In 1963 Ford built 4,978 Galaxie 427 cars. Ultimately, however, just 50 Galaxies would be built to factory lightweight specification, and although they looked identical to the standard car, the trunk lid, and front fenders were fiberglass, and bumpers were aluminum. Interiors were kept to a minimum and there was no sound deadening.

This particular Galaxie is one of these very rare Factory Lightweights, fitted with the R-Code, 425-horsepower big-block engine. A recent inspection confirmed its authenticity as a correct, authentic Factory Lightweight. The massive 427 cubic inch engine is mated to a Borg-Warner T-10 four-speed transmission with an NHRA scatter-shield and heavy-duty nine-inch rear end with 4.11:1 gears. The car rides on 15 x 5-1/2-inch Kelsey-Hayes steel wheels with an extra heavy-duty center spider, dog-dish hubcaps and heavy-duty brakes, shocks and leaf springs. Special components include the fiberglass trunk and Thunderbolt-style high-riser hood, which has been signed by legendary Ford racing drivers Dick Brannan and Phil Bonner. As per Factory Lightweight specifications, front fenders and inner fenders are also fiberglass and the front / rear bumpers and brackets are aluminum.

Inside, the car has Bostrom bucket seats and rubber floor mats. A purpose-built performance car through and through, it also has several deleted components – again, to reduce weight – that include the radio, clock, heater, trunk and interior sound deadeners, trunk spring torsion bars, hood springs, roof cross-support, courtesy lights, dome lights, arm rest, roof insulation, back-up lights and mirrors; as well as the trunk mat, cardboard and one horn.

With low production and high performance, these Factory Lightweights are tremendously desirable muscle cars. They were built to defend the honor of the blue oval – which they did, both on the track and the street, where they easily embarrassed unsuspecting bow tie fans.