The first episode of the “Star Trek” sci-fi television series premiered on NBC on September 8, 1966—the same year our Pick of the Day was manufactured. This 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 convertible is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Petaluma, California.
Did you know “Star Trek” was set in the Milky Way galaxy in about the year 2266? Without a crystal ball, we, of course, have no way of knowing what automotive designs will look like hundreds of years from now. But throughout the 1960s, there was an automotive pop-culture obsession with outer space, and Ford tried hard to sell its full-size Galaxie as a car of the future. In the earliest days of the model (dating back to 1959), the nameplate was used as a high-end trim level for the Fairlane. Within a year, a separate model under the Galaxie name had branched off. And, true to its name, the Galaxie had futuristic space-age lines, most noticeably at the rear, with its turbine-style taillights in most years.
The Galaxie was one of Ford’s most well-rounded models and, over the years, it could serve as a family car, luxurious vehicle, or performance machine depending on the body style and equipment. This California-kept convertible looks fresh for being nearly 60 years-old. Finished in burgundy paint, it features chrome bumpers, LED headlights, dual mirrors, and a black power-operated soft top. Footwork comes from a set of 15-inch Allied Wheel Components wheels wrapped in Toyo Extensa tires.
Performance-wise, this car has a few goodies worth mentioning. Under the hood is a 289ci V8 that has been bored to 302ci and upgraded with Ford Racing valve covers as well as an MSD ignition system. A column-shifted three-speed manual transmission sends power to the back wheels via a nine-inch rear end. A set of power brakes—including discs up front—add modern-day safety and convenience to the driving experience.
A lot of the marketing themes around the 1966 Galaxie 500 had to do with the car’s refinement. To that end, one advertisement talked about “Ford’s quiet quality.” The interior of this Galaxie 500 features its reportedly original Emberglo vinyl upholstery, and has been upgraded with some modern niceties. An aftermarket air conditioning system (with Bluetooth control) has been added, as well as a custom under-dash console that houses a JL Audio head unit. The sound system is connected to a trunk-mounted subwoofer.
“Star Trek” lasted for three seasons and 79 episodes, but the show’s legacy lives on. And just like there are still die-hard “Trekkies” today, there are devout Ford Galaxie fans out there. If you’re one of them, do yourself a favor and check this car out. The asking price is $25,000.
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