1965 Ford Galaxie Ex- Ambulance Van (RHD)

Description

Although a small number of Ford's full-size Galaxie had previously been imported into Australia, in 1965 the model was the first to be assembled locally at Homebush in Sydney and was given the GE series designation, with a choice of either small-block 289-cid or big-block 390-cid V8 engines. With a simplified model range - only the four-door sedan was available - the Galaxie was aimed at buyers wanting something larger than the local Holden or Ford Falcon product, competing with the likes of Dodge's Phoenix, and the big Americans proved especially popular in the bush. The right-hand drive dashboard found on the 1965-1967 Galaxies was based on the '63 Lincoln Continental and featured woodgrain fascia and new for 1967 was a US-style padded safety steering wheel. Other notable features found on Aussie-built Galaxies, which were assembled from CKD knock-down kits sourced from Ford's Canadian arm, included automatic transmission (the FMX in the case of the 390), power steering and a three-speed heater/defroster unit. From 1967 all Galaxies received power disc brakes up front and those equipped with the larger 390-cid V8 also came with a radio as standard. A small number of Galaxies were converted into ambulances in the 1960s, many by F.L. Chivers & Co of Greenacre, NSW, and many ended up serving regional Victoria. In total just 4,892 Galaxies are thought to have been assembled in Australia between 1965 and 1972, making them a rare sight on the roads today.