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Ford Galaxie 390 cubic inch V8 1961

General description : Authentic Z-code 390/401 horsepower with 6V induction and solid lifter cam. 4-speed manual transmission. Nice frame-off restoration in excellent condition. Awesome look with blackwalls and dog dish hubcaps. A cool convertible that’s built for combat!

Ford didn’t seem to want to engage in the horsepower wars in the early 1960s, but NASCAR kind of forced them into it. For 1961, they actually offered a variety of 390 cubic inch V8s at the top of the pecking order, offering 2-, 4-, and 6-barrel induction systems and making anywhere from 300 to 401 horsepower. Opting for the Z-code got you either the 4V 375 horsepower version or the top 6V 401 horsepower version (there is no distinction in the VIN). It also included a manual transmission, heavy-duty suspension and brakes, and special 15-inch wheels, but little else. They weren’t meant for the guy commuting to the office each day, they were built for combat. This bright red 1961 Galaxie Sunliner convertible is what you got when you checked the ‘401’ horsepower box on the order form: a gorgeous full-sized ragtop with enough blasting powder under the hood to make it one of the meanest cars on the road in 1961. Painting it red certainly didn’t hurt, and there’s really no point in trying to be subtle in a car like this. The dynamic look is pure rocket-age awesome, with fins, jet-exhaust taillights, and the bright rocker trim that makes it look a mile long. Thanks to a comprehensive restoration in the early 2000s and excellent care ever since, this one remains in very good condition throughout with only a few miles on the work. The massive quarters are laser-straight, the doors fit beautifully and close easily, and the brilliant red paint is a mile deep. Of course, there’s also plenty of chrome and stainless trim, all of which was restored and remains in fantastic shape today, including the brilliant strip of stainless that lives behind the rear wheel arches. There’s simply no angle from which this car doesn’t look awesome.

The interior is no-frills flying, but that was the point here—frills add weight and when you’re going racing, weight is the enemy (remember how early NASCAR drivers chose convertibles as race cars?). Instead, this Galaxie carries a pair of wide bench seats, a big steering wheel, and a proper 4-speed shifter on the floor. The red and white upholstery is quite correct and all the details, from the fluted foil trim on the door panels to the ‘Sunliner’ script on the dash was accurately re-created. The gauges cover the basics only (they assumed a racer would add his own) and accessories include only a heater and an AM radio (the radio is unfortunately not operational, but do you really need it?). It’s probably worth noting that this car was originally equipped with 3-on-the-tree shifting, but late in 1961, a proper 4-speed was offered by the factory, so this early production car was converted during the restoration and it looks quite correct today. The seats and carpets are in virtually new condition and show very little evidence of use since the restoration was finished. Overhead there’s a power-actuated white convertible top that stows itself neatly behind the seat and there’s a matching red boot to make it look sleek. Even the trunk is neatly outfitted with a correct mat and a matching full-sized spare tire assembly.

Early in production, the intake manifold and carburetors were shipped in the trunk and installed by dealers, but at some point Ford started installing them at the factory. Ford didn’t make a distinction in the VIN regarding the 4V vs. the 6V (they were both Z-codes) and it’s not known how many people selected the 6V setup. The details in this car are correct, including the trio of Holley 2-barrel carburetors on an aluminum intake manifold, the oval-shaped air cleaner, and a special progressive linkage that runs the car on the center carb until you really lean on it. The hardware inside was the same as the 375 horsepower 4-barrel version, including a solid lifter cam that sounds racy, a dual point distributor, hand-selected pistons and rods, and bigger oil passages inside the block. Thunderbird valve covers, special ‘390’ decals, and unique cast iron “headers” were part of the Hi-Po package, too. The engine bay is neatly detailed with correct colors and finishes throughout, and if anything, it’s probably nicer than it was in 1961. It’s also ready to rock, because it starts easily, idles well once it’s warmed up (there’s a pretty darned big cam in there), and pulls hard out on the road. Drive gently and it’s happy to inhale through that center carb, but lean on it and you can hear those outer carbs come online and the big ragtop just lunges forward. It’s impressive as hell for such a massive machine.

As we mentioned, the original 3-speed manual was replaced with a 4-speed during the restoration, and it’s the right choice. Gear ratios are well-chosen and with 3.89 gears out back, it steps off the line easily and rips through the gears with enthusiasm. Bigger drum brakes (manual only) were part of the Hi-Po package, as was an upgraded suspension, and you couldn’t get power steering, either. The undercarriage is neatly detailed and quite clean, with a reproduction exhaust system that sounds right, new lines and hoses, and fresh shocks. Rockers and floors are completely solid and show no signs of previous issues or patching. 15-inch wheels were part of the Hi-Po package, too, with these wearing 7.10-15 blackwalls that look appropriately muscular.

Documentation includes the original owner’s manual and service policy verifying that this is an early production Z-code car with a manual transmission.

This is a very special car. Ford didn’t keep records on how many 6V 390 Sunliners were built, but it was surely a very small number with fewer still surviving today. Add in the beautiful restoration, fantastic road manners, and just plain outrageousness of the car itself, and you have a winning formula today, just as in 1961. Take a careful look at the details, then give us a call!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.

1961 Ford Galaxie 390 cubic inch V8 is listed for sale on ClassicDigest in Ohio by Harwood Motors for $59900.

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