Hi all,
I have a black 1966 Galaxie 7-Litre 4-speed which I've painstakingly restored from the ground up. These cars aren't easy to do thanks to the fact there aren't a ton of parts reproduced, the restored values aren't significantly high and frankly they're not very well known.
But they do have good lineage in that together with the 406 and successor 427 they helped put Ford on the map in the early 1960s racing circuits, with the peak being mid-1965 when the side oiler was finally introduced. But it should also be noted Ford also launched the next-generation full-size platform in `65 based on a full perimeter frame featuring torque boxes, a three-link rear system using coils & track bar, and a front setup using coil springs with upper A-arms and lower control arms with strut rods.
End result was an ideal platform for racing thanks to its rugged design, low perch, adjustable characteristics and exceptional handling. NASCAR builders used the basics of the Galaxie front suspension design in all Fords and most GM/Chrysler race cars until the 1980s. But what's also interesting is the same platform offered marketing whiz Lee Iacocca, then president of Ford, the opportunity to launch a luxury car aimed at the masses. By adding softer shocks and springs, together with perimeter frame, rubber body mounts, torque boxes, improved sound deadening and glittery interiors, the "LTD" was born.
The 7-Litre was something between luxury and performance while also offering Ford a unique brand for it's new 428 engine being introduced in the thick of the cubic inch wars. Ford needed a more reliable, every-day big block over the 390 which to help market it's premiere brands like the `66 7-Litre and Thunderbird. So out came the 428.
But you also had the option of ordering an R-code 427 8V for your 7-Litre. Either way, the cars came with decent performance, safety and luxury/convenience options as standard such as a 428 4V, dual exhaust, disk brakes, bucket seats, center console, special badging and other items. You could also add goodies to increase your HP through the Ford Total Performance program such as cast iron headers, aluminum intakes and many other upgrades.
Still, by 1966, the shift to mid-sized cars had already begun and the rise of the Pony cars was in full swing. In effect, the 7-Litre was doomed from the start. By the end of the year, only around 11K were sold. In 1967 it was offered as an option-only and the year after it was gone. Ford took a few more swings at full size performance cars including the 429 XLs and Mercury Marauder X100s but by the early 70s they were phased out as the industry faced skyrocketing insurance premiums and eventually the oil embargo. The late 70s 460 police interceptor Customs/LTDs were the last gasp and actually pretty good cars all things considered (except gas mileage of course).
History aside, I've found it challenging not only to restore this car, but to get the details right.
That's partly due to the fact there just isn't the wide following. The support groups are smaller and documentation can be scarce at times. While I've registered with the 7-Litre Registry and have been in touch with numerous experts and sources including John Smith, Dave Walters and even Kevin Marti, still I'm surprised at the amount of information gaps I've found.
For instance, while there's a fairly good amount of documented evidence and information about factory ink stamps, daubs and correct decal/tag information here for Mustangs, there's very little documentation/info out there on factory markings, ink stamps and even engine decals for 7-Litres. John Smith has a terrific series of articles published 15 years ago documenting the markings for 7-Litres made at the Dallas plant (fortunately like mine) but as you all know the manufacturing processes varied depending on the plant.
Nonetheless, with all the great work done here by Jeff Speegle and countless other owners who've contributed much knowledge, info, pictures, documentation and so forth, I thought I'd sign up to the forum with the idea I can at least start contributing for any 1966 7-Litre owners out there. Always nice to support our fellow Ford brothers never mind park our cars next to one another at car shows.
If anyone has documentation on factory markings, engine decals or ink stamps please reach out. Otherwise, I'll share what I find over time. Thanks to all - Roger
