Car: Ford Galaxie Hardtop
Year: 1962
What makes it special: Ford’s Galaxie model a full-sized offering built for model years 1959 through to 1974. The name was used for the top models in Ford’s full-size range from 1958 until 1961, in a marketing attempt to appeal to the excitement surrounding the Space Race. For 1962, all full-size Fords wore the Galaxie badge, with “500” and “500/XL” denoting the higher series. Tailfins were gone, giving the 1962 models a more rounded, softer rear end look. Taillights were set lower into the rear panel and were partially sunken into the newly sculpted rear bumper.
What made it famous: New top-line Galaxie 500 in 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. Base Galaxie models were available in two- and four-door sedans as well as the plain Ranch Wagon. Ford introduced a group of sporty cars along with a “Lively Ones” marketing campaign. The full-size line was available with new bucket-seats-and-console Galaxie 500/XL two-door hardtop and convertible. The 223 cu in “Mileage Maker” 6-cylinder was the base engine. The 292 cu in V8 was standard on the 500/XL. A 406 cu in engine was available in single 4-barrel or triple-carbureted “six-barrel” form.
Why I would want one: I’ve always been a fan of the Galaxie model throughout its production run.
Fun fact: Ford’s Galaxie was the high volume counterpart to Chevrolet’s Impala model.
