1962 Ford Galaxie 500 Q-Code

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!