1964 Ford Galaxie 500 'Sunliner' Convertible

By the late 1950s, America was well in the grip of rocket age fantasies and the newspapers were full of the latest moves in the Space Race as Uncle Sam battled with the Soviet Union for supremacy in interplanetary exploration.

No surprise then that when Ford launched its new top-of-the-range model in 1959, it was called the Galaxie. Of truly vast proportions, it abandoned the ostentatious fins and flourishes of the early 1950s for a more sober, sleek and scientific look. Available as either a sedan or a convertible in two-door and four-door form, it came with a range of engines from a 3.7-litre straight-six to a humongous 7-litre V8.

The second generation was introduced in 1960 and by 1964 the interior trim was much altered. The exterior featured a more sculpted look which was actually designed to make the car more aerodynamic for NASCAR. A slanted-roof design or convertible model replaced the formal-roof "boxtop" style. The 1964 models gained an enviable reputation as durable, comfortable cars that offered decent handling and road-ability at a reasonable price, so it is no wonder they sold so well.

This 1964, Galaxie 500 Convertible is one of the highly desirable optioned cars with the potent 6.4-litre (390ci) V8 and is abundant with technically advanced features for its time such as; a power-operated hood, power brakes, power steering and a radio cassette.

Our vendor has been custodian of this car for around the past seven years since falling in love and purchasing it whilst on holiday in Wildwood, New Jersey. Attracted by its lovely and largely original condition plus on the understanding that it had been treated to a full engine and gearbox rebuild just 6,500 miles previously, along with a new hood.

Since entering the UK in 2008 it has only done roughly 2,000 miles and in July 2013 it attended the Rally of the Giants at Blenheim Palace where it won the coveted "Best 1960s Car' award with an impressive trophy to commemorate the win.

A tremendous car offered without reserve, this has surely got to be one of the most impressive and affordable convertibles you could buy for the summer months.