Description
The Ford Galaxie was a full-size American automobile produced by Ford from 1959 through to 1974, becoming one of the marque’s best-known large family cars of the era. For 1964, the Galaxie 500 range offered a choice of saloon, hardtop and convertible body styles, with the four-door hardtop featuring a distinctive pillarless roofline and a choice of V8 engines including the 352 CID unit.
This particular 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 is a wonderful example of the classic American full-size motor car, presented in striking black with a beautifully preserved red interior. It is the desirable four-door hardtop configuration, left-hand drive and automatic, powered by Ford’s 352 CID V8 engine and showing below 60, 000 miles.
Its history is particularly interesting and helps explain the remarkable condition in which this Galaxie survives today. In September 1964, Jessie Pemberton took delivery of the brand-new Galaxie 500 from the Willett Motor Co of Rockford, Illinois. The car was subsequently enjoyed by Jessie for some 45 years, during which time it covered just 56, 300 miles. The history records that it was apparently used primarily for annual vacations, averaging around 1, 250 miles per year, and was always garaged. Importantly, it was never driven during the winter months, a significant factor in preserving the exceptionally straight and original bodywork we see today.
In September 2009 the Galaxie was sold by Jessie Pemberton to UK collector Mr Peter Brain and subsequently imported to Britain, arriving in November 2009. The extensive importation documentation is retained within the history folder, with the car being registered with the DVLA in 2010. Mr Brain retained the Galaxie until 2016, after which it continued to be cherished by subsequent owners.
Following its arrival in the UK, Mr Brain commissioned Manor Mustang to remove and strip the engine, with the associated invoice retained within the history file. Manor Mustang subsequently continued to maintain the car for many years, giving further confidence in the mechanical attention it has received throughout its UK ownership.
The Galaxie has also been a regular participant on the classic car show circuit, having been displayed at shows for more than ten years. It presents exceptionally well, with beautifully straight bodywork and a red interior that remains remarkably fresh, almost as though it has barely been used. The car retains an impressively original character, with the exception of a set of period-correct chrome wheels. The original hub caps are also retained in the trunk, allowing the next custodian to return the car to its original wheel presentation should they wish.
Recent maintenance includes a new coil, spark plugs and leads, fresh antifreeze and engine oil. The history file is particularly comprehensive, containing the original Ford owners manual, numerous MOT certificates, historic tax discs, previous documentation and the paperwork relating to its American ownership and subsequent importation to the UK.
With its 352 CID V8, automatic transmission, left-hand-drive configuration, striking black and red colour combination and exceptionally well-preserved presentation, this is a superb example of the great American motor cars of the 1960s. The combination of long-term dry storage, remarkably low annual mileage during its early life and careful ownership thereafter has resulted in a Galaxie that remains wonderfully honest and original in character.
A fabulous collector-quality American classic with a fascinating history, extensive documentation and an appearance that captures everything that makes a 1960s full-size Ford so appealing.
Viewing is by appointment only.
