1964 FORD

1964 Ford Galaxie Custom 500, period-correct drag build

Chassis: 4J51C144032

- Stroked 452ci FE V8

- Toploader four-speed

- $120k Restoration

- Costa Mesa R&D Engine

- UK Registered

A rare opportunity to acquire a period correct, big block drag-spec 1964 Ford Custom 500, built to mirror the factory R code full size Fords of the early 1960s. Fully restored in the USA with over $120,000 having been spent on it and completed in the early/mid 2010’s.

This example combines a Costa Mesa R&D built 427 FE stroked to 452 cubic inches, a Toploader 4-speed, Traction-Lok 9-inch axle, and extensive period parts to mirror Ford’s factory lightweight drag philosophy.

This was recently sold/purchased on Bring a Trailer in 2024 where it received many compliments, praise and even a former owner stating he was a proud prior caretaker. It arrived into the UK during 2024. It has since been UK registered, and has received further preparation including new radial tyres, ignition parts, and in October 2025 was sent to the rolling road for a final setup. The original US drag tyres are included within the sale (Firestone front cross ply & ‘cheater' rear slicks), but please note the previous rear slicks are not road legal.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a well-documented, period correct, performance-focused full-size Ford, built to a specification rarely seen in the UK & EU.

The background and history from the prior owner who facilitated the restoration is superbly documented. Within the huge history file are personal notes describing how his passion for Galaxies began and the memories that drove him to complete this extensive project. His acquisition story is also preserved in the file too. Reading through the history gives a strong sense of his genuine affection for the car and the thoughtful, devoted stewardship that ultimately shaped its current form.

It was comprehensively restored in the early to mid-2010s, beginning with a complete strip down and media blasting. The chassis was media blasted, realigned, welded at key stress points and powder coated, while the body received all necessary metal repairs, which were minor owing to the mild climate. Therefore, it is important to note that the car retains mostly original sheet metal.

After the structural work, the body was finished in “Wimbledon White” two-stage paint, chosen specifically as a nod to the original Ford “body-in-white” factory lightweight drag cars. Original and NOS stainless trim was reinstalled, and lightweight drag-oriented components, including a fiberglass teardrop bonnet with stainless pins and fiberglass front bumper which completed the correct period look.

While originally a C code car, the rebuild has been so finely focused and well completed to interpret the authentic R-code drag cars.

The Heart – The Engine – Costa Mesa Built 452ci FE (Stroked 427)

Built by Costa Mesa R&D Automotive Machine, one of the most respected FE engine specialists in the United States, the engine began as a 427 FE “top-oiler” and was stroked to 452 cubic inches using high specification internals and meticulous blueprinting. This is a serious build with no corners cut. Costa Mesa R&D Machine was a Californian based shop, which has now closed after the passing of master machinist John Edwards, known for his extensive expertise in automotive machining.

Engine specifications include:

- 427 FE V8, .018” over, stroked to 452ci

- Decked, line-bored, blueprinted block

- Keith Black fly-cut pistons

- Forged H-beam rods

- Balanced & chamfered 428 crank

- Lunati Street/Strip cam

- Solid lifters, custom Trend pushrods

- Ported Edelbrock aluminium heads with larger valves

- Hardened rocker shafts on custom stainless stands

- Dual Holley 600cfm carburetors (BK & BJ)

- Medium-riser aluminium intake

- Dual-point distributor upgraded with electronic ignition

- Melling blueprinted oil pump, Cloyes timing components

- SFI harmonic balancer

- Long-tube headers into free-flowing dual exhaust with H-pipe & Flowmasters

- Factory radiator, aluminium water pump, correct expansion tank

The engine bay has been detailed and finished in factory correct 75% satin black, ready for any car shows or meet ups!

Drivetrain & Rear Axle- True to Ford’s 1960s drag specs:

- Galaxie-spec “HEH” Toploader four-speed

- SMI flywheel

- 11-inch Centerforce clutch

- Lakewood scattershield / bellhousing

- Correctly marked driveshaft with new yoke

- Ford 9-inch nodular iron center section

- Traction-Lok differential

- Dutchman 31-spline axles

- NHRA-legal wheel studs

Chassis, Suspension, Brakes

The underside reflects the same attention to detail as the powertrain:

- Satin black floors, restored and smoothed

- Powder coated, correctly marked suspension components

- CalTracs traction bars

- Schultz-coated wheel wells

- Super Stock drum brakes (period-correct)

- H-pipe dual exhaust system

A purposeful, drag focused but still road-friendly setup.

Interior

The interior is clean with competition touches:

- Red crushed vinyl interior

- Custom-mounted Bostrom low-back bucket seats

- Two-point racing harnesses

- Hurst shifter

- Restored dash with polished rotunda tachometer (spare tacho supplied with car), Stewart Warner accessory gauges, radio and heater delete

- Correct loop pile carpet

- Chrome trimmed steering wheel

- Moonscape headliner & visors

- SMS door panels

- Battery relocated to the boot

The interior is a lovely place to be, both attractive and faithful to the drag prep ethos.

Wheels & Tyres

Current UK Setup:

- New Vitour Galaxy radial tyres all round (fitted within last 100 miles)

Included within the Sale (the US Drag Setup):

- Firestone front cross ply

- Cheater rear slicks

The option of tyre choice allows the new owner to decide if they wish to use the Ford on the road, using the new road legal tyres or if they’d like to install the slicks and run the car on the drag strip - The best of both worlds, shows & concours or racing & burning rubber!

Documentation

A major highlight for this Ford is its history file. Included:

- Extensive restoration photo book

- Restoration receipts

- Component literature

- A note of a 1st place in the Nostalgia class at the Rodshows’ 64th Annual Grand National Roadster Show 2013

- UK V5C

A very complete and valuable file.

Recent Work Completed In The UK (2024-2025):

- Imported and UK registered (2024)

- New radial tyres fitted (2025)

- New distributor cap and rotor (2025)

- Rolling-road tune (October 2025)

- Fuel and ignition systems inspected (2025)

Summary

This 1964 Ford Custom 500 represents an exceptional, period correct drag build, prepared to a standard few cars achieve. With its Costa Mesa–built 452ci FE, Toploader four-speed, Traction-Lok 9-inch rear end, lightweight panels, it stands as one of the most authentic full size Ford drag recreations available.

Add to that a documented $120k restoration, UK registration, recent recommissioning, and the inclusion of the original drag tyres, and you have a rare opportunity to purchase a fully sorted, show ready, exciting piece of early ’60s Ford muscle history.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and can be arranged by appointment.

Please feel free to get in touch for further details.