Car: Ford Galaxie 500 Convertible ( ** Car shown at Dragone Classic Motorcars in Orange, CT. )

Year: 1959

What makes it special: Introduced late in the 1958 model year, the 1959 Ford Galaxie 500 was added as the top trim level above the Ford Fairlane 500 and offered with the same sedan and hardtop styles as the Fairlane. The Sunliner and Skyliner models were also moved from the Fairlane. The 1959 Galaxie models wore both the Galaxie and Fairlane 500 badging.

What made it famous: The 1959 Galaxie featured a stronger, wider railed frame giving the car more interior room, a new front stabilizer bar and variable-rate rear springs giving it a softer ride. A lighter 2-speed Ford-O-Matic transmission was mated to a 200 bhp, 292 cu in overhead-valve, a 225 bhp, 332 cu in or a 300 bhp 352 cu in V8. Another styling cue indicative of the era was that the Galaxie was decked with lots of stainless panels and loads of chrome, and a two-toned paint scheme was optional.

Why I would want one: This particular year of Galaxie was known as the “Galaxie with the Thunderbird look.”

Fun fact: The Galaxie name was used for Ford’s top-trimmed models from 1958 to 1961.
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Car: Mercury Cougar Eliminator Coupe

Year: 1969

What makes it special: Taking a cue from rival manufacturer models like the Chevrolet Camaro Z28 or Mustang Boss 302 and Mustang Mach-1 from their sister company Ford, Mercury boosted their muscle car profile when they released their Eliminator model on the streets for the 1969 model year. It hosted a range of V8 engines from the Trans-Am inspired solid-lifter 302 Small Block to their lethal 428 cu in Cobra-Jet Big Block.

What made it famous: The Mercury Cougar Eliminator featured such asphalt destroying features as the 428 cu in V8 with or without Ram-Air, or the famed “Drag-Pak” option with an oil-cooler and a 4.30:1 gear ratio Detroit Locker rear axle. Not fitted with the equally famous “Shaker Hood,” the Eliminator’s hood scoop was only functional when the Ram-Air option box was checked off. Other features for Mercury’s street killer was a blacked-out grille, side stripes, front chin and rear foil spoilers and an “Eliminator only” array of special high-impact blue, orange and yellow exterior colors.

Why I would want one: These aren’t easy to find. They pretty much are the higher tier of Mercury muscle cars for the late 1960’s.

Fun fact: For those who weren’t satisfied with the Eliminator’s killer power, more dealer options could be ordered in the form of headers, dual-quad carburetor set-ups, deep-sump oil pans, and quadruple Weber Carburetor set-ups as well, making them even more potent.
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