The 1966 Ford Galaxie

The Ford Galaxie is a full-sized car that was built in the United States by Ford 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. The Galaxie 500/LTD was introduced for 1965 followed by the Galaxie 500 7-Litre for 1966. The Galaxie 500 prefix was dropped from the LTD in 1966, and from the XL in 1967.

The year 1966, in particular, was the best year in the lifetime of the Ford Galaxie Series. A new model, called the Galaxie 500 7.0 Litre, was introduced by Ford. It was powered by a new Thunderbird V8 engine. The classic car was also employed by the police force back in the day. The Galaxie police cars were 360hp versions of the 428 and were referred to as the “Police Interceptors” by the general public.

South America was the land that time forgot in the 1960s and 70s because cars from the mid-60s Detroit era were alive and well into the mid-70s. The 1975 Ford LTD is classic example because it looks like a customized version of the 1966 Ford Galaxie, but it was built in Brazil exclusively for the local market.

The Ford Galaxie was a muscle car. It was a full-size car that was comfortable and glided along the road like a Lincoln. For one year, Ford woke the Galaxie up and gave it some juice. For the 1966 model year, Ford decided to use the Galaxie to showcase its new monster 427 V8.

Ford’s answer to the potent, game-changing HEMI engine was the 427 SOHC Cammer–an engine that not only changed the game but also changed the rules in NASCAR racing. In stock, single-carbureted guise, the engine pumped out 616 hp at 7,000 rpm and 515 lb-ft torque at 3,800 rpm, according to Ford factory specs. The Ford 427 SOHC engine is the only engine effectively banned by NASCAR before even making it to the track (thus, the legendary status).

Nothing compares to riding around in a classic car from the 60’s. We will never again see new cars built that are so cool and so simple to work on and customize. New cars all look the same and have no character. The 1966 Ford Galaxie is unique looking and is overflowing with character.

Ford parts websites:

https://www.macsautoparts.com

https://www.autokrafters.com

https://www.dennis-carpenter.com/cars

Galaxie clubs:

https://www.galaxieclub.com

https://www.so-calgalaxies.com

https://www.galaxieclube.com.br

To have your 1966 Ford Galaxie displayed on this site, please email picture and stats to galaxie@1966fordgalaxie.com