Full-size Fords from the early 1960s offered style, performance, and open-top cruising all in one package, and this 1962 Ford Galaxie Sunliner Convertible brings those elements together in a particularly interesting combination. Now listed on eBay, this example is described as a good running and driving car equipped with its original numbers-matching 390 cubic-inch V8 and a factory-installed Tri-Power setup.
According to the seller, the engine features three two-barrel carburetors and was factory rated by the Ford Motor Company as producing 401 horsepower. Power is paired with a four-speed floor-shift manual transmission that was also installed at the factory. The seller states the engine starts easily, sounds good, and runs without unusual noises or exhaust issues.
The Galaxie Sunliner was built at Ford’s California plant and originally sold in Utah. Ownership history includes a body shop owner and junior college instructor named Norman Cox, who purchased the car from the original owner in 1983. Cox began restoring the car’s body and repainted it in the factory color, Tucson Yellow. The seller states that the restoration was performed meticulously, though Cox passed away before completing the entire project.
After Cox’s passing, the car remained stored in the family garage for many years until it was eventually acquired by the current seller from Cox’s son. The listing notes that documentation accompanies the sale, including the original owner’s manual, showroom brochures, the original title, and restoration paperwork.
Since acquiring the car, the seller has addressed several mechanical items. A new gas tank and fuel pump were installed, the carburetors were cleaned, and the oil and filter were replaced. A new battery and fuel sending unit were also installed, after which the 390 engine reportedly started and ran smoothly. The seller states the car has been driven several times without problems.
The listing notes that the body was restored and repainted during Cox’s work on the car, and that the doors, hood, and trunk align well and open and close properly. The windshield is new, and the glass is described as good, with side windows that roll up and down.
Some restoration tasks remain. A new convertible top is included but not yet installed, along with a new dash pad, glovebox liner, and additional spare parts. Interior items such as door panels and the front seat will require attention, though the original rear seat is said to be usable. The tires hold air but are described as old and in need of replacement.
With a factory Tri-Power 390, four-speed manual transmission, and supporting documentation, this Sunliner represents an unusual and potentially rewarding project for a Ford enthusiast. Would you finish the restoration and keep it close to original, or build it into the ultimate early-’60s cruiser?
This, according to AI sources, is one rare car. One source says only 145-150 , 390 tri power ’62 convertibles sold new, and of that, ESTIMATES of only NINE had a 4 speed. That, my friends, is incredible, and here one is. Apparently, the 4 speed($188)was the only transmission available with the tri-power. It seems the 406 got all the thunder, and why it wasn’t ordered here is the mystery. I read, this was the top of the line, costing $2880 new, but with options, well over $3grand. 10 bids to $4500, seems an insult to such a fantastic car. The stick???
You’re right Howard, $4500 is an insult to this car but not because of the 4-speed. I think that would raise the price by 10-15%. This is a $15,000 car, IMHO. If it was an automatic, I would not be interested at all. Who wants to put it on D and then just hang on to the steering wheel? Not me, and I’m an old fart. Now, you got some splainin to do. If the 4-speed was the only transmission available with the tri-power, wouldn’t all 150 1962 tri’s be 4-speeds, not just 9? Just wondering.
Agree! No HIPO short cast iron headers, remote fuel filter, gold valve covers. Should be solid lifters. Also I would assume it would have brake hard lines routed under radiator if any type of HIPO Ford from that year. 60-64!!!! Still cool it’s a 4speed Droptop Gal
Nope, looks like it’s a standard Z code (4bbl) with added carbs. Standard exhaust manifolds… and… and…
I agree. The fuel log, carb linkage, and air cleaner look aftermarket to me. However, I’m no Ford expert.
This is a neat car regardless. I like the 4-speed and convertible combo. The “no-rust” claim is more added gravy.
Agree with you guys…..no Cobra air cleaners in 1962 from the factory……
Agreed. The engine code in the VIN tells the story. Also, Galaxies used the “stepped” 6V intake and this car appears to have the “flat” intake used by the 6V T-Birds. Wrong exhaust manifolds, too, as you noted. If it seems too good to be true…
Nope. It is the way it came from the factory. In 62 I had a 61 Starliner 390/ 401 HP. 2 friends ordered cars about a month apart. One a gold hard top. The other a Chestnut convertible. The hard top came in with a 390 tripower and the convertible was a 406 tripower. The few early cars were 390’s with the same engine as my 61. The same exact set up as this car. The big exhaust didn’t show until the 406’s were available. You can tell that someone has painted the valve covers and radiator tank blue. This thing is just an early production car. Just like in 63 when the early cars were 406’s. You may have heard that the 4 speed was not available until 1962. That’s not really true… Ford was gearing up for 1962 and ran out of the HD. 3 speed transmissions sor the last 150 to 200 of the 61cars got 4 speeds.
I didn’t think 390’s were introduced till 1966. Would originally been a 352?
My dad’s 1962 Galaxie had a 390 Thunderbird engine in it
Still a favorite regardless added options or speed equipment. This deserves going to the next level.Happy motoring.
The wheels and tires look LOST in those cavernous openings shown in the lead picture!! GLWTA!! :-)
I agree, and the sagging rear springs (that seem to plague every convertible from the ’60s ) makes it look worse. Even ’50s convertibles had the same problem. I installed 6 passenger wagon springs on my ’55 convert. It had a very subtle slight rake. Much better than it’s butt dragging the ground!
Seen a 406ci three on the tree tri-power at a show recently.Guy said it was one of four known.Rare indeed
I currently have a 62 galaxie convertible with 390 tri power 4 speed. It is a “M” code and rare indeed. 50,000 miles
Who ever buys this please put new hd coil springs on,it would look 100 percent better than it does now!
Pretty nifty automobile. I’m pretty far from having a wealth of knowledge regarding Ford’s but I do know enough to say that I agree that this isn’t a factory tri-power car, so probably isn’t a 401 HP engine either. I had a friend that had a factory 406 and it seems to me that he said that the 401 horse motor had solid lifters and with the hydraulic lifters, they were rated at 375 HP with tri-power.
No .I had one. The 61 came several ways . The highest HP car was 401 hp. It was a solid lifter 4 barrel car rated at 375 hp with the tripower unit in the trunk for the dealer to install bring it to an advertised 401 hp. The2 barrel 390 had hydraulic lifters.
This car Located in: Eden, Utah.
My dad used to have one of these in four-door sedan version. Had a 390 4-bbl. Plenty fast enough. He wanted a convertible, but mom was afraid us kids would fall out the back window. Looked like this.
this is 1 rare ford. i would want to see the Marti report on it to verifie it is what is being presented. seeing that would take the mystery out of it. needs a round of springs for sure. finished you would have a sweet convert for sure
No Marti available on this one since it’s pre ’67.
$5,200 and still hasn’t cracked the reserve to me it’s really close to it’s value I see it as a nice driver quality ride
It’s at $8,000 now with three days to go. Fun to watch the auction but I like Araknid78 father’s car better, above shown, as less to maintain. As he said, plenty fast enough.
Thats not Araknid’s car. All 390 and 406 cars had fender flags
This picture is not of my dad’s car. I said that it looked like this. His car did have the fender badges indicating ‘390’ The car pictured probably had a 352
As I read it, Dave in Pa. read it that the one shown was your dads’ car. Just pointed out that it wasn’t. I have photos of cars that represent one’s that I have owned also. Nothing wrong with that.
Bidding went to $12,700 then ended. Not sure if it sold for that.
Reserve was not met, not sold.