Restoration Blog: 1966 Ford Galaxie, Ultimate Edition - Jay Leno's Garage

[@blairtully6200]

Mum and us three boys used to stay at the lake through the summer while dad worked Monday to Friday in the city. Every Friday evening we would boat across the lake to pick Dad up for the weekend. One Friday evening late in the summer Dad calls Mum and asks us to be ready for supper in town as he has something to show us. We are waiting in the parking lot by the pier when around the corner comes a beautiful 1967 Ford Galaxie 500 LTD, Burgundy with a black hardtop, a 428, rumbling up to us, and Dad with a big grin behind the wheel ! Our family rode into town for pizza. I'll never forget that day. Never forget that car. The bucket seats with a console and a big chrome T-shifter. Sure wish we still had that car now after reading and seeing your story Jay ! Thank-you very much !

[@leokimvideo]

Your heart strings are always wrapped around the cars your family had as a kid. It's an emotional connection. These cars are the conduits of time in the same way a time machine works

[@Cuffsmaster]

so very true

[@chevyguy1422]

Not for me, I don't think I will ever buy a late 90s citroen.

[@ohioalphornmusicalsawman2474]

So true. For me, the cars my Grandfather had: '78 AMC Matador Barcelona sedan, followed by an '85 Dodge Diplomat SE sedan😁 I'd like to find a rust free old Dippy SE, drop a newer fuel injected 360 mated to a 4 speed automatic under the hood😁

[@NoNameForThisGuy]

Im always gonna have room in my driveway for a fox mustang, 90s thunderbird/cougar, or LSC

[@OYisit]

Jay understands what most restoration shows never show. That it requires many hours of sorting things out for them work as well as they look.

[@27hfd]

Best Jay Leno car story ever. Orders up a classic right under his Dad's nose. Excellent.

[@bailey9r]

There is a video of Jay on Carson telling this story on one of his first interviews on the tonight show and he is hilarious siting there in his "borrowed suit". Really showcases his talent. Why do we need that motor?" "well there are four of us and we have to go up hills" "Oh okay" ;

[@slayer7694]

@@bailey9r I'm gonna try and find that

[@bailey9r]

@@slayer7694 here watch to the end though it is good. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eofQc2mraqeVnKM

[@22sojourner]

@@bailey9r Ohhhh, that was so wonderful, I enjoyed every second. Thank you.

[@CamaroAmx]

@@bailey9r the borrowed suit was a joke. By the late 70s Leno was doing alright. He dailied a BMW at the time. As far as I can tell he only really struggled for a few years (credit to his talent) or he was real tight with his money. Some of the vintage vehicles he has he’s owned since the early 80s (other then his roadmaster that he’s had since the early 70s), most of them weren’t all that cheap back then either.

[@fizzyraul]

I love the story " there's a hole in the muffler!" "It's a rocketship, it's a damn rocketship!" best story ever.

[@johnhoey4605]

And a childhood like that is precisely the reason for Jay Leno becoming the legend he is.

[@hertzair1186]

Raul Figueroa : Jay used this story in some of his stand up routines.....”I don’t know son, the 7 liter is a pretty big engine”....”well dad, there’s four of us, and there’s hills.....” Classic.

[@rpdobbler]

Definitely one of the best Jay stories ever...You can tell by the way he tells it, it was a huge influence on his love of cars

[@webrad98]

This is probably my all time favorite episode. Great story.

[@nixxxon18]

Him pickming the 428 engine was fair enough but, the "muffler delete package" was just teenager stupidity. A middle aged man really don't want that

[@jimmypinch]

This car is the most Jay Leno-ish of all his cars. If he only had one car it should be this one.

[@chrissorreda4982]

"Oh let the kid choose the engine. What difference does it make?" Jay's mom was a legend.

[@twistedtaipan3862]

You made me buy a rocket! lol

[@dougtaylor2803]

That is such a "mother" type of response...God bless them.

[@wcmaughan]

That cracked me up, what a riot.

[@Woloverine1]

@@dougtaylor2803 Mom always knows best...Jay turned out to be a fine gentleman

[@cl7510]

Chris Sorreda that’s one of my all time favorite car stories. Truly awesome and hilarious!

[@raycox4139]

My truck-driver granddaddy bought one for my grandmother. Four door hardtop, red with a white top, 428 V8. It would RUN. He was convinced the safest cars on the road had the largest engines. And I think she enjoyed motoring around in it, too. I rode with him on a trip after my grandmother died, back in the days when they checked your oil at the gas station. The gas jockey would raise the hood, and their eyes would bug out of their heads at the engine. Thinking back over it, they had lived through the depression. They deserved a fun car.

[@deborahchesser7375]

Absolutely, it would be cool if you could find it again. My Dad had a 66’ Fairlane 4 speed, I’d love to have one. Good luck

[@cherami1510]

@@deborahchesser7375 My dad had a 1966 Buick LeSabre. It wasn't anything special but it was enormous, and the V-8 was powerful and smooth. I still have the four original hubcaps from the car.

[@jgriffin7340]

My grandma also believed in the big engine theory. My uncles would go to auction and come back with Plymouth Satellite, Ford LTD’s, Chevrolet Impala’s. She commuted 35 miles to work from a rural part of the county that included crossing a steep mountain that had snow when raining elsewhere. She didn’t miss work because of snow, she would carry speed to the mountain and pretty much coast up the mountain lol. I miss her, she taught herself to drive and she did well for herself.

[@opera93]

Thanks, interesting story…..My “Burgandy 66 GALAXIE xl/500 4 SPEED/352/ Black INT “, was nice:: I improved it a lot:: always kind of wished for the 7 Liter/ DISC brakes// at least bigger engine / some more “interceptor “ Parts, etc on mine………though the 352 Engine seemed to be fairly economical, & ran fine for me… Anyways, juat remembering Gasoline **was some 27-29 cents a Gallon,etc. Too.

[@1SqueakyWheel]

I remember my dad had a Galaxy 500 when I was a child. 2 door hardtop, forest green with white interior. I think it may have been a year or two later than this one, but it was such a sexy car. I loved the hand-cranked wing/vent windows; a fun touch. I remember my parents bringing my little brother home from the hospital in it when he was born... my most iconic memory of the car, as my grandmother walked me to the car to meet my little brother, sleeping in my mother's lap in the shotgun seat as my dad drove. He even had a little present sitting on his belly for me... a day I'll never forget. He sold it within a year or two of that, to get a much larger car, a 71 Olds Delta98 4-door car made the Galaxie look small lol.

[@mattworthington3153]

I love that Jay always gives credit to people who helped out on his projects with finding parts or certain details. Class act!

[@bobby33x97]

Guys like Jay Leno who turn out to be truly nice people usually turn out to be Republicans!

[@makattak3550]

Jay is a true gentleman, old school class.

[@LeoTheComm]

@@bobby33x97 it just never stop with that crap, does it? There's decent people on both sides of the isle, it's the lunatic fringe that needs to go away!

[@racketman2u]

It's hard not to be struck both by Jay's sheer love of cars, and the unpretentious way he talks about them.

[@peopleskarmasquad1042]

racketman2u I met him once. He was a regular guy.

[@captainbart]

He still is.

[@Finn-McCool]

I'm gonna break the mold just slightly and say that to presume every shade tree mechanic should just replace the radiator and brakes and suspension in their car smacks of pretension. Even as a kid Jay was the kind of disrespectful juvenile that would wrap his father's car around a tree. My sister in law did the same thing with my mother's brand new Comet back in the day. My dad was forced to drive Datsun 510 and B210 models for the rest of his life due to her begging to drive that car to get cigarettes. Money does strange things to people. And the mind of a hoarder is a complicated thing for sure. Whether it be cats or cars.

[@captainamericaamerica8090]

He's also collecting HUGE YOU TUBE MONEY. HE KNEW HIS PLAN ALL ALONG. HE'S GREEDY😣😤😤😤💰💰💰💰💲💲💲💲💲

[@edwardmtl]

I want one exactly like it :)

[@S.E.MILLER]

My uncle worked for NCR back in 66 and went to Detroit on a business trip. While there he went to the FORD plant walked in ordered a car while there he watched them build the car. Drove it right off the assembly line. Drove home and gave it to his mom. My cousin still has the car.

[@kazilziya830]

Great story.

[@BUFFALO-PHIL626]

Pretty damn cool

[@billolsen4360]

Remember those 1960's-era NCR registers and all the noise they made?

[@Paul1958R]

"Oh let the boy pick the engine...." One of the best Jay Leno's Garage ever.

[@TommyRibs]

The part where he is talking about his Dad at the beginning is Hilarious. "It's a Rocketship!"

[@Geno619]

That's what I was searching for ! Lol let the boy help chose the car

[@ferenc-x7p]

Add that Italian accent..his dad was Italian first gen. immigrant. It would be a great movie!

[@CamaroAmx]

I wish had that opportunity but my father has never bought a car new. The closest he got was buying a 92 F150 in 1996. He put 385,000 miles on it before the engine gave up in 2004. And it had no rust. And it only left him stranded once when the fuel pump quit.

[@billolsen4360]

"Yeah, Dad. John Glenn has one. So, if you're a good American. If you LOVE your country, it's the right thing to do."

[@antonstefanov2146]

Jay is such an iconic and genuine character, so glad we have him.

[@johnpick8336]

He always drives with a smile !

[@peterwhitman5575]

Definitely one of a kind, yes special.

[@CJColvin]

He sure is brother

[@roberthoule9693]

No one in his right mind would restore a ford Galaxie... Unless he/she was alive at that time. thank you! great job, Jay! ps. I didn't know that engine/drive package was available. BEAUTIFUL CAR!!!

[@swenhanson4125]

Why not?

[@trefod]

That dad story is just great. Really funny!

[@pistolannie6500]

I was bustin out laughin @ that 2! ROFL

[@rong3194]

I talked my dad into a 62 Galaxy 500 with a 352 and a 4 speed transmission. He loved it. So did I. Wish I had it now.

[@kenglavens6455]

I always hated Ford's until I saw my first 65 Galaxie 500XL on a turnstile at Detroit Metro Airport on Oct. 24th 1964. My buddy had a 66 that was drop dead gorgeous but I still hate Ford's except for ..... never mind....I guess they're alright.....OK I lovem but don't tell anybody. I hide my 66 Mercury Monterey drop top....Saginaw Michigan is a GM town.

[@paulbrimble8204]

Just wonderful!

[@BobbyTucker]

@@kenglavens6455 Yeah, so is Flint, lol. Where I'm at and grew up.

[@ericvonsiebenburg548]

I was a highway cop in 1967. I had a 1967 Ford Custom 4 dr sedan police interceptor. It was a very special car. It had a prototype 428 4V V8 mated to a C6 trans and a 3.25 rear. power disc brakes, power steering. Ford was service testing what was to be offered in the Mustang Mach I in 1968 - the 428 Super Cobra Jet with ram-air. Quietly installed on Interceptors to test durability, strength, speed and reliability. The car was a rocket ship that buried the 140 mph speedometer faster than anything we had seen before, and was the first patrol car we ever clocked on radar at 155.6 mph. Very little is known about this engine. Mustang experts know all about the Mach I package and the 428 CJ and SCJ, and Galaxie freaks talk about the "7 Liter" package, but Noooobody knows about the 1967 police prototype 428's. When this engine proved its worth by inflicting itself on the criminal element coast to coast in the fall of 1966. When the 1967 Ford Custom hit the road with a badge and a 428 - it became the fastest 4 door sedan in the world. After millions of miles of testing, Ford released the engine to the public in the 1969 Mustang Mach One. Car & Driver reported "The 428 Mach One is the fastest straight line car we have ever tested." The 67 428 PI did not have solid lifters, as some have thought, and it was only mated to an automatic transmission in the police car. It was NOT available to the public at all. It put out over 425 horsepower on the dyno and ran on 103 octane back then. I left police work in 1976 and spent the next 40 years looking for one of these big sedans. Never found one. Never could even find a PHOTO of one. Last year I found a photo of one. the Eagle on the lower front fender is the giveaway. the fastest factory stock American sedan ever made has disappeared into the mists of time. I know there is one out there - perhaps in an old boarded-up garage somewhere in Arizona, squatting under the weight of dusty bric-a-brac....But I am old and tempis fugit - but it doesn'r fugit as fast as that magical old Ford.

[@UberLummox]

GREAT story!!! I've ead the '69 Dodge Hiway Pursuit Pkg was the fastest pursuit vehicle of the '60s, but I bet that prototype would give it a good run in a straight line as ChryCos Torsion Aire suspension was excellent. Any idea how many of those prototype were made? Hope you find one!

[@AlexAtGuilford]

I had a pearl grey '72 Ford Custom 500 Police Interceptor in the mid '80s with a 429, pumping 735 Holley's, also mated to the C6 trans. Picked it up at an auction. I had to pull it back at 120 mph. It was barely panting. It wanted to do more.

[@bigredc222]

I bet they had to give them back to Ford, and they tore some of the motors apart to inspect them. This day and age, there's no way Ford lawyers would let those cars loose on the public, I don't know if they thought that way back then. Good story. Thanks

[@mikemcpherson5550]

Gad! I just loved your story. Just sta the imagination adrift. Well written.

[@w41duvernay]

Too bad for you cops they were going to put the 428s into the lighter Mustangs.

[@c5back9]

My uncle, May he Rest In Peace, bought one of these beauties in ‘66. I was eleven years old and he came by to show the car to us. His was this same color, the same 7 liter motor, everything just as shown on the car in this video. I don’t recall if it had toque thrust wheels like this one, but it was gorgeous and very powerful. He drove it for a couple of years and gave it to my grandmother to replace her ‘64 Galaxy which by then was starting to wear down. My grandmother owned this lovely beast until her death in the early 70s at which time the car was sold. I loved that car and wanted it so badly. Seeing this one brings back fond memories. On that day in the summer of ‘66 when my uncle came to show the car, he allowed me to drive it. It was the first car I ever drove myself without an adult also helping maneuver/control the car. Cruising on a country road along the shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Southern Maryland where we had a summer cottage, behind the wheel and in complete control of this incredible fire breathing monster, was quite a thrill which the boy in me will never forget. Thanks Uncle Norty, you were the best!

[@koolkar55]

Lot of Jealous people out there. Jay deserves his toys, you guys think it's so easy to be a star. I bet there was a lot of hard work, sweat & tears to get there & good on him for what he has achieved. One day these cars will be gone & so will guys like Jay who has the passion & ability to restore them to a high quality. What we see here is saving history & I hope he has a lot more years of doing it. Don't give him a hard time because he has the means, go out & make you own millions if that's your want & live your dreams. I say good on you Jay & your doing a top Job. Thanks for sharing. Bill. Jimboomba, Queensland, Australia.

[@mrich3879]

koolkar55 I think Jay would have still had a sweet collection without tbe superdtardom. he owned a few cool rides to say he least before the tonight show...like his cobra.

[@blackbirdpie217]

I don't know if saying "he deserves it" is really true, but I don't know that anyone really deserves it. But his circumstances allow him to indulge, and I have no problem with that. In fact spending his money puts it right back into the economy, and he has a complete right to do it. He's very fortunate, it's all cool, he is a nice guy and he enjoys sharing the cars in his videos. I think most guys would do something like that given the same situation. But he doesn't deserve it, life is inherently unfair, and that's just the way it is. I don't have a problem with it.

[@bighands69]

I would not say fortunate I would say talented and hardworking. But your point is taken.

[@RossRossiter]

where are these jealous people you speak of ? Im reading only positive comments

[@parentsbasement7734]

he has never touched a dime of his tonight show money he uses money made from standup because thats his perfeshion and thats how he lives.i saw a interviews with him where he said he never even looked at one of his tonight show checks.he has done well with his decision to spend money on cars they must be worth a huuuuuge fortune and its awsome he is not afraid to drive them or let other people drive use them break them fix them and repeat

[@johntechwriter]

It's nice to know that somebody, somewhere, respects the individuality of a car and takes the time to develop it to its optimal configuration, using modern technology. Any rich guy can spring for a modern supercar and get noticed. Jay is the real deal, a car guy through and through who astutely invests in a staggering range of automobiles, each the best of its type. This guy is the godfather of motorheads everywhere - not just present-day but those to come. Once his garage becomes a museum, visitors will see more than the usual concours restorations. They'll see cars like this that represent the ultimate realization of whatever was their original mission - in this case a family hauler with NASCAR DNA.

[@Kaneowaikiki]

"Oh, let the boy pick the engine! What difference does it make?" I had to laugh!

[@jamesrickerby2756]

I'm still laughing. Love this guy.

[@packingten]

I did too😁

[@XMarkxyz]

Best mom you can have

[@brianrallen]

What a generous man is Mr Leno, to share his passion with us, the way he does. Love him like a brother.:

[@iamsanjuanbill7020]

I miss him being the host of the Tonight Show.

[@ricochetey]

@@iamsanjuanbill7020 I know a lot of people that didn't care for him back then but you have to admit he was better than all of the late night jokers we have now combined!

[@iamsanjuanbill7020]

@@ricochetey I watch him on KZbin now on a show named ‘Jay Leno’s Garage’. He’s a millionaire and he collects classic cars....I like old cars and he’s interesting showing them and driving them.

[@bobby33x97]

@@ricochetey Absolutely! Current crop are not funny, in fact downright miserable is closer to the mark !

[@Jozay562]

I LOVE the beginning of the story at the dealer. 😂 Love Jay, always has a way to tell a story! Great intro!

[@jamesmcghee3440]

I was Laughing out Loud!

[@richardc7721]

We had a 65 Custom 500 when I was 12. It had been a DPS ( highway patrol) Cruiser with the 428 P.I., we kept it 4 years. Man was it a mover. In 78 I built a 428 I got out of a 68 Mustang GT and put it in a 75 F150 It was a blast to drive. I ended up giving it to my oldest grandson after he graduated from Marine Recruit Training, San Diego With 1 condition, he can never sell or trade it outside the family, if no one else wanted it, I would buy it back. So far, he still owns it.

[@mdboatbum]

I love the stories about your Dad. I had the pleasure of sitting next to him at one of your stand up shows in the late 80's at American University in DC. It was your birthday, and he showed up as a surprise. I'll never forget his reaction to your bit about him being afraid of the TV remote control. He took it like a trooper and laughed. Struck me as just a really nice guy.

[@ashleykassin1372]

K

[@Grumpy_old_Boot]

Damn those remote controls … they're possessed by the devil, I say ! ….. of course, I'm an atheist … Meh, they're still possessed ! 🤣

[@GasserGlass]

Thank you for the story of your dad buying the car, good memories are priceless.

[@eriklewis1671]

I agree.

[@patrickchubey3127]

I paid a lot more attention to this episode than I did to the last movie I watched.

[@GhostOfRT300]

I hear ya 👍🏼

[@Moose6340]

That style of pillarless two-door Galaxie is one of the most beautiful cars ever built IMO. Not a bad angle on it.

[@captinbeyond]

I think the 4 door looked good as well.

[@njjeff201]

My convertible looked stunning with the top down

[@hawkrider88]

I'm not a Ford guy...but I think I agree. Gorgeous car.

[@LeoTheComm]

My dad had that exact same year and color Galaxy 500, pretty sure it was the 352.

[@i.p.knightly149]

I always like the mopars but those mid-60s Fords, Galaxy Fairlane Falcon, are as nice as anything out there.

[@michaelberry2421]

In the 70's my brother was RCMP highway patrol stationed out of Lethbridge, Alberta (Canada). He drove all the police interceptors and the one he took me in was a Ford Galaxy just like the one above with modified 460 and suspension. Coolest car I had ever been in - but most interesting was the shifter in the column. It was a four speed automatic that shifted itself through all four gears at exactly the right moment. When you stepped on it from first it went like a rocket and they said it was made to out run Porches. Canadian highways are hug, very long and smooth - and a great place to let it go. Of course being a cop helped. It was fast and quiet and very comfortable.

[@terranceroff8113]

I had 66 LTD w/352 white w/red interior. Loved that car! Let a "friend" drive it and put it into a ditch totally destroying the front suspension. I cried.

[@MrGTO-ze7vb]

Nothing like a little nostalgia from Jay's youth...!! Great build

[@gtacruiser4571]

Andrew B I seen this like 20 times and i just love the opening burnout of this video and the sound of that beautiful crate motor. Even though i have a 56 Fairlane i still love to have a Galaxie.

[@brucejones2354]

Andrew B when this car came out, I fell in love with it. I wanted one SO BAD! I would still love to have one. Unfortunately, life gets in the way. So the wife has the house remodeled, and new furniture, (which I enjoy also), and I get to see one of my favorite cars here. This is a treat! Thanks, Jay.

[@billolsen4360]

I liked the story from Jay's adulthood where he was back home from California visiting the folks in Massachusetts and one of their toilet seats had a broken anchor mechanism. Dad was persnickety about warrantees and made Jay go with him and carry the seat into the local hardware store to present it to the owner to get it exchanged for a new one. Jay could have afforded to buy his parents a lifetime supply of new seats, but Dad was on a mission of principal! Too bad that there's no surveillance footage of that transaction.

[@brandonfisher639]

over the last couple years, this is the third time ive watched this episode because I love the story so much! Thanks Jay!

[@woodie62]

In '67, my grandmother's neighbor 2 doors down owned a Galaxie 500(not the 7 Litre) The woman was headed somewhere for whatever, I didn't care. At 7 years old, I just thought it'd be a blast to ride in the thing! First and last ride in the 500 but I fell in love with it just the same!!!

[@AirGunScientist]

Great story about your dad getting the ticket!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@cheeptrick5464]

"I CAN'T DRIVE 55"

[@richardtschida2321]

Man I am so glad that NBC paid Jay so well. Now we get to enjoy that$$ also! Great stuff Jay.

[@dhuffman690]

Richard Tschida Jay has said he’s only spent money from his stand up career on his collection, none of his Tonight Show money

[@richardtschida2321]

@@dhuffman690 what is it???? Just an attempt at a little humor on my part. I wasn't seeking a balance sheet from Mr.Leno. I love Leno (not like a priest....!!) But seriously folks Jay Leno is frikn great a real American home grown treasure. RELAX MAN AND ENJOY THE RIDE. Also everyone be safe God bless America and ALL of her people.

[@tonypasma1707]

ops

[@Shinkajo]

@@dhuffman690 Jesus.. How rich is he??

[@catfishbilly7425]

@@Shinkajo His net worth is estimated to be around $450 million

[@JC-gw3yo]

And I have a dad , son and Ford Galaxie story too. My Dad had a friend that dropped by after several years of no contact. The car he sported just happened to be a 1966 Galaxie powered by a 390. It was a beautiful 2 door hardtop in blue similar to Jay's Galaxie. I was 10 years old at the time, and I never forgot the beauty of that car. I said "Dad, you got to buy one of them fancy Fords" My Dad ended up buying a Pontiac... Super Sigh.. But I ended up buying a Mustang... So there Dad and your stuffy Pontiac.. Super Cool Ford Jay...

[@billolsen4360]

Once upon a time, Ford Galaxies, Chevrolet Impalas and Plymouth Furys were the most beautiful cars on the market and they were all from each manufacturers' low price lines.

[@robertphillips6296]

I always loved that body style. Thanks Jay for resurrecting this 54 year old beauty.

[@rsprockets7846]

65 to. 67 were boss

[@figarofigaritz889]

When Jay is really really old (looking) if that ever happens, he'll still tell that same origins of his car love story & it will still be awesome. He's just such a darn likeable guy!

[@tgalbraith2395]

Back in the mid 70s, a buddy of mine bought a 1967 Galaxy 2 door hardtop with a 428 4 speed transmission. He wasn't in love with the car and wanted to sell it. Another friend was looking for an engine for his 1966 Mercury Cyclone GT which originally had a 390. I brokered a deal and my buddy still has that '66 Cyclone GT with the 428 in it!

[@terribelbliss9646]

That is one handsome car Jay, one of the best looking in your garage.

[@BUGinBDP2]

Terri Bel Bliss I agree completely. Jay's 426 Hemi Coronet and that 7 liter (excuse me...litre) are two of my favorite cars from his collection. I really would love to know how those two compare to each other in terms of ride quality and performance. I would have to give his Ford the award for looks though!

[@grizzlygrizzle]

I agree, too. Clean lines, nice proportions, and it looks like it was designed as a unified piece, not last year's model with some doo-dads stuck on it to differentiate it. Clean grille, nice stacked headlights.

[@manfredschmalbach9023]

.... just behind the DS and the SM.

[@gorflunk]

I miss my '66. Best year for the Galaxie, total sweetheart of a car.

[@mikeyd6957]

I had a new 66 Ford Galaxie 7 Litre (428). Traded it for a new 67 SS Chevelle big block. Best move I ever made. Ford was totally a boat anchor. Had to replace the rear end 3 months after I bought it. Good thing it had some warranty!

[@curbozer5006]

According to safety experts, Ford consistently placed the gas tanks way too close to the rear bumpers of their cars, even with the first generations Mustangs...many hundreds of lawsuits were filed against Ford, for allowing relatives to perish in various rearend collisions...Ford was happy to pay out the settlements...much cheaper than retooling their product!

[@clydeannemauldin8041]

I am a 76 yo grandma and drool all over Mr Leno's cars. Thank you for sharing.

[@agentofficerthomasa.porter107]

The 65 Was The Best! Owned It & Drove It & Loved It! :-)

[@pastywhite6669]

Mr. Leno is a man's man. I could listen to him talk about rocks.

[@allenmcdaniel1470]

I'm not a Ford guy, but this thing KILLS! SO badass! Love the Cragars, and the BeCool radiator, the whole thing is just the BEST of everything, which is why watching Jay is SO MUCH FUN!! SIMPLY the BEST!!

[@eddierools]

Have to say, out of most of your collection, this '66 Galaxie is DEFINITELY one of my favorites, and that's tough to say from a die hard Mopar guy like me.

[@pistolannie6500]

have to agree! Did that engine not sound.... sweeeeet!?

[@zedhead2864]

+3 This, and the Mercury Eliminators!

[@williamsimmons152]

Bought one brand new in 66, exact same car, black top (paint) gold body. Wish we still had it.

[@Cuffsmaster]

Jay, it makes me smile knowing you are going back to they time you and your dad get the car and duplicating that.

[@432b86ed]

"17's look kind of goofy on a vintage car" *_AMEN_*

[@imaniodufuye7536]

+Zakk Gardner It's a big car, ZAKK!I have a 64 with 18's and it looks fine, 20's would look better!

[@caribman10]

Sorry, wrong.It isn't a "Hot Wheels" car. It's a 1966 Ford. It didn't come with, and doesn't look goood with "20's". That's for wannabees. It needs 15 inch tires so they match the wheel wells.

[@Dogboy1960]

Nope....I used to see it as you do. But things have changed over the past few years.! Because wheels are now typically 19" and 20" sized in performance applications.....a 17" wheel today looks lot like the way a 15" wheel, with the extra side wall, looked to my eye in years past. The fact is you really don't have lot of choices anymore in 15" tires. If you want a "good" tire.......you really have to consider a 17" wheel now.

[@432b86ed]

From a cosmetic viewpoint, anything larger than 15" on this car puts too much emphasis on the wheel. This simply looks goofy.... like a caricature... regardless of wheel style.

[@Dogboy1960]

I used to think so too........but it's all relative. Back when 17" was a BIG wheel, I'd have agreed with you........but these days it's really not at all big vs. the all too typical 19" and 20" wheels you see on performance cars these days. Jay's opinion in this video not withstanding.......is 4 years old. The idea of "normal" size has changed......worse still? Just try and find a decent tire in a 15 inch size. Even the choices in a 16" size is going away now but you can't buy a good 15" tire at all.......they just don't exist. Nobody makes them. Size consideration goes right out the window when I consider that the only 15 inch tire available is the worthless BFG Radial TA......classic styling is one thing.......a car set up drive well is another and needs a decent tire or everything you've done is wasted on a crappy dated design tire that can't get the job done. 17" for better or worse is now the smallest tire you can buy with lots of good quality choices.

[@the1realanalogman]

One of your best videos Jay! If more people were like you today and had an appreciation for nostalgia, respect for history and love for family, we'd all be better for it! Blessings to you man!

[@chrisscott2498]

The fella that provided the trick radiator might ring a few bells...Don Johnson, aka Don the Hawaiian...one of the original Dragster guys from the '60s and early '70s. Our neighbor and dear friend back on Old Malibu Road...miss ya dude. Jay, always a class act...after years of him being a fellow car/bike nut, always showing me his latest builds and acquisitions, I finally did the shop tour...mind blown! Most people probably can't imagine how comprehensive his operation actually is, and to a greater degree, what Jay does for the world of vintage/collector vehicles...it's like he adds just that extra bit of credibility to those of us that love old cars and motorcycles.

[@jeffbradshaw1591]

Hands down, this is my absolute favorite car in Jay's collection. I have always loved the 66 model year of all Fords but this one, the 7 Litre Galaxie, really stands out. Some day....

[@sdgserv9753]

Out of all his cars, this one is my favorite hands down.

[@flyingace5057]

Hey, you can still find cheap ones. I got one 3 months ago for 3200. It has some rust and needs some work, but it runs and drives. If you want a cheap one you may have to settle for a base or a Galaxie 500/500xl. Mine has a 352 4 barrel with an automatic trans. If you really wanted to you could swap a 428 into it. But just look on marketplace and craigslist, you'll eventually find a good one for cheap

[@ryanbruneau1197]

ha-ha!! Great story. " You checked glass pack only sir"

[@ineedhanboodhai3552]

Ryan Bruneau pl

[@billolsen4360]

Had a family friend who put glass packs on his 63 Buick Electra back when I was a teen. That engine sure sounded sweet without all the factory muffler and resonator junk on it.

[@LifeIsTooShortForQRP]

I always loved the looks of the '66 Ford Galaxie, the design is a work of art. And to see this car restored with modern technology whilst maintaining the original look is just heaven. And what a fantastic restoration job it is; everything shines and looks like brand-spanking new. I actually think that of all the cars Jay has shown on this channel, this is my favorite. Ford should take this car in production again, exactly the way Jay has resto-modded this one. I would buy it in a heartbeat.

[@davidlamberson5435]

Jay you live the fantasy life of every gearhead and car nut. I smile more with every episode.

[@kalyanbv1000]

...and the efforts he puts in to maintain his cars and the way he shows genuine interest in other restored cars and appreciates the mechanics.....I have never seen any other car host like him

[@zman7891]

This is without a doubt my favorite Jay Leno’s Garage video

[@opera93]

Ps: Team Leno,etc., envy the 1966 GALAXIE Build up: my FORD 66 GALAXIE 500 XL/ 4 SPD/352 /4 BBL/ Burgandy , though I improved it dramatically, could have used this too.Actually, I enjoyed this Video multiple times. …..AND THE , new LEATHER UPGRADES over my “:1966 BLACK DELUXE INTERIOR,” wonderful!

[@MeccaVideoPro]

My first car crush was a 66 Ford LTD, 352, Black Vinyl roof, harvest gold/Green, black interior, power everything, and yeah Jay, I had fun with that front/back speaker knob...lol I loved that car. Just happened across one one ebay last night, but Dad is gone 10 years now, and I don't have the know how (he did) or the money. I lived it vicariously through this video. thanks.

[@jerrychaps8371]

Probably the best video he's put out, clearly a special car to him, I really like this side of Jay that the car brings out, hilarious and great.

[@bradsims5116]

That car is beautiful !

[@andrewmartin6217]

Hands down the best episode I've seen of this show. Dad story was hilarious.

[@cherami1510]

That Galaxie is one of the most stunning cars in Jay's collection. It is a perfect blend of modernity and old tech, wrapped in beautiful burgundy red steel sheets.

[@31847448]

Very very true

[@jeremythompson9122]

I'm a Mopar guy but other than the 66 Hemi Coronet and the 70 Hemi Challenger this is my favorite car in Jay's collection. Always loved the 65-67 Ford Galaxie body style. As a kid Jay should've just went all out and checked the box for the R-Code 427 with the muffler delete😂😂😂. If Jays dad thought the 428 was loud he must've never heard the solid lifter FE 427. Now that would've been a real " rocket ship" 😆 But the Ford 428 was definitely no slouch either. I've always been a really big fan of full sized muscle like the 409 Chevy's, the 406/427 Galaxie's, and the High Performance 389/421 Pontiac Bonneville, Grand Prix, and Catalina. The first ever American muscle car in my opinion...the 1955 Chrysler C-300...was a full size car. Really until the 64 Pontiac GTO all American performance cars were full size with the exception of 2 seater sports cars like the fuel injected 283/327 Corvette's and the Supercharged 57 Ford Thunderbird's

[@terrydority]

Jay, I've watched this video many many times. This car chick just loves this Galaxie!! You did it up just perfect. Thanks for all the great videos.

[@SteveTheFordGuy985]

Jay, this is one of the best videos you have made, I love this car, and even more with the awesome upgrades you have done to make the car handle and Stop. I would like to see a fresh video of this car , I am a huge Ford lover, Jay you nailed the restoration and mods. you have done to this cool car. Jay if you ever need help at the garage, I am your guy.

[@johndyson4109]

You got one HELL of a personality Jay.. No wonder you do what you do as a person.. God Bless you and your family. Only in America.. I think they used the Galaxy a lot in Stock car racing..

[@jschauer31]

I love this car! This is like the fourth time I've watched this.

[@MrMenefrego1]

Thanks Jay, this brought back a lot of memories for me, we were a Ford, Lincoln, Mercury family. My older brother had a 1967 Ford XL convertible with the vicious Ford 429-ci with whopping 475-hp... What a car! I never saw a huge battleship of a car handle any better than that big ole Ford... (but now I see that maybe it could have handled a wee bit better) plus it beat every single car that was stupid enough to want to drag race it, even a 455-ci Corvette! Thanks Jay! 👀

[@MrJett1971]

Your brother must’ve had a wizard on hand when he bought that car, then. The ‘67 Galaxie XL was available with a 345 hp 428, not a 475 hp 429...

[@MrMenefrego1]

@@MrJett1971 Wrong, that information is even provided by Ford Motor Company in their 1967 Ford Repair Book from the era. Guess you don't know everything after all.

[@opera93]

Thanks, me too. Though, the 1966 XL/ BURGANDY/4 speed: 352...I worked on from 1968( my Parents got it cheap I think) into 1975ish. fortunately, I worked in Brakes( did not have Front Disc),Radiator, tires/ shoxks... etc. Anyways , loved it , lots of Travel, and had a junky 1961 Ford Convertible to get rid of : in Pharmacy School until late 1970....LOT OF MILES AND CARE.......Interestingly, I had to add the COOLANT Recovery System( orig ,buy only at Ford Dealers, then to,Parts AUTO Stores..., TOUGH getting proper Metallic Brakes fitted ( had a Brake Man in Lafayette IND), ALSO, REMEMBER, THE hazard Switch is inside Glovebox: great to use if you can Find it,,,,etc,

[@opera93]

@@MrMenefrego1 thanks, interesting.... FORD HAD quite a bunch of Performance, etc. *& parts.... etc.I remember my 66 GALAXIE XL500/4 speed working in..... and on. Etc.

[@opera93]

I did not know about the 475/Horse Engine etc

[@agentofficerthomasa.porter107]

Got my Driver Lic. when was 13 in Florida & the next year they instituted the 15 Learners & 16 Drivers Lic. but had been driving since I was 10 years old! lol Daddy got the 1965 Ford Custom 4 Door In New England we lived then in Connecticut. The 66 You restored sure brought back great memories. Daddy got a 1971 Impala & I bought the 65 Ford Custom Galaxy from him. I had 2 jobs after school from 11 going on 12 till I was 17. From 3 a.m. to 5 a.m. worked at Eggl's TV Sales & Repair Learned Electronics TV & Radios & from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. worked at Boulwares Drug Store, Soda Jerk & Stock Room & Counted Pill's for Doc at the Pharmacy. Then at 17 auditioned at WDW in Entertainment! 6 Weeks Before Opening Day was Original Cast Member in Entertainment for 2 years. That 65 Ford Galaxy Custom was a Life Line to Growing Up! Great Car! Yes we were a family of 4 & the Ford was GREAT! Big Trunk! Our's was Royal Blue & loved to Wash & Wax it! Thanks for showing the 66 Jay! Oh right, we had hand-crank windows no electric & no a/c needed, lived in New England had the windows that turned inward to give a great breeze going down the road! always, Tommy :-).

[@benderbendingrofriguez3300]

In Chile, the presidential car for official ceremonies is a 1966 Ford Galaxie 500/XL convertible.

[@suzannemorrow9987]

Thank you !! I have my first car . Bought it from original owner in 1977 , Galaxie XL . 2 door , sports edition , buckets , ...fully loaded , stock. Know I have the info About Chile , Thank you !

[@bighands69]

Never new that. I assume it is a refurbed car.

[@stephenhill4353]

Awesome!!

[@Johnnycdrums]

I like Chile, their military parades are awesome.

[@sjoormen1]

Johnnyc drums of course, they are german.

[@urbanpope]

Jay, your story at the dealership with your dad made me laugh so hard, tears were flowing.

[@quailhunter9343]

I have a 67 XL big block convertible given to me by a pastor who didn’t like old cars and someone gave it to him. I put it in a dry garage on the farm and kind of forgot about it now that I am retiring soon it sounds like a good project that my wife and I could enjoy. Thank you Mr. Leno

[@SparksofOhio]

Jay, that’s such a badass ride, I would love cruising in that beast!! Thanks for doing the extended video and thanks for giving all those people the credit they deserve for putting in all of the extra work to make that project happen, it really shows you have class! 🤘✌️😎

[@Loulovesspeed]

Jay - I love your personal life stories about cars and this one is right at the top. You have an uncanny ability for making a story so wonderful to hear and relate to! Don't ever change. You mentioned a '64 Galaxy 4 dr. My Mom had a black with red interior, '64 500 XL, 2dr. pillarless fastback with a 352 4bl. Even my friends who were Chevy lovers admitted the 500 XL was a beautiful car. Thanks for being who you are Jay!

[@JeffCKeane]

Hey, Jay! Best vid yet! Grew up in Billerica. In Dallas, now. My Dad got a used '66 powder blue Galaxie 500 2dr. But, it only had the grocery getting 6 banger. And an am only radio that had some kind of reverb thing mounted under the dash. Eventually took it off and found it had one...one spring inside it. Anyway, that 66 took our family of 5 all the way to Disneyland < via a somewhat circuitous but direct route> from Boston and we added 2 cousins on the way back WITH a "Nimrod seventy" pop up camper being towed on the back, OUT and back!! THEN, it served us for at least another 10 years until it started getting into big repair bills. NO A/C!!! Boy, that was Sooooo fun when we were crossing the painted desert and petrified forest!!! ♨️🍳😖😬😎My mom ended up trading that awesome ford in for a used '74 pinto wagon.🙄💩 . I learned how to drive, and got my driver license in the '66. Lotsa memories. Love yer comment about the "family of four living space" in the trunk- Too true/so funny!! Keep sharing, we're still watching and luvin' it all, bro!!

[@spaceturtle9184]

I have been in love with this car since I was a kid. My dad had one and would brag to me all the time about it. Simply beautiful.

[@stephenhill4353]

LOVE the longer video, many of us are living vicariously through you Jay, thanks brother!

[@macfawlty]

The ‘66 Ford Galaxie 500 7 Litre was my first car as well. My dad bought it used in 1976 when I was a 15 yo. It a was light blue convertible with a white top, 4 speed, white bucket seats and light blue carpeting. Stunning interior. The clutch was sooo heavy, no one else could drive it (44 years later, my left leg is still 2” bigger than my right). I remember getting my license 2 weeks after my 16th birthday, driving it to Wheaton High School (in Montgomery County, MD just outside DC). With that 4 speed and 4bbl Holley carb he added, it peeled out in every gear. Scared the cr@p outta me. It got about 6-7 mpg when gas was about a buck a gallon. The fuel gauge allowed me to go 1/4 tank below empty. $7 and a can of octane boost (a necessity) got me up to empty. I’d drive it to Bethany Beach the back way on rt 404(?), two lane road and more than a few times was able to pass as many as 12 cars at a time. It didn’t like to go round turns much, sorta like a boat, but on the highway it was a dream. The high compression engine acted as a sort of cruise control… keep your foot in the same position and it would maintain speed up and down the hills. My uncle Mel got it well tuned and was able to hit 70 mph in first gear. The car always needed maintenance I often couldn’t afford as a college student at UMD and had to hitchhike to 8 a.m. classes for a few winter months. The gas crisis compelled me to park the Galaxie and buy a stupid little Ford Capri. It sat for a while and we sold it for cheap, not fully appreciating its value and production rarity.

[@willpugh8865]

the most beautiful of all 60/70s ford ever

[@leewalker3514]

J you’re living the dream that I always wanted to live but was never able to afford it no regrets I’ll live it through you I sure do enjoy what you do keep on keeping on man

[@stevegorr4262]

Oh my god incredible engineering. Great job!

[@trevin1691]

The color, the look and the story behind it all! This is definitely my favorite chapter in the series so far. I can imagine how much better Jays first Fairlane was scented immediately after the girls hoped in😎

[@DA-jw6nm]

Out of all the JL videos I've seen, Jay really looks the most comfortable in this.

[@Chuckles..]

My mom and I were on a long trip in her 1966 blue two door Galaxy from Colo to Texas on some endless strait highway when I was 7, nice spring day, felt like we were floating on a cloud, thought we were doing 70 mph, looked at the speed and she was doing 110mph lol. I mentioned it and she said "oh oops". All blue interior, Beautiful car!. Will never forget that day.

[@gordonhagge7195]

When I got back from Vietnam in 68 my parents had bought a 66 LTD 4dr in the maroon with black interior and a 390. I was chauffeured in that car at my wedding in 69. It was a beautiful car.

[@CamaroAmx]

In 1965 my grandparents had a 57 Chevy Bel Air Fuelie they paid $50 for. My grandfather had a brand new Chevy truck. Once my grandmother got the job at ford in 1970, fords were all that she drove (all used until 1984? when she bought her first new car an LTD station wagon that she kept until the late 90s). My grandfather migrated over to Mopars and fords, always bought new.

[@jamesmcghee3440]

I’m sad you ditched the hand cranked windows… I live what you did everywhere else… your intro was HILARIOUS… is there anyone that designs airbag and headrest systems for vintage cars? We’d hate to lose you in a wreck, Jay. I love your car series… it’s history and technology and sociology and entertainment all in one. What a contribution- thank you!

[@timothyfoleyjr2796]

I’m watching this at 4:30 AM. I think I’m having a dream. I’ve told you before that I had a “Royal Bobcat” ‘66 Pontiac GTO. Well , after I returned from the Army in ‘75 I didn’t come straight back to California. I was up in Sun Valley, ID on Ski Patrol. Well I got back to CA in ‘77. To make a long story short. My neighbor had a ‘66 Fairlane that had the 352ci w/4 barrel. He gave it to me for a song. I loved that car. It changed my whole life and I became a lover of Ford’s. I have an ‘06 Mustang GT. That car you’re driving, it a “Dream” I’m 73 now, but all the things you do I take them to 💜. Thanks Jay.

[@TechSeller]

What I like about J....Hes is a Real car guy........hes lived it!

[@benkrom2737]

Tried the same thing back in 69 when I went to the Chevy dealer with my dad . In the showroom was a leftover 68 impala 427. Tried to get dad to buy it but when he looked at the sticker said if it's less than me ordering a car I'll buy it . Unfortunately it wasn't. I tried to get my dad to get all kinds of extras but only got him to get the 350 instead of the 327 and HD suspension that was only like $19.xtra. For $19 it came with Corvette rallies and a 12 bolt rear. I hated the looks of the 69 compared to the 68 but after 180k with the original engine/transmission still running good it was finally sold. To this day I can still remember that 68 2dr sky blue 427 ! Unfortunately mom wasn't there but rescued me a few times when I got in trouble. So mom was cool in her own way.

[@harrysurtees8710]

Ben, my mom was cool too. When the weekly newspaper came from the weekend retreat town where they spent most of their weekends, and on the front page was the story how I was chased, for over 20 miles, over a hundred miles an hour, arrested and put in jail. My mom hide that paper from my dad. Thank you mom, you were the best I had a1962 Ford 406 cu. in. and 405 hp..I had the speedometer buried on a long straight away.

[@wayoutwest4944]

Around, 1963, my dad and I were at a Ford dealership, he was looking for a 4 door sedan. On display was a Galaxie 500, 2 dr, convertible, with a huge engine, possibly a 427. I told dad, this is what we need, I was 11. He said, son it only has 2 drs. Then he went inside to talk family cars. He ended up with a '63 Buick, with the 410 Wild Cat, engine and the Dyna flow. Later as a teen, I wrung it out a few times.

[@jmfasi]

This may be my favorite Garage story. Let the kid pick the engine! Priceless. I remember this car so well. My dad’s last car was a 1965 Ford Galaxie. So good to see this and hear the stories. Bravo

[@22trident45]

Too many people overlooked this body style at the time as a true keeper. Very nice!

[@monsieurcommissaire1628]

Agreed. One of the best looking cars ever built, particularly the two door hardtop.

[@edwardsmusic6195]

Very few celebrities have class and substance and Jay is one.

[@David-xi7jj]

Love those red-wall tires. They bring back a lot of memories of my room mates 1966 black mustang that had a set of those on it. That car got a lot of attention in the day.

[@jameshuseby6290]

And it would today!

[@CamaroAmx]

Reminds me of a Hot Wheels...

[@radiok2ua]

That front end! That exhaust note! That color! “Sweet” doesn’t come close!

[@packingten]

Jay your such a classy guy,I can only remember my fast cars(none this fast),of course I'll never get to drive one again...I'm70&my days are about gone Thank you brother can't wait to meet your precious Mother,Take care my friend!.

[@allenmcdaniel1470]

SO FUNNY!!! Great story Jay!!! Priceless memories, no doubt!

[@pookatim]

Of all the wonderful cars you have, this is the one I covet.

[@njjeff201]

My second Ford was a ‘66 yellow convertible black interior 390 4bbl. I smashed up my first on the ice knocking down a mailbox & hitting a tree. My life savings was totaled. My Grandfather helped me out. I changed it for a Hurst shifter & put in additional directional lights in the empty holes below the factory directionals. I remember the Blue dash light for a cold engine. Once the top got stuck in the down position & I had to remove part of the interior tracing the harness to a pinched wire under the rear seat. In the winter the horn would go off 2 or 3 AM getting me out of bed pulling the 2 wires off the horns. I had replaced a noisy throw out bearing only to have the clutch go bad a few weeks later. Love the wheels Jay, they remind me of Cragars which I put on my ‘69 Mustang fastback years later. It was a gorgeous car, got me from NJ to Miami Beach no problems & the ladies liked it too. Thank you for taking me back 50 years Jay, you’re like a time machine

[@jschauer31]

I love this car Jay! Good stuff and it looks, sounds and works just wonderfully. That story about your childhood is crazy funny and great too.

[@ashleykassin1372]

K

[@arnoldcorns8879]

Oh how i love these old Fords... 66 was the best year, he's right!

[@agentofficerthomasa.porter107]

65 Was! :-)

[@samphillips8322]

@@agentofficerthomasa.porter107 Having owned a 65 2 door hardtop with 390 4barrel (purchased new) in "Rangoon Red" I have to agree with you. Quite a car. I sit here many years later admiring Jay's build with all the upgrades to make it the car most of us can only dream of owning. Jay is the best. Only maintenance item I had to keep an eye on were the points...remember how critical the points were to engine performance? Never got a citation while driving the '65.

[@riaanpotgieter475]

I love these Fords, my dad had a '72 with a 302 V8, another one with a 351 "High performance' with 300HP - good enough for 0 -100kmh in 7.2 seconds, '74 Fairlane and a '67 Fairlane. Imagine Jay's Ford with a 500Hp plus, dammmm!!! Freaking awesome Galaxy, a car that you can be in your garage forever and still put a smile on your face for generations to come. The younger generation have no idea what they are missing!!

[@bbsmyname]

Best show on the internet!