Ford Galaxie 500 ConvertibleCoordinates 45.1505978,-76.1472296,
Picture dated May 2012
The Ford Galaxie is a full-size car that was built in the United States by Ford from 1959 to 1974.
The 1959 Ford range was introduced in late 1958 with the Fairlane 500 as the top trim level, a position taken later in 1959 whenGalaxie was added to the range. The Galaxie was offered with the same sedan and hardtop body styles, whilst the Sunliner and Skyliner convertibles were moved across from the Fairlane 500 range.
The 1960 Galaxie introduced all-new design with less ornamentation. A new body style was the Starliner, featuring a curving rear observation window on a pillarless, hardtop bodyshell. For 1961, the bodywork was redone again, although the underpinnings were the same as for 1960. This time, the tailfins were almost gone.
In 1962 the Galaxie name was applied to all of Ford's full size models, as the Fairlane name was moved to a new intermediate model. New top-line Galaxie 500 (two-door sedan and hardtop, four-door sedan and hardtop, and "Sunliner" convertible) models offered plusher interiors, more chrome trim outside, and a few additional luxury items over and above what was standard on the plainer Galaxie models. The 1963 model was essentially unchanged save for some freshening and added trim; windshields were reshaped and a four-door hardtop 500/XL was added. 1964 was the fourth and final year of this body style. Interior trim was altered, and the exterior featured a more sculpted look which was actually designed to make the car more aerodynamic for NASCAR.
The 1965 Galaxie was an all-new design, featuring vertically stacked dual headlights. The cars were taller and bulkier than the previous year's. The new top-of-the-line designation was the Galaxie 500 LTD. A new model was introduced for 1966; the Galaxie 500 7 Litre, fitted with a new engine, the 345 hp 428cu in Thunderbird V8. The police versions received a 360 hp version of the 428 known as the 'Police Interceptor'. The 7 Litre for 1967 was a trim and performance option on the Ford XL, which was now a separate model. The 1968 model had a new grille with headlights arranged horizontally, although the body was essentially the same car from the windshield back.
The 1969 model was built on a new platform with a 121-inch wheelbase. It was the end for the 427 and 428 engines, save for only the police package versions. The XL and Galaxie 500 Sportsroof had rear sail panels to simulate a fastback roofline. Galaxies for model year 1970 received minor trim changes.
A complete redesign was offered for 1971. This included a horizontal wrap around front bumper with a massive vertical center section. Taillights lost the traditional "rocket" exhaust theme in favor of horizontal lights and trimmed center section. Rooflines were squared off and had a "formal" air. The XL was dropped, as were concealed headlight covers for the LTD. The Galaxie range received annual, minor updates until 1975
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