Image of 1959 Ford Galaxie, sourced from www.autobarnclassiccars.com , Image Link.

Introduction

The 1959 Ford Galaxie stands as a gleaming testament to the era of chrome and tailfins, a time when American automotive design was bold and unapologetically extravagant. Born from the fervent competition of the late 1950s, the Galaxie was Ford's answer to the Chevrolet Impala, aiming to captivate consumers with its blend of luxury and style. Its introduction marked a pivotal moment in Ford's history, as it showcased the company's commitment to innovation and consumer appeal. A notable moment in the vehicle's history is its role as the pace car for the Indianapolis 500 in 1959, cementing its place in American automotive lore.

Design and Innovation

The exterior of the 1959 Ford Galaxie was a symphony of sweeping lines and gleaming chrome accents. Its side scallops, adorned with anodized aluminum trim, and distinctive round taillights were hallmarks of its design. Inside, passengers were greeted with a spacious cabin featuring plush seating and an array of color-coordinated fabrics and trims. The dashboard was a marvel for its time, boasting clear instrumentation and even offering an optional "Spotlight Mirror" for added convenience. Technologically, it featured innovations like the "Cruise-O-Matic" three-speed automatic transmission and power-operated features that were cutting-edge for the era. Color options ranged from understated to vibrant, with Colonial White and Raven Black being popular choices among them. The Galaxie came in various body styles including sedans, hardtops, and convertibles, with the Sunliner Convertible being one of the most iconic.

Historical Significance

The 1959 Ford Galaxie was more than just a car; it was a cultural icon that influenced automotive design for years to come. Its introduction signaled a shift towards vehicles that offered both luxury and performance in one package. The Galaxie set itself apart with its Skyliner model featuring a retractable hardtop—a technological marvel that combined the freedom of a convertible with the practicality of a hardtop.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its stylish exterior, the 1959 Galaxie boasted impressive performance credentials for its time. Equipped with an array of V8 engines peaking with the 352 cubic inch "Interceptor" V8, it delivered robust power that could propel the car to respectable top speeds. Acceleration from 0-60 mph was achieved briskly by standards of the day. On the road, drivers enjoyed a smooth ride thanks to Ford's attention to suspension tuning, though handling could be described as more leisurely than sporty. The driving experience was characterized by a throaty engine rumble and an overall sense of robust American power.

Ownership Experience

The 1959 Ford Galaxie found its place in various roles ranging from reliable daily transportation to cherished show car or even as an occasional weekend racer at local drag strips. Owners appreciated its relative ease of maintenance and repairability—thanks largely to simple mechanical designs and widespread availability of parts. However, like many vehicles of its time, it required more frequent upkeep compared to modern cars.

Fun Facts

The Galaxie nameplate has graced several unique editions over the years, including high-performance versions like the rare "500XL" model. Celebrity connections include ownership by stars such as Frank Sinatra, adding to its allure. While not known for breaking speed records, it did set sales records for Ford at the time. Common criticisms often centered around fuel economy—a common trade-off for vehicles in this class during that period.

Collector's Information

Today, collectors cherish the 1959 Ford Galaxie for its nostalgic appeal and embodiment of an optimistic era. Values can vary widely based on condition, originality, and specific model type—with convertibles generally commanding higher prices due to their desirability and lower production numbers. While exact figures are elusive, estimates suggest tens of thousands were produced across all body styles. As for appreciation trends, well-preserved examples have seen steady increases in value over time with top condition models fetching significant sums at auction or private sale.

Conclusion

The 1959 Ford Galaxie is more than just a classic car; it's a piece of American history on wheels—a testament to an age when cars were designed with passion and pride. Whether cruising down Main Street or parked at a local car show, it continues to turn heads and stir memories for those who remember America's automotive golden age.

1959 Ford Galaxie Shock Absorber Grommet. 1-1/4" bottom O.D., 1" high-BN 12Shock Absorber Grommet. 1-1/4" bottom O.D., 1" high., with 3/4" I.D. Each

1959 Ford Galaxie Spring and Shackle Bushing. 7/8" bottom O.D-BN 19Spring and Shackle Bushing. 7/8" bottom O.D. X 1-1/4" high, with 1/2" I.D. Each

1959 Ford Galaxie Front Stabilizer Bar Bushings. Four used per car-BN 32Front Stabilizer Bar Bushings. Four used per car. 1-3/4" long X 1-5/16" wide X 1-9/16" high, with 5/8" hole. Pair

1959 Ford Galaxie Front stabilizer bar to frame bushings-BN 32-FFront stabilizer bar to frame bushings, '59-'66 Ford and Mercury passenger car, station wagon and sedan delivery models, pair. Replaces OEM # B9A-5493-B.

1959 Ford Galaxie Door, Hood and Trunk Bumper Cap for adjustment bolt-HA 6Door, Hood and Trunk Bumper Cap for adjustment bolt. 1-1/16" O.D. X 1/2" I.D. X 7/16" thick. Each

1959 Ford Galaxie Hood Bumper. Each-HF 1Hood Bumper. Each

1959 Ford Galaxie Hood Bumper. Made with steel core. Held by screw. Each-HF 40Hood Bumper. Made with steel core. Held by screw. Each

1959 Ford Galaxie Antenna Pad. 1-1/4" wide X 3-5/8" long. Each-MP 780-DAntenna Pad. 1-1/4" wide X 3-5/8" long. Each

1959 Ford Galaxie Tail-light Gaskets. 2-Pieces, 35" long. Pair-MP 800-BTail-light Gaskets. 2-Pieces, 35" long. Pair

1959 Ford Galaxie Roof Rail Seals, Various 50's and 60's Era GM and Ford Models, 84" Long, Pair-RR 110-CRoof Rail Seals, Various 50's and 60's Era GM and Ford Models, 84" Long, Pair.

1959 Ford Galaxie Trunk Lid Bumper. Two used per car. Each-SB 31Trunk Lid Bumper. Two used per car. Each

1959 Ford Galaxie Front Fender Lower Rear Plug and Door Vent Adjustment Plug-SB 58-AFront Fender Lower Rear Plug and Door Vent Adjustment Plug. Fits 1-5/16" hole. Each

1959 Ford Galaxie Trunk Seal. Each-TK 42-18Trunk Seal. Each

1959 Ford Galaxie Rear roll-up Seal. Two 18" sections sliced into metal track-VS 4Rear roll-up Seal. Two 18" sections sliced into metal track. this foot with no steel insert. Pair

1959 Ford Galaxie Vertical Seals for Vent Window. Each piece is 17" long-VS 6Vertical Seals for Vent Window. Each piece is 17" long. Pair

1959 Ford Galaxie Vertical Seal for Vent Window. Sold by the foot.-VS 6/FTVertical Seal for Vent Window. Sold by the foot.

1959 Ford Galaxie Rigid division-bar channel-WC 28-96Rigid division-bar channel. Made with stainless steel bead, heavy steel core and pile lining. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1959 Ford Galaxie Flexible window sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead-WC 7-96Flexible window sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.