Factory experimental

[Chuck Norton]

Bruce,

I had my doubts that anyone around today would remember the events that transpired during the 1964 Winternationals so I didn't bring it up. The short story is that, on the first day of tech at that event, Ford rolled a couple of new Galaxies off the trailer that were unlike any of the '64 427 Galaxies then available on the showroom floors around town. Sure, anyone could buy a 427 Galaxy and many people did so but they were not equipped with a fiberglass bubbled hood, van front seats, and a few other amenities. I don't know if they had VIN numbers or not. They were lettered with "A/S" and "A/SA" on the window. The drama associated with those cars was far overshadowed by their cousins, the '64 Fairlane-based Thunderbolts and not much was ever said about the situation but those of us who were involved with Stockers at that time were very aware.

The ultimate resolution at that moment in time was that Farmer Dismuke (or someone) reclassified the cars as "B/FX" on the spot. Later that season, after their performance potential was determined, they became the original AA/S and AA/SA cars. I believe that Mike Schmitt ended up winning the National Championship with what is now referenced by the term "lightweight" Galaxy sponsored by Desert Motors in Ridgecrest, California. Of course, Gas Ronda won the National Championship in S/S with a Thunderbolt.

One of those cars sold last week at Barrett-Jackson as I recall. I probably have the issue of Hot Rod Magazine complete with pictures around here somewhere.

Highest regards,

c