|
| |
|
| |
Buy with confidence!
If for any reason
you're not
completely satisfied
with an item, simply
return it within 7
days and the
purchase price will
be refunded.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
We ship world wide.
All international
orders must be paid
online. Checks or
money orders drawn
on non-US banks will
not be accepted.
|
|
|
|
|
|
1962 – Things Start Getting “Lively”
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Here are two Tasca Ford cars at Indy in
1962 – a B/Gas 1957 and an S/S 1962
Galaxie. (Jack Bleil)
|
|
|
|
|
Even on 7-inch tires, the big 1962 Ford is
capable of leaving hard. (“FE Bob” Fermier
collection)
|
|
|
|
|
“Live it up with a Lively One from Ford” was the sales catch phrase for the 1962 model year. The
new Fords hit the showrooms on September 21, 1961, and aside from styling, little had changed.
Gone from the lineup was the sleek Starliner. Top-of-the-line engine options remained for the 375-
and 401-hp 390, backed with the Borg-Warner T-10 4-speed transmission. Could it possibly be that
the folks from Dearborn intended to keep the faithful at a decided disadvantage against the
competition? Not exactly — although Ford would continue to play catch-up during much of the 1962
season, bigger and better things were in the works.
Just after the first of the year, your friendly local Ford dealer’s option list revealed a new, bigger,
more powerful version of the FE engine, the 406. What was the parent company’s intent for this
new engine? An ad for the 1962 Ford asks the question, “How sudden do you want your car to be?
Galaxie has an unmatched range of high-performance engine, transmission, and axle
combinations. Take your pick – Galaxie has the quick answer!”
|
|
|
Another ad, showing two Galaxies, one of which is trailed by black strips of rubber on the road
surface, asks, “Which Galaxie has the six barrel?” — Ford terminology for the three Holley 2-barrel
carburetors option.
The Thunderbird 406 high-performance V-8 option was offered with a single 4-barrel carburetor
(385 hp) and three 2-barrel carburetors (405 hp). The 406 had many of the features that were in
the high-performance 390. It featured a special block casting with thicker cylinder walls and main-
bearing webs, but had no provisions for hydraulic valve lifters, and an over-pressure relief valve for
the oiling system. The high-nodular iron crankshaft featured fully grooved main-bearing surfaces.
The beefy connecting rods mounted flat-top pistons delivering a compression ratio of 11.4:1.
|
|
|
All this muscle, along with mandatory heavy-duty suspension and brakes, cost the consumer an
additional $379.70. Options you could not have were power steering, power brakes, or air
conditioning. With the standard 3.50 rear-axle ratio and a 4-speed transmission, the 2-ton Galaxie
could click off zero to 60 in about seven seconds. The quarter-mile came in just over 15 seconds at
a shade under 95 mph. This was accomplished with an open rear, due to the fact that Ford did not
have a limited-slip unit capable of handling the power of the 406 at the time.
Interesting Ford fact: A 406 engine has the distinction of being the 30 millionth V-8 produced by
Ford.
|
|
|
Mercury Weighs In
Ford’s Lincoln-Mercury Division, which had shared a portion of the performance market in the mid-
1950s, began to test the waters again in the 1962 model year. The difference this time was the
similarity to the Ford performance engines, something that had been missing in earlier efforts. This
time around Mercury offered the same 406 engine options as their Dearborn cousins, albeit with a
little more luxury and the accompanying weight deficit that went with it.
Motor Trend magazine tested a Monterey S-55 (the equivalent of the Ford 500XL) convertible
equipped with the 405-hp 406 and 4-speed transmission. Tipping the scales at over 4,200 lbs and
carrying two correspondents with their gear during acceleration tests, the big Mercury still managed
zero to 60 in 7.6 seconds. The quarter-mile was covered in 16.5 seconds at 94 mph. The writer
indicated that the only way to get the 7.10 x 15 bias-ply tires to bite was to launch the car at 2,500
rpm and ease into the throttle. Shift points of 5,800 indicated that they weren't exactly flogging the
high-winding FE either.
|
|
|
From the base price of $3,735.00, the optioned-out test car came in at $4,534.65 – quite pricey for
the time and not exactly the type of car that would be ordered by the single-minded performance
buyer. It’s interesting that Mercury did nothing to notify consumers as to which engine its cars
carried. This could very well have led to stoplight crowds being surprised by what appeared for all
intents and purposes to be an “old man’s car.” As stated before, the Lincoln-Mercury Division was
testing the waters in 1962. The world would not really find out just how serious they were about
performance for a couple of more years.
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
The Augusta Motor Sales 1962 Galaxie
proudly proclaims its 405 hp 406. (Dennis Cox)
|
|
Jan-Cen 1962 Galaxie faces a 413 Plymouth.
Ford gave up over 300 lbs to Mopar cars in
1962. (Jack Bleil)
|
|
|
|
Meanwhile, Back at Everyone’s Favorite Car Magazine
Once again we arrive at a point where the mainstream automotive publications of the day inform us
how poorly the 406 Fords (the Mercury Division wasn’t even on their radar screens yet) fared
against the competition in drag racing. And unfortunately, contemporary writers attempting to
chronicle Ford’s history on the quarter-mile continue to parrot this misinformation. The research
and driving force for this book has been fueled by an overwhelming desire to hopefully set the
record straight once and for all.
Allow me to preface the research results with a story straight from my own personal history.
Coincidentally, the year was 1962, and as with other things in the distant past as opposed to events
of just days ago, I seem to have very accurate recall. My interest in high-performance automobiles
at this point was just over two years old, and being a young teenager meant time with
contemporaries discussing matters of mutual interest such as girls and fast cars, and not
necessarily in that order.
|
|
|
I can vividly recall a particularly loud classmate touting the merits of the 413 Dodge. I thought to
myself that someday I would own a 406 Ford and humble loudmouths like him on the quarter-mile
field of honor. Thankfully this would prove to be an accurate prediction of my future. At
approximately the same time, my adolescent dream of big-block conquest over perceived Detroit
enemies was taking shape. A specially ordered 1962 Galaxie 500 equipped with the 405-hp 406
was being delivered to Art Hasselbach in Hightstown, New Jersey. Unbeknownst to me at the time,
this car would later bring the victories I dreamed of after providing Art with many of his own. My
research and personal opinion for the aforementioned misconception as to Ford’s successes, or
lack thereof, on the nation’s drag strips seems to be based on one fact and one fact only.
There were exactly two NHRA national events held in 1962 – the Winternationals and the Nationals.
The same was true for 1963. It is a very well-documented fact that Ford did not win Super Stock or
A/Factory Experimental at either of these events in 1962 or 1963. Most writings, both period and
contemporary, seem to be based entirely on the outcome of two events when determining the
success rate of Ford performance cars. Having been somewhat astute about the happenings in the
world of drag racing at the time, both in sanctioned competition and the very popular venue of
street racing, I take exception to this perception. Many good things were happening in the Blue
Oval camp in 1962 and the story should be told from a broader perspective than the outcome of
two races.
|
|
|
The 1962 NHRA Winternationals began the same way that the 1961 event had ended. The Ford
drivers were both outnumbered and at a distinct weight disadvantage to the competition. There
were some bright spots, however, with Gas Ronda driving the Bill Waters Ford 1962 Galaxie, and
Mike Lieber at the wheel of a similar 406 car sponsored by Ellico Ford. Each advanced through
several rounds of competition in Super Stock before bowing out. Lieber lost a close race to
eventual winner Dave Strickler. Interesting was the entry of Ben Alexander Ford from Los Angeles,
prepared by Les Ritchey and driven by Dick Heyler. Although an automatic transmission was not on
the option list for 1962 Fords equipped with the 406 engine, here was one in the flesh. Or should I
say steel.
The reason Ford did not offer an automatic behind the 406 was based on the knowledge that none
in current production would stand up to the engine’s brute horsepower. It’s no wonder that the Ford
would be less than competitive against the lighter Chrysler products equipped with their superior
TorqueFlite transmissions although Hot Rod magazine reported that the Ritchey-prepared Fords
“showed promise.”
|
|
|
Perhaps one of the best things to happen around Dearborn in 1962 was Dick Brannan’s separation
from active military service. Dick took a job as co-pilot on the Romy-Hammes Ford company plane
in South Bend, Indiana. Through his friendship with the owner’s son, Brannan convinced the
dealership to order in a new 406 Galaxie for racing purposes. As described by Dick, the old
dealership had a bay with a lift on the second floor, which was used only for new car pre-delivery
service. Taking over this space, the young Brannan, with help from the owner’s son and a helpful
line mechanic, proceeded to do a complete and thorough preparation of the new car within the
rules set forth for NHRA Super Stock competition. These efforts were about to pay great dividends
for Dick at his home track, Detroit Dragway.
Entered in a Super Stock event, Dick proceeded to not only mow down every Chevrolet, Pontiac,
and Mopar in sight, but also to knock off the “factory” Fords of factory test drivers Bill Humphries
and Len Richter. Having won the event, Dick would not be declared the winner until the car was
found to be legal, since the popular conception was that there was no way that this kid and his Ford
had won fair and square. After practically dismantling the entire car, track officials declared it legal
in the wee hours of the morning. The crowd, having remained to see the outcome of the tear-down,
cheered the underdog who had beaten the big boys.
|
|
|
Within a short time, Ford officials contacted Brannan and an audience was arranged to allow the
young upstart to explain how he had accomplished the impossible. Not satisfied with Brannan’s
answers during this meeting, the corporate powers subsequently invited him to bring the car to the
Romeo, Michigan, test track and demonstrate his prowess. Proving his earlier victory was no fluke,
Dick again dusted off the factory-sponsored Fords of Richter and Humphries.
Displaying extraordinary foresight, Ford Motor Company offered Dick Brannan a position as Drag
Racing Coordinator in the Experimental Vehicles Department. Thus began a long and successful
relationship between Ford and Dick Brannan. Adorning the dark blue Romy-Hammes Super Stock
Galaxie was a cartoon of a bear sitting in a tree uttering the words “Wow 406 Ford.” Brannan
explains having seen a Ford ad in a 1948 issue of National Geographic magazine where the quote
was “Wow Ford V-8” and he adapted it from there.
|
|
|
Elsewhere in the nation things were looking brighter for the new “Lively Ones from Ford.” The
March-April edition of Southeastern Drag News announced “Bonner cops first 62 Stock Eliminator
at Russell.” Phil Bonner, now sporting Frank Vego Ford sponsorship, defeated a “highly competitive
field loaded with hot Super Stock machines” to prevail over the 1961 Ford of Chuck Martin in the
final. At the same event, Leon Burt copped Street Eliminator honors with his “torrid” 1961 Starliner,
while Ronald Strickland took home C/Stock gold with his 1960 Ford, and William Brown’s 1961 won
in H/Stock Automatic. Not a bad day for the Ford camp. Bonner would continue his winning ways at
the wheel of his Ford, eventually receiving one of 11 special lightweight Galaxies produced, and
finishing out 1962 by being crowned Georgia State Champion in Super Stock.
Bonner’s original 1962 lightweight was destroyed in a towing accident and replaced by a couple of
purposely constructed “Southern-Style” match-race Galaxies that were quite a bit shy of being
NHRA legal for Super Stock competition. These Southern-Style Fords would continue to give
headaches to the representatives from the factory’s racing team in the coming years. But, as
Bonner explains it, this was the only way to make money in drag racing at the time. Track promoters
in the south would pay appearance money for a top match racer, and didn’t give a lick whether the
car was NHRA legal or not.
|
|
|
Previous | Next
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This has been a sample page from
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Total Performers: Ford Drag Racing
in the 1960s
by Charles Morris
|
|
|
|
|
The 1960s was arguably the most important decade for
drag racing. It had exciting cars, thrilling races, and most
importantly, factory participation. Among the best high-
performance cars and engines were those coming from
Dearborn, Michigan. Ford Motor Company’s “Total
Performance Years” saw a breakthrough as drag racing
helped the younger, performance- and style- conscious
consumer to begin receiving some recognition.
|
|
|
|
|
Factory participation in drag racing pushed the
envelope for high performance developments. Ford's
FE-series engine, Police Interceptor, GT 390, Single
Overhead Cam, Cobra Jet, and Boss 429 are all
covered in detail. See the cars and the drivers that
made them famous – Dick Brannan’s Goldfinger, Bill
Lawton’s Mystery Mustang, “Dyno Don” Nicholson’s
Eliminator Comet, Gas Ronda’s stretched Mustang, Al
Joenic’s Batcar, and more.
|
|
|
Click here to view sample pages from
each chapter.
|
|
|
|
Chap. 1 - 1960 Fords in Drag Racing
Chap. 2 - 1961 Fords in Drag Racing
Chap. 3 - 1962 Fords in Drag Racing
Chap. 4 - 1963 Fords in Drag Racing
Chap. 5 - 1964 Fords in Drag Racing
Chap. 6 - 1965 Fords in Drag Racing
Chap. 7 - 1966 Fords in Drag Racing
Chap. 8 - 1967 Fords in Drag Racing
Chap. 9 - 1968 Fords in Drag Racing
Chap. 10 - 1969 Fords in Drag Racing
Chap. 11 - 1970 Fords in Drag Racing
Chap 12 - Ford of Canada Drag Racing
|
|
|
|
Accomplished journalist and life-long Ford aficionado
Charles Morris takes you back to the Total
Performance Years through first-hand accounts as well
as over 400 rare photographs. A drag racer since
1966, Morris has run cars in both Stock and Super
Stock classes. He is currently the owner of the original
Norristown Ford 1963 _ lightweight Galaxie and races
the car in Nostalgia Super Stock as part of the 422
Motorsports Drag Racing Team. This book is a must
read for all drag racing fans, not just Ford enthusiasts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hardbound
10 x 10"
192 pages
130 color & 290 b/w photos
Item # CT407
Price: $Discontinued
|
|
Click here to buy now!
|
|
This is a great book any Ford
enthusiast will love!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Other items you might be interested in
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gasser Wars: Drag Racing's Street Classes: 1955 to 1968
Author Larry Davis combined his own image archive with many rare,
never-published images from racers, fans, and track photographers all
over the country. He also did extensive research and interviews with
former drag racers. The result is a comprehensive, entertaining, and
nostalgic look at drag racing history.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Price:
$22.95
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Factory Lightweights: Detroit's Drag Racing Specials of the '60s
Among racers it has never been a secret that a lighter car is a faster
car—particularly in drag racing. When Detroit’s automakers got
involved in organized drag racing, they paid heed to this principle,
issuing a series of rare race-only cars that became legends in their
own time. Factory Lightweights: Detroit’s Drag Racing Specials of the
‘60s chronicles these rare cars that still inspire admirers and imitators
today, like the Ford Fairlane 427 Thunderbolt.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Price:
$22.95
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Ford Galaxie & LTD Gold Portfolio 1960--1976
Contemporary road and comparison tests, specification and technical
data, driver's reports, long-term tests, new model introductions. 176
pages, 475 pictures and illustrations. Softbound.
|
|
Price:
$29.95
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shipping is combined and discounted for multiple item purchases!
Buy more and save on shipping!
We ship Worldwide! See International Shipping for more information!
|
|
|
Search Our Store for More Great Ford, Lincoln & Mercury Items!
|
|
|
FAST AND EFFICIENT SERVICE
We believe customer service and online retail can coexist. Our policy is to treat customers the way
we would like to be to treated. We strive to describe all items correctly. You have many options
online, but we believe our service is the best. We work around the clock to fill orders and ship items
within one business day. It is our goal to serve the customer before, during and after the checkout
process. Why gamble with your money and purchase from other sellers? We look forward to doing
business with you now and in the future.
|
|
|
FAST SHIPPING
Items usually ship within one business day of receipt of payment! We keep large quantities on hand
and have a state of the art inventory management system to ensure your items are in stock and
ready to ship.
|
|
|
YES, WE HAVE A RETURN POLICY
Satisfaction is guaranteed. Our store has a NO HASSLE RETURN POLICY within 7 days of
purchase. Your exchange will be processed upon receipt. If you are not satisfied with your
purchase, our knowledgeable team will do their best to make sure you get what you are looking for.
|
|
|
QUALITY AND AFFORDABILITY
Why pay retail when you can save money and benefit from our purchasing power? We stock large
quantities to get you the best prices and assure the item you order will be in stock and ready to
ship. We have a COMBINED SHIPPING incentive whereby each additional item adds $1.95 to the
s/h. The more you buy, the more you can save!
|
|
|
SHIPPING
Standard shipping is a flat rate of $4.95 to anywhere in the United States with USPS Media Mail.
Priority Mail shipping is available for an additional $3.00, or $7.95 shipping. Shipping is combined
and discounted for multiple items purchases as follows: first item regular price shipping, add $1.95
for each additional item.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
We ship to Canada and Mexico with Priority Mail International for $10.95, and to most locations in
Europe, Australia, Asia, Japan and South America for $14.95. Shipping is combined and discounted
for multiple items purchases as follows: first item regular price shipping, add $1.95 for each
additional item. All international orders must be ordered and paid online, as we can no longer
accept checks or money orders drawn on non-US banks.
|
|
|
PAYMENT & SALES TAX
We accept Paypal, Visa, Mastercard, Checks and Money orders. Paypal is the preferred form of
payment. Our online shopping cart system is powered by PayPal, the most secure way to send
payment online. Iowa residents must add 7% sales tax.
|
|
|
If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact us. We look forward to serving
you and fulfilling your needs.
|
|
|
Thanks for your business!
|
|
|
MRE
PO Box 47
Grinnell, IA 50112
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
