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That's really cool but I do in fact want something street legal.

Imitation is flattering, however you will always be cast as a wannabe. Start with your own 1965 fastback, change the wheelbase, don't change the wheel base, build a long nose car, don't build a long nose car. Build a car like the fiberglass car HM did with a tube frame, but own it...change the suspension for a more modern design, go with a better transmission, use an older engine for the vibe. Name the car something original, paint it like you want. That's more real.


John

Yes, that is the plan. I won't be re-creating one that already exists, or that existed, but creating something new based on the styling of these cars. Big fat rear tires, teardrop hood scoop, loud, choppy big block motor, etc.

Some great stories, guys. Thanks for sharing.

Re: Engine

Didn't they all run the 427 SOHC? Ideally I would find one of those at a yard sale for $500, otherwise I'm probably going to have to build something. I have a 428 in a car right now (that's a factory 390) and will probably build a correct engine for that car and have a spare 428. This whole thing is years away, I'm just planning now. One question I have is I heard these cars had the back axle moved forwards 3 inches. Why and how?

ETA: I saw a 65 fastback that sold at Mecum for $25k that was already a lot of the way there (body style wise), but unfortunately I am not the buyer.

Well you should be careful about which one you choose to copy, because it might have the same provenance as the one you are building.

Good thinking!

My understanding is only 6 of these still exist. The only one I know about is Gas Ronda but I've seen some vintage photos of others. I'd like to have one, but since that's probably impossible I'll have to build it myself. Does anyone know of a good resource on the web where I can see exactly what all the modifications were that Holman and Moody did? Thank you in advance.

Still available. About to go on BaT.

I was a teenager in the 80's and I have so many missed car opportunity stories. A 67 GTO that was perfect and a 67 Mustang GT fastback that both were for sale for $3500 and I didn't have the money. I still have a 1989 copy of Hemmings, it's got Shelby Mustangs for sale for $10k, a "show quality" 69 Boss 429 for $42k and tons of 64 SS Impalas for almost nothing. I can only imagine all the cool stuff that was available for cheap in the 70s. I'm probably preaching to the choir but to me, the 1960s was the golden age of American automobilia and it's a pinacle for the industry that may never be surpassed.

Of note: Ford did not build a Mustang that was faster than the 63 R code Galaxies in the 1/4 mile until 2013 (the Boss 302).

Vin 3J66R152685

26,xxx original miles. Raven black with red interior. Original 427 425 HP engine, 4 speed toploader. 5 correct Kelsey Hayes hipo wheels with new Mickey Thompson tires. Original mufflers, mostly original paint. RobbMc starter but original starter is included. Los Angeles production. Period correct power steering has been added. Carbs are modern Holley replacements. Everything works as it should. Turn key show car. Not in a hurry to sell. 2 hour drive south of Scottsdale if you are going to Barrett Jackson in January.

$95k

According to this video they didn't make the SOHC until 64.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxau_5OQKi4&authuser=0

Now we're talking! I love it just how it is and wouldn't change a thing. Did they put the SOHC motor in 63s? Is that real?

Also, while we're talking legendary and rare Ford performance from the 60's and affordability, it's astonishing to me that lightweight Galaxies can still be had for $120-140k and I want one.

Totally agree, TLea. As I said the other day these are the last affordable legendary muscle cars of the 60s and maybe not for much longer. Every youtube video that supposedly lists the fastest cars from the 60s leaves the R code Galaxies and Fairlanes out. They deserve more love.

P.S. I wonder what was the first 63 1/2 fastback. If March of 63 still counts as 1/2, how early in the year were they actually built?

There's basically 3 kinds of R codes, SVT. Since they were special cars from the get go you have cars like mine with 26k original miles, all original, unmessed with, always garaged, adult owned and nice as you'll find any car from 1963 and then you'll find the ones that were chopped up and raced and beaten on until they broke and lastly you have the restored ones, and you're right, you really have to do your homework on those.

P.S. Checked the build date on mine and it's March 19th (Los Angeles) and it is also a fastback. I know a guy with a 63 R code notchback, I'll have to ask him what the build date is on his. March doesn't seem to me like it would qualify for the extra 1/2 but maybe being a fastback it does.

63 1/2 refers to the later longer sloping roof line

Is that different from the fastback in this auction? If it is I suppose I'll need to compare the 2 side by side to figure out what the difference is. I know there is also a notchback but I thought 63 fastback and 63 1/2 fastback were the same body style.

ETA: After that 63 with the wrong block and heads went for $50k a very nice 64 went up:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1964-ford-galaxie-500-90/