1962 Ford Galaxie

Today's Car of the Day has a special meaning, as I bring you a personal fave. Ford Galaxie's were produced from 1959 through 1974. It's name signified the top models in Ford's full-size range from 1959 until 1961, in a marketing attempt to appeal to the excitement surrounding the "Space Race." In 1962, all full-size Fords wore the Galaxie badge, with "500" and "500/XL" denoting the higher series.

It was the nemesis of the Chevrolet Impala, and like it's competition , some were high performance racing specification machines: A.K.A. the forefather to the Muscle Car era. Some also just made their way through life as everyday family sedans.

For 1962, the Galaxie name was restricted to all full size models, and the Fairlane was moved to intermediate size models, and the Custom name was retired temporarily. (Both of which were once used in accordance with the Galaxie nameplate). The new top of the line Galaxie 500 was available in 2 door sedan, hardtop, 4 door sedan and "Sunliner" convertible.  Ford Motor Company introduced a sporty car line-up with it's famous "Lively Ones" campaign, all sporting features like bucket seats, and consoles that were popular on models like the Fairlane 500 Sports Coupe, Falcon Futura and Chevrolet's Corvair Monza. The "Lively Ones" Galaxie 500 2 door hardtop and convertible also recieved these interior features, along with 292 cu in V8  standard on the 500XL. This was in response to Chevrolet's Super Sport option for their big Impala.

Performance was not ignored either. A larger 406 cu in V8 also became available, in single 4 barrel or triple carb "six barrel" set-up. (an economy minded 223 cu. in. Inline six banger was available for those who were budget driven)

Tailfins went the way of the Dinosaur, and the 1962 Ford Galaxie now wore a more rounded, softer look to it's rear. Tailights shifted lower into the rear panels, and were partially sunken into the new for '62 sculpted rear bumper.

The 1962 models were overweight when compared to the Super Duty lightweight Pontiacs that were built with aluminum body panels and huge displacement V8s, so later in the Galaxie's production run, the good folks of Ford's Experimental Car Garage were given the green light to put the Galaxie on a diet. End result was 11 "Lightweight Galaxies" that featured fiberglass panels , aluminum bumpers, fender aprons and brackets. This produced a Ford Galaxie that weighed a mere 3,400 lbs.,as compared to the base 2 door club sedan that weighed in at 3,499 lbs. It made a big difference in terms of performance.

These Fords have a special place in my heart. Growing up, my Dad drove a few Galaxies, and several Uncles had 1962 Galaxies in one form or another. (The other set drove Chevrolet Impalas) This made family get togethers entertaining when the Ford VS Chevy smack talk began, (usually after several beers in the hot summer sun began to kick in.) Always funny and harmless chops busting would ensue until either one of us kids did something stupid to send the grown-ups running to our aid, or dessert...whichever came first. Galaxies take me back to childhood...and seeing as today I turn the milestone age of 50, ( yet continue do stupid things that cause grown-ups to run to my aid..haha), I figured that this 1962 Ford Galaxie, (set up the way I like them) ...would be the perfect choice for today's "AJ Car of the Day." I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Happy freakin' Birthday to me...when's cake?