Ford Galaxie: Our Shed
Ponch satisfies his lust for five metres of big block Ford muscle and completes his United Nations of classic cars.
Ford Galaxie
It didn’t take Ponch long to realise that Unique Cars HQ is basically V8 territory and that gave him the perfect excuse to snaffle a car he’s always wanted. And wouldn’t you know it, Phil Walker knew just where to find a good Ford Galaxie. Ponch’s heart skipped when he saw it and bucks changed hands pronto.
"I always liked Galaxies," Ponch says, patting its ample boot like Hugh Hefner auditioning a Playmate. "I had to have a V8 and I wanted an American car and once I saw Denis O’Brien’s Holman Moody Galaxie (UC #316) and realised how long they are … I just love those big-booted American cars.
"It could have been a Chevelle or a Cadillac or a Chrysler but it had to be a ’60s car, and pillarless, and the Galaxie ticks all those boxes. When I saw this car, I just thought how beautiful and perfect it was and such a bargain."
The ex-Wheels and Motor man can’t overlook a failing in a 21st century car, but he loves the foibles of yesteryear and is happy to adapt – to a point. The Galaxie does need work and the drive to the shoot was Ponch’s longest in the car to date, but he still couldn’t hide his excitement behind his sunglasses.
"I love European cars for the way they drive but I like American cars because they are so totally different," he emphasises. "Even with leaf springs, a live axle, drum brakes and recirculating-ball steering, they give you this feeling of spaciousness, freedom, and style.
"The first time I drove it, I was blown away by how smooth it was but also by how bad the brakes are – they are startlingly ineffective. The power steering was really precise and positive and the car kinda shrinks around you, which is a great attribute for a 5.3-metre long car on skinny 205 tyres and mushy shocks."
The praise continues…
"It’s awesome to cruise in and even with the stock, shitty exhaust, it’s still gutsy and torquey and sounds meaty," he enthuses.
"The shocks are very soft but were probably like that when they were new. They’re not gone completely because I’ve been in new cars that take longer to recover after a big bump than the Gal’ does." Upgrades Ponch?
"A set of lightweight 15x8-inch rims like on Phil’s Shelby, 245 tyres, Koni shocks and whatever else the suspension needs, extractors, dual stainless exhaust system, and ventilated front discs off a later model Thunderbird with a power booster. And that will be it, done. When it gets decent rubber and damping, it’s going to be a cracker. I can’t wait to drive it to Byron Bay at Christmas."
1963 Ford Galaxie 500 hardtop
Purchased 2010
Mileage 45,000 miles
+ "Great face, great bum and love the fact it’s pillarless and a V8"
- "waiting to get it registered!"
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