using high-quality internals and meticulous blueprinting. Built by the highly respected Californian specialist prior to its closure, the engine represents a no-compromise FE build and is finished in factory-correct 75% satin black. Power is delivered via a Galaxie-spec ‘HEH’ Toploader four-speed, SMI flywheel, 11-inch Centreforce clutch and Lakewood scattershield, driving a nodular iron 9-inch rear axle with Traction-Lok differential and 31-spline Dutchman axles.
The chassis, suspension and braking systems mirror the same attention to detail, with restored and powder-coated components, CalTracs traction bars, period-correct Super Stock drum brakes and a free-flowing dual exhaust with H-pipe. Inside, the red crushed-vinyl interior presents in clean, competition-inspired condition, featuring Bostrom low-back bucket seats with harnesses, a Hurst shifter, restored dashboard with Rotunda tachometer and Stewart-Warner auxiliary gauges, and a radio and heater delete.
Currently riding on new Vitour Galaxy radial tyres, the Galaxie is road-usable, whilst the inclusion of the original drag tyres allows the next owner the flexibility of drag-strip use. Accompanied by an excellent history file, UK V5C and evidence of a 1st-place Nostalgia class award at the 2013 Grand National Roadster Show, this is an exceptionally authentic and well-documented full-size Ford drag re-creation.
