This thread is dedicated to 1966 Galaxie/7-Litre "concours" related discussion. This includes historical background, data/door tags, plant production information, markings, ink stamps, correct tags/decals and any other insights, knowledge and data meant to help 1966 Galaxie and 7-Litre owners who intend to restore their cars to factory-original and/or concours correctness.
My focus is 7-Litres, but `66 Galaxie 500, LTD, Custom, Interceptor and other 1966 full-size owners are welcome to join the discussion
For those who aren't familiar 1966 Galaxie 7-Litres, they were a one-year only model (option in `67). In total, 11,073 were produced in 1966, including 8,705 hardtops (1,717 were 4-speeds) and 2,368 convertibles (428 4-speeds). Of those, only 38 (2 convertibles) were ordered with the R-code 427 8V. The list price for the hardtop was $3621.40 and convertible was $3,871.87.
While 1966 Galaxies were produced at the following Ford assembly plants, none were built in Canada:
A - Atlanta, GA
B - Oakville, Ont. Canada
D - Dallas, TX
E - Mahwah, NJ
G - Chicago, IL
J - Los Angeles, CA
N - Norfolk, VA
P - Twin Cities, MN
U - Louisville, KY
W - Wayne, MI
Generally speaking, 7-Litres were a "gentleman's performance car" which Ford marketed as the "Quietest Quick Car" or "Quickest Quiet Car". They came standard with a 428 4V, HD C-6 or big-input close-ratio Toploader, 9 3/8" 31-spline rear axle, dual exhaust, power front disc brakes, HD suspension, HD cooling, HD battery, bucket seats, center console, woodgrain steering wheel, padded dash, sport hub caps, special 7-Litre badging in and out and unique pinstriping.
Pretty much any kind of option was available including AC, 6-way power LH seat, reclining RH seat, power windows, power steering, power door locks, 2-speed wipers, safety convenience package, visibility group, courtesy light group, AM-FM, stereosonice tape player, electric clock and most any other typical option available from Ford. Of these, the AM-FM radio, power seats, power windows and safety convenience package were the rarest. AC was the most expensive ($356.09) followed by AM-FM ($133.65) and stereosonic ($128.49). Of course this is after the 427 ($808.12).
Restoring these cars is difficult in part because many parts are not reproduced and the end-values simply aren't as high as other models (with exception to the 38 lone 427 cars). But the good news is about 500,000 Galaxies were produced in 1966 of all models, so finding parts cars isn't impossible. That plus some parts are reproduced and others are shared with Mercury's, T-birds, Mustangs, Fairlanes and even Lincolns.
Please feel free to discuss, ask questions, share info and such as it relates to building, restoring and maintaining concours-correct 1966 Galaxies/7-Litres.
