Lot Ended
Description
In single-family ownership from new until 2025 and only one UK
owner since; only 48k miles; super-rare factory Rose Beige paint; 289ci V8
automatic; highly original; fabulous rust-free condition
By the late
1950s, America was in the grip of rocket age mania and the newspapers were
full of the latest moves in the Space Race as Uncle Sam battled the Soviet
Bear for supremacy on earth and in heaven.
No surprise then, that when
Ford launched its new top-of-the-range model in 1959, it was called the Galaxie.
Of truly vast proportions, it abandoned the ostentatious fins and flourishes of
the early Fifties for a more sober, scientific look. Available as either a
sedan, an estate or a convertible in two- and four-door form, it came with a
range of straight-six and V8 engines to suit all tastes and
budgets.
The Galaxie really hit the UK
headlines in 1963 when Ford brought a few specially tuned ones over to
England where their tyre-smoking, power-sliding antics in the hands of drivers
like Jack Brabham, Graham Hill and Jack Sears not only thrilled the crowds, but
also won Ford the coveted British Touring Car Championship. Piloted
by the likes of Jochen Mass, Tom Kristensen and Bill Shepherd, the
Galaxie continues to set Goodwood ablaze to this day.
Dating from
1963, this particular Galaxie is the two-door hardtop coupe version, officially
designated the Sports Roof but more widely known as the Fastback. Looking
absolutely fantastic in rare Beige Rose paintwork, it has the XL trim package
which treated owners to plush bucket seats, a sporty centre console, and
distinctive door panels with integrated courtesy lights.
Under the expansive hood sits the dependable 289 cubic-inch (4.7) V8
engine. While Ford offered monstrous powerplants like the 390 and 427 for pure
drag strip dominance, the 289 small-block was highly rated for its reliability,
lighter front-end weight, and balanced everyday drivability. Paired with
three-speed Cruise-O-Matic transmission, it made the Galaxie an effortless grand
tourer, burbling to 60mph in just under 10 seconds with a top speed of
105mph.
The original purchase invoice shows that
it was supplied new via Barker Motor Co of Colby, Kansas, and cost $3,567
including optional power steering, tinted windscreen and AM
radio.
Our vendor imported the car from Kansas in
early 2025 and got it registered here with all duties paid. An American car
collector and a proper petrolhead who races a Plymouth Road Runner dragster, he
tells us that: “I bought the car from one John Marauth, aka 'Clemmy', who is an
employee of the famous Volo Museum in Illinois, home to over 200 classic cars
and many famous movie vehicles. Clemmy had inherited the car from his uncle,
William Goetz, who had owned the car from new and is named in the original
owner’s manual and on the Kansas Certificate of Title. He assured me that the
48,000 miles on the speedo is correct.”
He
further tells us that: “Since I have owned the car, I have replaced the top
tinted windscreen, fitted a new fuel pump, new carburettor and a new set of
tyres. I have also replaced the dashboard light bulbs with LEDs, which
unfortunately stopped the fuel gauge working so I think I must have connected a
wire wrong somewhere. The original showroom screen sticker comes with the car,
along with the rare optional rear wheel skirts which are stored in the boot. As
the car has not seen regular use for many years, I would advise a good
check-over before any long journeys are undertaken – the brakes are a
bit spongy although they appear to work just fine.”
As you can see in
the photos, this Galaxie is in wonderfully original and rust-free condition, as
you might expect from a low-mileage car with effectively one owner from new. It
has been starting promptly and running well as we have moved it around on site,
with the electric windows working as they should and an intoxicating V8 burble
from the twin exhausts.
The ultra-rare factory
Rose Beige paintwork suits the car beautifully and you would be hard pressed to
find a better example on either side of the Atlantic. A wonderful slice of
Sixties Americana, this gorgeous Galaxie will win friends wherever it goes.
Consigned by James Dennison – 07970 309907 –
james.dennison@brightwells.com