By 1955, the one-size car to fit all-customers era ended, and by 1960, Ford offered compact, mid-size, and full-size cars. While Ford's Mustang and Thunderbird stole the headlines, Ford's full-size models, the Galaxies, Fairlanes, XL/500s, LTD, Crown Victorias, and others, delivered exceptional comfort, performance, and style in a variety of different trim levels and power train packages. For families, the full-size car was the chosen mode of transportation. Many owners remember these cars from their youth, and hold them in high regard. These models populated the roads and garages because Ford offered a full range of cars with the base six-cylinder engines all the way up to the high-performance 429 cubic-inch V-8.
Full Size Fords: 1955-1970 is a fascinating retrospective of the cars - the design process, manufacturing, equipment packages, and a thorough listing of options, interior patterns, and paint codes. All models from 1955 to 1970 that brought Ford to dominance in the full-size category are revealed in compelling detail. The introduction of the Galaxie, the development of the Skyliner retractable roof car, the radical redesign of the 1960 models to counter Chevy's new sedan, and much more is covered. Period magazine reviews provide insight and perspective of the driving experience and performance of various full-size models. A fascinating retrospective on Ford Y-Block engines as well as Ford FE engine family and the new for 1970 Lima series engine is also provided. In addition, author David Temple examines Ford's racing exploits, featuring the dual-quad 427 Cammer engine, the Galaxie Grand National race car, and factory and lightweight drag cars.
By 1955, the one-size car to fit all-customers era ended, and by 1960, Ford offered compact, mid-size, and full-size cars. While Ford's Mustang and Thunderbird stole the headlines, Ford's full-size models, the Galaxies, Fairlanes, XL/500s, LTD, Crown Victorias, and others, delivered exceptional comfort, performance, and style in a variety of different trim levels and power train packages. For families, the full-size car was the chosen mode of transportation. Many owners remember these cars from their youth, and hold them in high regard. These models populated the roads and garages because Ford offered a full range of cars with the base six-cylinder engines all the way up to the high-performance 429 cubic-inch V-8.
Full Size Fords: 1955-1970 is a fascinating retrospective of the cars - the design process, manufacturing, equipment packages, and a thorough listing of options, interior patterns, and paint codes. All models from 1955 to 1970 that brought Ford to dominance in the full-size category are revealed in compelling detail. The introduction of the Galaxie, the development of the Skyliner retractable roof car, the radical redesign of the 1960 models to counter Chevy's new sedan, and much more is covered. Period magazine reviews provide insight and perspective of the driving experience and performance of various full-size models. A fascinating retrospective on Ford Y-Block engines as well as Ford FE engine family and the new for 1970 Lima series engine is also provided. In addition, author David Temple examines Ford's racing exploits, featuring the dual-quad 427 Cammer engine, the Galaxie Grand National race car, and factory and lightweight drag cars.
Acknowledgments
Foreword by Gale Halderman
Preface
Chapter 1: 1955–1956: Y-Blocks, a Crown, a Sunroof and Safety
More Power
Features and Models
Interior Design
1956: Lifeguard Design
1955–1956 Road Tests
1955–1956 Sales Summary
Chapter 2: 1957: Fins, Supercharging and a Flip Top
The Lineup
A True Hardtop Convertible
Harmonizing Colors
Options and Accessories
Engines
Road Testing
Racing and the AMA Ban
Mystere
Chapter 3: 1958–1959: The FE-Engine, Cruise-O-Matic and the Thunderbird Look
The New FE
Cruise-O-Matic
Road Testing
Exterior Styling
Ford’s Global Tour
Air Suspension and Other Goodies
Interiors and Paint
Sales Weaken
1959: Gold Medal Winner
Quietly Impressive; No Buck Rogers
Interior and Paint Choices
La Galaxie
Chapter 4: 1960: The Controversial Look and the Return of High Performance
Models and Trim
Upholstery and Paint
Engines and Transmissions
Available Options
The 352-Powered Starliner
Fords in Racing Competition
Quicksilver
Chapter 5: 1961: The Classic Look and More Horsepower
Sixteen Models
More Cubic Inches, More Power
Racing
Standard and Optional Equipment
Paint and Interior
Looking Ahead
Chapter 6: 1962–1963: The Extra Lively Ones
The 1962 Lineup
Extra-Cost Equipment
Paint and Upholstery Choices
Engines and Transmissions
Racing Challenges
Production Numbers
1963: The Start of Something Big
Revised Lineup
Standard and Optional Features
Colors and Upholstery
Impressive Machine
Chapter 7: 19631⁄2–1964: The Fastback and Total Performance
Big Victories and Lightweight Galaxie 500s
Great Year in Sales
1964: Car of the Year
The New Look and Lineup
Paint and Upholstery
Options and Accessories
Win, Win, Win
Sales Figures Jump
Caravan of Stars, 1963–1964
Chapter 8: 1965–1966: Luxury and the NASCAR Dispute
The Road to Roof Changes
The New LTD
Models and Features
Ford LTD Limousine Program
LTD Executive and Green Mist
Paint and Upholstery Choices
Extra-Cost Hardware
Racing Domination
Production Numbers
1966: The Beat Goes On
Paint and Upholstery
Galaxie 500 7-Litre
Magic Cruiser and Black Pearl
Ford Withdraws from NASCAR
Production Numbers
Chapter 9: 1967–1968: More Emphasis on Luxury
Standard Features
Extra-Cost Items
Paint and Upholstery
Road Test Results
Magic Cruiser II and XL Interceptor
Production Numbers
1968: Quiet, Strong, Beautiful
Standard Equipment
Paint Colors
Options and Accessories
XL Road Test
Fiera
Production Numbers
Chapter 10: 1969–1970: Wider, Longer, Quieter
Standard Features
Options and Accessories
Exterior Colors
Road Test
Aurora II
Production Numbers
1970: “The Going Thing”
Standard Features
Extra-Cost Equipment
Exterior Colors
Road Test
Production Numbers
Epilogue
Chapter 11: 1955–1970: Fleet Cars
Ford Police Cars
Ford Taxis
Other Special-Duty Fords
Chapter 12: 1955–1970: Foreign Full-Size Fords
Australia
Brazil
Canada
Mexico
South Africa
Afterword: R.I.P.—Rusing In Pieces
Appendix
Engines and Engine Codes (U.S. Only)
Paint Color Codes (U.S. Only)
A Note About “Standard” And
“Not Available”