Vehicle Description
Authentic Z-code 390/401 horsepower with 6V induction and solid
lifter cam. 4-speed manual transmission. Nice frame-off restoration
in excellent condition. Awesome look with blackwalls and dog dish
hubcaps. A cool convertible that's built for combat!Ford didn't
seem to want to engage in the horsepower wars in the early 1960s,
but NASCAR kind of forced them into it. For 1961, they actually
offered a variety of 390 cubic inch V8s at the top of the pecking
order, offering 2-, 4-, and 6-barrel induction systems and making
anywhere from 300 to 401 horsepower. Opting for the Z-code got you
either the 4V 375 horsepower version or the top 6V 401 horsepower
version (there is no distinction in the VIN). It also included a
manual transmission, heavy-duty suspension and brakes, and special
15-inch wheels, but little else. They weren't meant for the guy
commuting to the office each day, they were built for combat. This
bright red 1961 Galaxie Sunliner convertible is what you got when
you checked the '401' horsepower box on the order form: a gorgeous
full-sized ragtop with enough blasting powder under the hood to
make it one of the meanest cars on the road in 1961. Painting it
red certainly didn't hurt, and there's really no point in trying to
be subtle in a car like this. The dynamic look is pure rocket-age
awesome, with fins, jet-exhaust taillights, and the bright rocker
trim that makes it look a mile long. Thanks to a comprehensive
restoration in the early 2000s and excellent care ever since, this
one remains in very good condition throughout with only a few miles
on the work. The massive quarters are laser-straight, the doors fit
beautifully and close easily, and the brilliant red paint is a mile
deep. Of course, there's also plenty of chrome and stainless trim,
all of which was restored and remains in fantastic shape today,
including the brilliant strip of stainless that lives behind the
rear wheel arches. There's simply no angle from which this car
doesn't look awesome.The interior is no-frills flying, but that was
the point here?frills add weight and when you're going racing,
weight is the enemy (remember how early NASCAR drivers chose
convertibles as race cars?). Instead, this Galaxie carries a pair
of wide bench seats, a big steering wheel, and a proper 4-speed
shifter on the floor. The red and white upholstery is quite correct
and all the details, from the fluted foil trim on the door panels
to the 'Sunliner' script on the dash was accurately re-created. The
gauges cover the basics only (they assumed a racer would add his
own) and accessories include only a heater and an AM radio (the
radio is unfortunately not operational, but do you really need
it?). It's probably worth noting that this car was originally
equipped with 3-on-the-tree shifting, but late in 1961, a proper
4-speed was offered by the factory, so this early production car
was converted during the restoration and it looks quite correct
today. The seats and carpets are in virtually new condition and
show very little evidence of use since the restoration was
finished. Overhead there's a power-actuated white convertible top
that stows itself neatly behind the seat and there's a matching red
boot to make it look sleek. Even the trunk is neatly outfitted with
a correct mat and a matching full-sized spare tire assembly.Early
in production, the intake manifold and carburetors were shipped in
the trunk and installed by dealers, but at some point Ford started
installing them at the factory. Ford didn't make a distinction in
the VIN regarding the 4V vs. the 6V (they were both Z-codes) and
it's not known how many people selected the 6V setup. The details
in this car are correct, including the trio of Holley 2-barrel
carburetors on an aluminum intake manifold, the oval-shaped air
cleaner, and a special progressive linkage that runs the car on the
center carb until you really lean on it. The hardware inside was
the same as the 375 horsepower 4-barrel version, including a solid
lifter cam that sounds racy, a dual point distributor,
hand-selected pistons and rods, and bigger oil passages inside the
block. Thunderbird valve covers, special '390' decals, and unique
cast iron 'headers' were part of the Hi-Po package, too. The engine
bay is neatly detailed with correct colors and finishes throughout,
and if anything, it's probably nicer than it was in 1961. It's also
ready to rock, because it starts easily, idles well once it's
warmed up (there's a pretty darned big cam in there), and pulls
hard out on the road. Drive gently and it's happy to inhale through
that center carb, but lean on it and you can hear those outer carbs
come online and the big ragtop just lunges forward. It's impressive
as hell for such a massive machine.As we mentioned, the original
3-speed manual was replaced with a 4-speed during the restoration,
and it's the right choice. Gear ratios are well-chosen and with
3.89 gears out back, it steps off the line easily and rips through
the gears with enthusiasm. Bigger drum brakes (manual only) were
part of the Hi-Po package, as was an upgraded suspension, and you
couldn't get power steering, either. The undercarriage is neatly
detailed and quite clean, with a reproduction exhaust system that
sounds right, new lines and hoses, and fresh shocks. Rockers and
floors are completely solid and show no signs of previous issues or
patching. 15-inch wheels were part of the Hi-Po package, too, with
these wearing 7.10-15 blackwalls that look appropriately
muscular.Documentation includes the original owner's manual and
service policy verifying that this is an early production Z-code
car with a manual transmission.This is a very special car. Ford
didn't keep records on how many 6V 390 Sunliners were built, but it
was surely a very small number with fewer still surviving today.
Add in the beautiful restoration, fantastic road manners, and just
plain outrageousness of the car itself, and you have a winning
formula today, just as in 1961. Take a careful look at the details,
then give us a call!Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes
personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our
inventory prior to purchase.
