Vehicle Description
This 1962 Ford Galaxie 500 is an ultra-cool car all by itself. But
when you learn that it was originally a fire chief's car (in fact,
1 of 7 built for the Long Beach, California Fire Department),
complete with a Q-code 390 401HP and dealer-installed triple
deuces, it gets a lot more interesting. Big power in an unassuming
package, this is an awesome semi-sleeper with a lot of unusual
features.
Ford experts will probably be scratching their heads at this
top-of-the-line Galaxie 500 that doesn't have the wide stainless or
rocker trim, but that's how the fire chief ordered it in 1962, so
that the trim wouldn't interfere with the fire station's logo.
Combined with the bright red steel wheels and blackwall tires, it's
a brutal-looking beast of a car that can truly deliver on the
threat its appearance implies. It also helps that it has been
treated to a first-rate restoration, with incredibly straight
bodywork that is borderline show quality. The brilliant Rangoon Red
paint is what you'd expect from a fire chief's machine, and the
finish has held incredibly well since the restoration, with a
brilliant shine, deep finish, and only minor imperfections to speak
of - most of which could easily be attended to with a buff-and-wax.
All the chrome and stainless has been thoroughly restored as well,
including the beautifully intricate rear fascia between the
jet-inspired taillights, and the Galaxie trim at the base of the
C-pillar. The result is a car that looks fast and important, just
what the chief ordered.
Original style code 45 red interior has been masterfully restored
to stock specifications, with correct fabric inserts front and
rear. Almost a tri-tone setup, the subtle cream trim adds an
upscale look to this hard-working Galaxie, and the door panels were
beautifully finished using the same materials. The original
instrument panel with its machine-turned inserts houses all the
factory gauges, with an aftermarket SunPro tach strapped to the
steering column, street racer style. A trio of white-faced
auxiliary gauges has been fitted below the dash, just ahead of the
cue ball Hurst 4-speed manual shifter (more on that in a moment).
Even the original AM radio remains in place. The trunk is nicely
finished with a reproduction mat sitting right on top of the
original one and a matching wheel with original-style bias-ply tire
and a complete jack assembly.
The Q-code 390 under the hood is very likely the original piece,
and it is topped by a 3x2 carburetor setup that was
dealer-installed when the car was new (the fire chief knew his
horsepower). Topped by a correct air cleaner and flanked by a set
of Thunderbird valve covers, it is beautifully detailed and highly
accurate including reproduction decals and correct tower-style hose
clamps. Originally backed by a 3-speed manual transmission with
overdrive, this cruiser now sports a proper Toploader 4-speed
manual, which spins the original 9-inch rear full of 3.50 gears. A
newer H-pipe dual exhaust system surely helps build power and
sounds like an angry god is chasing you, and things like the brakes
and suspension (including the rear load leveler springs) have been
fully attended to during the restoration, and well-serviced ever
since. Those stock-style wheels are actually wider than they
would've been originally, and now wear fat 235/60/15 BFGoodrich
radials that give this Galaxie a very intimidating stance.
Cool car, interesting story, and big horsepower. They don't get
much better than this, and this beauty won't last long. Call
today!
