Some classics are shrinking violets, while others demand to be noticed and respected. This 1961 Ford Galaxie Sunliner falls into the latter category, and it isn’t just its appearance that should be admired. Lifting the hood reveals a 390ci V8 producing enormous power and torque, transforming this Sunliner into a potent drop-top. It is seemingly impossible to find anything genuinely deserving of criticism, and it would suit enthusiasts seeking perfection. The seller has listed the Galaxie here on eBay in Maple Valley, Washington. Bidding currently sits at $18,100 and, unsurprisingly, that figure is below the reserve.
After the styling excesses of the late 1950s, Ford entered the new decade with a dramatically redesigned Galaxie range. The fins that dominated the previous generation gradually disappeared during the new model’s production life, resulting in a more subtle and restrained appearance. That might be true for our featured 1961 Sunliner, but its Monte Carlo Red paint is a vibrant shade that turns heads. The seller indicates that this gem recently underwent a restoration, helping to explain its flawless paint and laser-straight panels. If the underside shots are an accurate guide, the vehicle hasn’t seen much use since the work ended. If you’re searching for a clean surface from which to eat your lunch, this car’s floors and frame would be a great choice. Forget worries about penetrating rust, because this Ford appears to be devoid of even surface corrosion. The power top in contrasting White is new and functions perfectly. The trim is spotless, and the glass is crystal clear.
The VIN confirms that the first owner ordered this Galaxie with the Z-Code version of the 390ci V8, enhanced by the $109 Performance Package. This was a potent beast in its prime, producing a factory-quoted 375hp and 427 ft/lbs of torque. However, the horsepower race was on in earnest at the time. Owners could walk into their local Ford dealership and hand over $260 plus installation, and the dealer’s workshop would remove the standard carburetor and intake and install a Tri-Power setup. It included an aluminum intake and three Holley two-barrels. The update boosted power and torque to 401hp and 430 ft/lbs, making an already potent vehicle a genuine beast. This Galaxie features that upgrade, with those rampaging horses fed to the back wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. The car’s engine bay is spotless, reflecting its recent restoration history. Although not stated explicitly, I see nothing to suggest that this Sunliner is anything but a turnkey proposition.
The Galaxie’s interior reflects the same “Red and White” theme set by the exterior, and its presentation is equally impressive. There is no evidence of wear, and the carpet is spotless. The painted surfaces are as impressive as the exterior, and the wheel looks new. The seller confirms that the clock is inoperative, which is the only apparent functional issue. This Sunliner is one of those classics that would receive more praise with the top lowered than raised, which is always a good thing.
I am not sure if the perfect classic exists, but this 1961 Galaxie Sunliner appears to come close. Its presentation is stunning, and the paint shade isn’t subtle. If its appearance doesn’t receive almost universal praise, lifting the hood should help its cause. I acknowledge that summer is receding fast, but there are still opportunities to hit the road with the sun at your back and the wind in your hair before winter sets in. Doing so aboard this Sunliner sounds mighty tempting, and I will understand if any readers make a play for this classic. I wish you luck if you do.
Wow!
1960 muscle, full size convertible. Wow!
🎯 bobhess lol
Up to $24,000 now…..not surprized the reserve hasn’t been met….rare and really nice….and a convert !
Now $27,099.00 with 4 days to go. Reserve still not met
What an impressive cruiser this would be. I can see it in a parade carrying a few veterans in the back!
I will look forward to see what it finally goes for.
Love the two tone red and white interior. That looks great on most classics…terrible on more modern cars.
Still over a 100 here in Phoenix,another month or so it will be top down weather till the end of next April.
there were a buncha these in the early 60s. Sorta ‘pre muscle’ of the next gen.
This and the Thunderbolt (’64), on the other side Impala (‘409’ of the song), and the fury/dart (413 maxwedge) & Savoy (426 maxwedge). Not my favorite body lines (same for the ‘muscle’ or ‘phony’ those ‘humps-over-the-wheels’) altho I did/do like the AMX look/size, same for stang FB only WB 97 & 108 respectively – way smaller than the big ‘pre-muscle’ mentioned here in my
2nd ¶
Awesome! Big money was spent to bring this beauty to this condition. I’m not a Ford guy but I’d love to find this in my garage. GLWTS
Absolutely Stunning!! Unless there is a hidden surprise this car is a steal!!
A steal??? It’s an auction and the final price hasn’t been determined !!!!🤣
Thanks Adam! Just what I needed! I needed a picture of a 427 to use as a model to draw from as right now, I’m drawing a print of a ’65 Shelby Cobra and the gentleman I’m making it for wants the 427 engine in it. And since the FE engines from 390 to
460 look essentially the same, this 390 tri power unit will make a
fine stand in for the 427 the gentleman says he wants in the
engine bsy. However, I still need
things like the color of the outside engine parts and some details about the engine like the
expansion tank over the water pump. I know that the FE engines used these tanks until at
least ’65. Did the 427s use them
too? And if not, what did the front of the engine look like? I’m
doing my best to make the print
as accurate as possible to make this man happy. Any help I can get will be greatly appreciated thanks.
The 429 and 460 engines were not FEs, they were the 385 series or Lima engines, named after the Ohio plant. This car is amazing, although I would still prefer the hardtop.
That convertible does the trick 4 me..
Very nice Adam. This car looks awesome and I bet a blast to drive. The more I see the steel wheels with dog dish center caps, the more I like them. What a beautiful classic ride! Just add some way overpriced fuel, a newsboy cap, cigar, drop the top, and drive!
really nice and done to a high standard. i would bet they are looking for north of 35k. i would think this is pretty rare.
$23,100 now, RNM. What a nice Ford. Checks all the boxes for me. I’m guessing that the bidding will need to increase by at least another 10K to get in the vicinity of the reserve. I added it to my watch list just to see what will happen. I wish I had the resources to snag this one. GLWTS.
Beautiful car, the only thing that I can tell is missing from my point of view is the padded dash.
Nice
That’s a beautiful car. I could see myself cruising the boulevard in that amazing example of Ford Performance Engineering. Somebody’s gonna be smiling soon.
100% I love this car wish I was a real buyer!
This BEAUTY is crying out for a set of Magnums (IMO)!! I never cared for dog dishes or most wheel covers! GLWTA!! :-)
No power brakes and maybe no power steering as well. This car would be a handful to drive with the four speed.
ToTerry, we all can see that, myself
included. Out on a date with a nice young lady, the radio playing
some decent music, the healthy
burble of the big 390, as an old car lover, what more could you want?
It’s all here in this car–except for the young lady. Now all I have to do is find a young lady who can drive a 4-speed LOL! I recall building the exact model of this car in 1969. Got the kit from a Ben Franklin store in Decatur Illinois that summer. I built it in
Metallic Gold with a black top and interior. It already had a 390
in the kit so I built the 401 HP version with the tri power kit they put in the box. I capped it off
with a set of Astro mags and red
striped tires. As for this car, it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if it
sold for at least $50K or more. It has a lot going for it and the fact you don’t see a Z code car every day only fuels the bidding frenzy.
Would like to see just how high it
really does go.
The “Z” code is a 390 but most likely the 300 HP version and not the hot 375 which was very rare especially in a convertible. It was a drag race engine with a wild solid lifter cam, 11:1 compression and streamlined exhaust headers …If a true factory 375 or 401 this car would be close to 6 figures
Barn Finds is tempting me today! This Sunliner and the ’60 Ranch Wagon. A desirable Blue Oval overload.
At one point, it was listed at Harwood Motors, an on-line automotive classified ad marketer. There is a much better description, a video, and lots more photos there:
https://www.harwoodmotors.com/vehicles/inventory_details.php?id=1758
I thought that the skyliner Was a retractable hard top. Did they call the convertibles skyliners In 61?
If I remember correctly, the Skyliner was the retractable hardtop, and the Sunliner was the soft top convertible.
The long way home is the only way I go.
Unless I wonder, Where does that street go ?
Back about 1972 there was a gas station in South Braintrree, that had 2 Skyliners parked out front, back to back. When the weather was goods, the roofs would always be up at 45 degree angle.
Thought that was cool.
No. Sunliner was the convertible.
It says Sunliner on the front fender
classiccars.com also has a past listing that shows 300 less miles and a proce of $59,900.
My cousin had a blk ’61 2 dr sedan with this set up. This is not your grandpa’s 390. This engine set up is a beast.The forerunner to the 406 and then the famous 427 ci. I was not a Ford man but the hi po 390 and the 427 were great engines. The 406, not so much.
Beautiful car! Definitely Santa approved!
A beautiful car and I bet it will go for a “not do beautiful” price. Not a beautiful price because I can’t afford it.
What a sweet car, and the 4 speed is icing on the cake. You could make some really quick trips to the ice cream shop, with a stop at the gas station on your way home, preferably the long way home.
Awesome just Awesome… I am sure that power train could shred a good set of rubber… compression ratio ? Not sure what the top price would look like.. but I would think $80k GLWTS
Sweet….
What a beauty!
Put whitewalls on it the black tires are ugly.
I don’t like the poverty hubcaps either
You are right T Bone.
On sucha flamboyant vehicle, they are underwhelming.
Go all out or go home.
Cragers or Magnum wheels would be great. Or something in period. Such a nice car spiffy wheels would be great
Dark center Torque Thrusts. Or period dark center ETs
Or how ’bout some Astro mags?
They were very popular when I was young. First set I saw was in
1968 on a cream yellow ’40 Ford
pickup from California. Used to
ride past the house it was parked in front of just to see if it was still
parked out front. 60 years later, I
can still draw that truck from memory. Funny how some things
stick with you.
Bidding ended on Sat, Sep 12 at 11:57 AM.
US $30,200.00
44 bids
Reserve not met