From 1960 to 1964, Ford manufactured popular two-door cars known as the Galaxie. They provided the perfect design and aero platform to compete in two of America’s premier competitive environments – NHRA and NASCAR.

The fully restored R Code 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 XL Fastback is powered by a 427-cubic-inch V8. (Photo: Barrett-Jackson)

Coined the “secret weapon” of Ford’s on-track tool box, these attractive steeds had high-revving, high-horsepower engines, sturdy drive trains and tuned suspension systems, and more often than not, found the winner’s circle to its liking.

Now, one of these rare vehicles has made its way to Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. Lot #985 is a fully restored, blue-on-blue, one-of-500 R Code 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 XL Fastback. This Ford hosts a 427-cubic-inch V8 under the hood, four-speed manual transmission and a high-performance, nine-inch rear. This particular piece is ready to go, having been balanced, blueprinted and recently freshened.

“I like this car a lot,” Stone said. “1964 is one of the great years for Galaxie, and there's little doubt that the body's smoothing and sculpting was a benefit for NASCAR racing. It would not be at all fair to say the car was designed with the NASCAR high banks in mind, but the car's shape played well there with many wins that season.

“The Mercury version wasn't as attractive nor aerodynamically smooth as the Ford, even though it was of course based on the same body architecture,” Stone added. “One of the main reasons carmakers so strongly supported NASCAR is the notion of ‘Win Sunday, Sell Monday’ and you can be sure every time a full-sized Ford won a NASCAR weekend, showroom traffic enjoyed a momentary lift.

“This is a really nice example being sold here, with some subtle period mods and aftermarket wheels, but its best feature is the 427/four-speed powertrain combination. If the provenance is right, and it’s a factory 427 car; this should bring good money.”

Additional NASCAR-oriented vehicles and/or items crossing the block;

The street-legal NASCAR Dodge Charger packs a Mopar V8 crate engine. (Photo: Barrett-Jackson)

• Lot #99 – Street legal NASCAR Dodge Charger complete with Mopar V8 crate engine.

• Lot #117 – 2007 Shelby GT Mustang built to promote Ford’s LVMS NASCAR race.

• Lot 1553 – Roush Fenway Sprint Cup engine cutaway signed by NASCAR legends.

The Barrett-Jackson auction takes place Jan 13-20 at WestWorld of Scottsdale, with 39 hours of live coverage on SPEED. For more information about the January event, see Barrett-Jackson.com.


Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction live on SPEED
(All Times Eastern; Schedule Subject To Change)

Tuesday, Jan. 15 – Barrett-Jackson live auction, 7 p.m. - midnight.

Wednesday, Jan. 16 – Barrett-Jackson live auction, 7 p.m.- midnight.

Thursday, Jan. 17 – Barrett-Jackson live auction and Hagerty Fantasy Bid Game, 7 p.m. - midnight.

Friday, Jan. 18 – Barrett-Jackson live auction and Hagerty Fantasy Bid Game, 2 p.m. - midnight.

Saturday, Jan. 19 – Barrett-Jackson live auction and Hagerty Fantasy Bid Game, 2 p.m. - midnight.

Sunday, Jan. 20 – Barrett-Jackson live auction and Hagerty Fantasy Bid Game, 2-6 p.m.

Alternate streaming cameras for live auction times are also available at SPEED.com.