Autoblog

Click on the image for more shots of the '64 Galaxy with Rocket Axle

We're pretty pumped-up about this auction for a 1964 Ford Galaxy from Dana Mecum's Original Spring Classic, running from May 15-18 in Indianapolis, IN. Even if we didn't love the '64 Galaxy as an A/FX drag-car, which we do, the rare Latham axial flow supercharger induction system with quad Carter single-barrel carbs that feed the 425-horsepower 427 Ford big block race motor would seal the deal for us.

Still not impressed? Perhaps you didn't notice the FREAKIN' ROCKET ENGINE hanging off the rear axle! For those unaware, this adds historical significance to this particular Galaxy. The Turbonique Corporation from the roaring-'60s, when literally anything seemed possible, offered what it referred to as a "Turbo Drag Axle" that could add as much as 1,000 horsepower to a drag car using a snail-housing supercharger spinning at up to 92,000 RPM and force-fed N-Propyl Nitrate liquid rocket fuel. Yes you read that right... rocket fuel.

The Galaxy in this auction was built and owned by tobacco heir Zachary Reynolds of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco fame and is referred to as the "Tobacco King". The Turbo Drag Axle hanging off the rear end offers 850 additional horsepower in this application and the car has been souped up to handle the juice with chassis and suspension stiffening. While it's not likely to ever make another pass down the 1,320, with just 3,611 original miles and all of the period-correct modifications, this is one vehicle that deserves to be appreciated for years to come. Thanks for the tip, Trevor!


[Source: Dana Mecum's Original Spring Classic Auction]

As we previously reported, the automobile is one of the most recycled products in use today. While most vehicles have their parts transplanted into new vehicles or converted into fuel, some become works of art.

The "Galaxyman" is one such art piece. Made from a used Ford Galaxy MPV, the sculpture is one of German performance artist HA Schult's latest works. Schult first displayed his 1,000(!) similar sculptures in 1996, and has brought the exhibit around the world to such places as the Egyptian pyramids and the Great Wall of China. The exhibit is currently on display in front of the Cologne Cathedral in Germany, and will touch U.S. soil later this year while stopping in New York City.

[Sources: Ford Motor Company; World Car Fans]

Alberto sent us these photos from Ford's launch of its new Galaxy MPV. One of the first new vehicles launched under the banner of Ford Europe's "Ford PrecisionDrive" campaign, the new Galaxy aims to provide the stability and handling precision of a smaller car, while maintaining high levels of comfort.

According to Alberto, those high levels of comfort probably don't extend to the unlucky passengers in the third row, which is very cramped. Perhaps they should take a leaf from the Lotus APX playbook and call the Galaxy a "5 2."

Otherwise, the Galaxy comes across as a full-featured, well-built ride, with comfortable seats (five of them, anyway) and quality materials and finish. A nice touch for parents of small children is the interior panoramic mirror that allows the driver to keep an eye on the passengers.

More pics and the official launch press release after the jump.