Ford Galaxie
In 1959, the Ford Motor Company attempted to marry substance and style. This was in direct response to growing public sentiment that Detroit automakers often tried to pass older model cars as new. Truth be told, the 50s had its fair share of cars that were marketed as “all-new”, but were far from it. Major innovations were nothing more than shallow gimmicks. The question has to be asked whether or not Ford or any other automotive company was at fault. Consumers seemed happy to purchase almost anything the auto industry put in front of them. Is a person truly duped if they are a willing victim?
Once its Edsel failed miserably in the marketplace, Ford took the brunt of the criticism. Right or wrong, the market-the-old-as-if-it-were-new approach gave the company many successes. One of them was the Ford Galaxie. It was the result of a hurried effort to capitalize on the achievement of the “Squarebird” hardtop, a nickname given to the second generation Thunderbirds because of the squarish shape. The triumph of the T-Bird caused many auto manufacturers to mimic the car’s components.
Ford Executives Play Catch Up
By the time it was known that customers were clamoring for the Thunderbird, it was too late to change the standard Ford styling in 1959. However, company leaders decided a smaller roofline might boost the appeal of the Ford Fairlane 500 hardtops and sedans. They were right.
In anticipation of the release of an all-new Chevrolet that year, the Ford Galaxie received many more changes than other models. It was to be the direct counterpart to the Chevy Impala. The wheelbase, previously 116 inches was spread out to a 118-inch range which was the territory of the Fairlane and the Fairlane 500. The significantly modified inner structure of the 1957-1958 Galaxie was covered in new outer panels that made the car look bigger and blockier. To influence public perception and opinion, Ford marketed the vehicles as beautiful and proportioned. Even though the claims were considered doubtful, the newly modeled Fords went on to win the gold medal for exceptional styling at the Brussels World Fair in 1959.
A stronger frame with side rails that were widely spaced showed that the engineering of the Galaxie was well thought. There was extra room in the interior. Engines were modified for better fuel economy, which was a major bonus after the 1958 recession. The Galaxie also came with a lighter redesigned two-speed Ford-O-Matic with more than 100 fewer parts. The car was made more durable with the adoption of aluminized mufflers. Filters allowed oil changes to be pushed out to 4,000 mile intervals. The finishing touch was a coat of “Diamond Lustre” enamel paint that supposedly put an end to the need for waxing the vehicle.
The Ford Galaxie had a decent run from 1959 to 1974. It was another car released during the excitement of the Space Race (like the Comet and the Meteor both released by Mercury). The Galaxie also had the benefit of international appeal. It was manufactured in Australia from 1965 to 1969. In 1966, a four-door sedan version of the was produced in Brazil.
