The announcement of Chevrolet’s 409 big-block V-8 in December 1960 signaled that the horsepower race was in full swing. Although slow to ramp up production, its solid lifters and high-lift cam made it a formidable adversary. Ford’s best for 1961 was a 401 horsepower 390, an enlarged version of the FE series 352 that dated to 1958. The company’s success in both NASCAR and NHRA Super Stock competition began to falter, as 421-cubic inch Pontiacs and 413 Mopars took home more and more trophies.

The slow roll-out of Chevy’s 409 allowed Ford a few moments to regroup. What resulted was more than just a bored-out 390. The new 406-cubic inch big block was recast, with thicker cylinder walls. Pistons and connecting rods were beefed up, and heads were given larger valves and adjustable ratio rocker arms. Cast iron headers fed a 2½-inch dual exhaust system.

Two versions were offered. First there was the B-Code Thunderbird 406, with aluminum dual-plane intake manifold and single Holley 600 four-barrel carb developed 385 brake horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 444 foot-pounds of torque. Compression was a stratospheric 11.5:1. While the king of the hill was the G-Code Thunderbird Special, with three Holley two-barrels on progressive linkage, the center carb being the primary. At 405 horsepower, it flirted with the “magic formula” of one horsepower per cubic inch, also at 5,800 rpm, and torque of 448 foot-pounds.

Available in any Galaxie model except station wagons, it impressed the staffers at Motor Trend, who touted “something like Ferrari performance . . . .” The interval was brief, however, for the 406 was offered for just two years. As a result, 406 Ford Galaxies were rare in their day, and seldom seen now.

This genuine “G-Code” 406 Ford Galaxie 500 was built at the Los Angeles assembly plant, completed in February 1962. As such, it has the heavy duty suspension and brakes that came with the engine option, as well as the mandatory Borg Warner T-10 toploader four-speed. In line with the ordering instructions, it is devoid of most popular options: power steering or brakes, air conditioning, deluxe wheel covers, engine dress-up items, or even bucket seats. It is equipped with the optional 4.11:1 axle.

Painted in correct Oxford Blue, with an all-vinyl blue interior, it is understood to be one of 27 surviving 406-equipped 65A Club Victoria coupes known to the 1962 Galaxie Registry. Just four of them came off the LA assembly line. In excellent condition throughout, its odometer reading just shy of 62,000 miles is original and correct.