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The Galaxie, a Ford classic, gained immense popularity with almost 12 million units produced from 1959 to 1974. Notably, the Galaxie 500 stood out as the star, overshadowing its sibling, the Custom.
While the Galaxie enjoyed continuous production for 15 years, the Custom, a revived nameplate, joined the lineup in 1964. The Custom’s journey lasted until 1981, shifting between private buyers and fleet customers.
In 1964, the Custom offered two versions: the base Custom and the Custom 500, featuring the standard 223 cubic-inch Ford Mileage Maker Six engine. Despite its modest power – 138 horses and 203 lb-ft – the Custom made its mark.
Although overshadowed by the Galaxie, the Custom series sold nearly 195,000 units in a year when Ford’s total production exceeded 923,000. The Custom 500, with over 20,000 coupe sales, proved more popular than its four-door counterpart.
Locating a Custom today is no easy task, but occasional examples emerge, like the one found in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Despite facing the challenges of the Great Lakes climate, this 1965 Custom 500 remains in reasonably good condition.
However, the Custom’s exterior charm belies a critical issue – a cracked engine block. The six-cylinder heart succumbed to freezing temperatures, a fact uncovered by restoration enthusiast Derek Bieri in a Roadworthy Rescues episode.
With a failing engine, the Custom needed a new lease on life. Fortunately, the intervention came from Derek Bieri’s YouTube fans who provided a replacement. The goal? Transform this 32-year dormant vehicle into a rally-tribute car.
While the original single-barrel inline six falls short, the plan is to revive the Custom with a dual-quad Mileage Maker spare. However, the complete story remains untold, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the restoration’s sequel.
# FAQs
## Q1: What is the production history of the Ford Galaxie?
The Ford Galaxie was in production from 1959 to 1974, amassing almost 12 million units.
## Q2: When did the Ford Custom join the lineup?
The Custom, a revived nameplate, joined the Ford lineup in 1964.
## Q3: What were the two versions of the 1964 Custom model?
In 1964, the Custom model had two versions: the base Custom and the Custom 500.
## Q4: How successful was the Custom series compared to the Galaxie?
While not as popular as the Galaxie, the Custom series sold nearly 195,000 units in a year when Ford’s total production exceeded 923,000.
## Q5: What mechanical issue did the rescued Custom 500 face?
The rescued Custom 500 had a cracked engine block, likely caused by the expansion of liquid freezing.
## Q6: What is the restoration plan for the Custom 500?
The plan is to transform the 1965 Ford Custom 500 into a rally-tribute car, replacing the original engine with a dual-quad Mileage Maker spare.
