FORD GALAXIE

BIG AND DISTINCTIVE, THE FORD GALAXIE WAS A COMMON SIGHT ON OUR ROADS

Models named Galaxie headed Ford’s U.S. range for many years before Australia adopted the designation. For 1963 our Galaxies mostly pillarless Hardtops, were imported as right-hand drive. The more bulbous shape introduced for 1964 came as a sedan and station wagon and was reputedly the widest car sold in the North American market.

From 1965, when Ford’s Homebush (NSW ) plant began assembly, Galaxies became a common sight on Australian roads. Governments at all levels were big customers, with many of the cars sold and surviving being black.

The default engine was Ford’s 4.7-litre ‘289’ V8 which developed 168kW and struggled a little to haul the ’65 Gal’s 1700kg. Optional and vastly better suited was the 6.4-litre ‘390’ from Ford’s performance-oriented Thunderbird. With 208kW to play with, the Galaxie was a match for Chrysler’s 6.3-litre Dodge Phoenix and easily outpaced GM-H’s Chevrolets and Pontiacs.

Interior space and distinctive styling were hallmarks of late 1960s Galaxies. The first locally built cars came with ‘stacked’ pairs of headlamps, clean-line looks and minimal chrome.

Broad bench seats and plentiful legroom ensured abundant space for families who could muster the $5570 price – $2200 more than a V8-engined XR Fairmont. Included in the Galaxie’s equipment were three-speed auto, power steering, a clock and heater-demister but a hidden attribute was significant to many owners.

Ford in the USA had spent a lot of time and money redesigning the car to minimise vibration and road-noise intrusion. At the time, Ford claimed its large cars were quieter than a Rolls-Royce.

Locally built cars underwent their first major restyle for 1968, by which time disc front brakes had replaced all-round drums and radial ply tyres were optional. The ‘390’ V8 had become standard and the weight had ballooned to 1835kg and the car, from its HD Holden-style front mudguards to wrap-around taillights, measured more than 5.3 metres.

Galaxies with their all-coil suspension are renowned for their blend of ride quality and acceptable handling. Rural users were especially fond of their ability to maintain high average speeds over second-rate roads.

Performance from the 6.4-litre engine feels stronger than acceleration figures indicate. Road tests of early ‘390’ engined cars recorded 0-60mph (0-96km/h) in 9.7 seconds, while those with 4.7 litres were almost three seconds slower.

Inside, the dash had a five-unit instrument cluster with a clock the same size as the speedometer. Seats were improved and came with huge central armrests.

Locally assembled Galaxies were four-door sedans, but private imports included convertibles, two and four-door hardtops and the Country Squire wagon with fake timber embellishments.

Australia adopted LTD badging in 1969 and debuted another new design that now featured hidden headlamps. Another restyle appeared for 1971, with a 6.5-litre version of the small-block Cleveland V8. The last Australian-assembled LTD was available as a pillared Hardtop but imports still came in a variety of styles.