Sold-1959 Ford Galaxie Sunliner Convertible

From this rear 3/4-view, the Galaxie's remarkably long rear deck is highlighted. Period accents include bright rear-fender skirts, a "Continental" spare-tire kit, and the dual exhaust outlets, which provide a nice throaty exhaust note from the 352 V-8.

While the Fairlane 500 was Ford’s top-level series when the company’s new-for-1959 models were publicly introduced in late 1958, the Galaxie superseded it shortly thereafter. Offered with a choice of six-cylinder and V-8 power and in four-door, two-door, two-door Victoria hardtop coupe, Skyliner retractable and Sunliner Convertible forms, the Galaxie was Ford’s most popular model line for 1959 and featured interesting one-year-only styling and massive overall proportions that continue to fascinate all onlookers today.

When I inspected this early-production ’59 Ford Galaxie Sunliner Convertible, it was a nice and enjoyable driver-quality example with a recent repaint performed under the late prior owner. According to VIN decoding, this Galaxie is confirmed to have been factory-equipped when new with its powerful 300 hp, “Thunderbird 352 Special” V-8 engine, equipped with a factory-correct Holley four-barrel carburetor. Other desirable original features included a Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission and a highway-friendly 2.69:1 rear-axle ratio. Other features include power steering, dual spotlights with side-view mirrors, a radio, and a clock. Mechanical upgrades for enhanced reliability while cruising include a re-cored radiator (2010), an auxiliary electric cooling fan, and an electric auxiliary fuel pump. A brand-new and well-fitted convertible top was installed in February 2012.

Road-licensed at the time I inspected it in the summer of 2011, this nice ’59 Galaxie Sunliner Convertible was well maintained and started, drove, and ran well. It was first offered for sale at the 2010 Fall Toronto Classic Car Auction, but the then-owner turned down a high bid around $25,000. He then cruised the parking lot of the auction with a “For Sale” sign on the car – not encouraged. He then made arrangements with me to consign the car to the 2011 Toronto Fall auction, but just after the catalogue went to the printer, he got cold feet and pulled the car from the sale. A couple from Ottawa saw it in the auction catalog and fell in love with it, only to attend the auction and find it was no longer available. The owner subsequently called me in the winter of 2012 and wanted to give it another try. It finally crossed the auction block without reserve in mid-April 2012 at the Toronto Spring Classic Car Auction, selling for only about $15,000.