Muscle Car Of The Week Video #7: 1966 Galaxie 500 XL R-Code 427

Muscle Car Of The Week Video #7: 1966 Galaxie 500 XL R-Code 427

This week on Muscle Car of the Week, we unveil a true automotive unicorn: a 1966 Ford Galaxy 500 XL R-Code in a special-order Coventry Gray paint - the only one ever made!

Combining luxury features with hidden muscle car power, this Galaxy is a unique blend of sophistication and performance.

Here's what makes this R-Code Galaxy XL so special:

One-of-a-kind Coventry Gray paint, originally a Mercury color
Factory-installed R-Code 427 cubic inch V8 engine pumping out 425 horsepower
4-speed manual transmission for an engaging driving experience
Luxury features like an AM/FM radio and under-dash 8-track player
Heavy-duty suspension, brakes, and cooling system for enhanced performance
Don't be fooled by its elegant exterior, this Galaxy packs a serious punch:

Runs mid-14 second quarter miles in original condition
A true sleeper, blending luxury car looks with drag racing capabilities
One of only 49 R-Code Galaxy XLs ever produced, making it highly collectible
This isn't just a car, it's a testament to Ford's ability to create a unique and powerful machine:

Features a "Caution: All windows must be closed for speeds in excess of 120 mph" sticker
Showcases a high-quality restoration that feels "like day one"

The Muscle Car Of The Week is this stunning 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 XL that becomes more interesting the more you look. You will first notice the subdued color called Coventry Gray, and it was never offered on the Ford Galaxie for 1966. It is a specially ordered Mercury color, making this the only one ever built! And while they made many Galaxie 500 XL models, there were less than 50 that came with the R-Code 427 V8 under the hood. Boasting 425 hp, the R-Code 427 breathed through dual four barrel carburetors and churned a four speed manual transmission. This might not look like a race car, but it seemed to be built for the dragstrip. We love the juxtaposition of luxury and power, making this a wolf in banker's clothing!

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[CoastalAutoReactionCAR]

Not a ford guy but gotta say these era of galaxies are so nice!
Love the colour!

[jeremythompson]

Just gorgeous. I'm a Mopar guy but I've always really liked those 427 Ford's...with the 63 1/2 R-Code Galaxie, 64 Fairlane Thunderbolt, and 66-67 R-Code Fairlane's being my favorites of the bunch

[willybones]

That was my grandparents car when I was little. Theres was light grey with that same interior and a automatic. It was a 427 dual 4 car as well. They sold it for $700 when I was 15. I was devastated. Dad was right though...I would have died in it. Incredible car, beautiful interior.

[volksjager]

Gotta love old Ford muscle, especially the Galaxie

[chocodiledundee]

This 66 Galaxie 427 XL500 is easy one of the best car I've ever seen, I love the Galaxie, that's real "FULL SIZE" vehicle !
Awesome video, awesome commentary and presentation, is good to see someone who actually researched and know what they are talking about !
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[michaelcerza]

I love this car, and those bucket seats are awesome.

[scdevon]

This is definitely one of the best super stock American cars of all time.
3600 lbs is not heavy for this car. In fact, it doesn't even weigh as much as some new Mustangs.

[onethoupower]

Just watched all the R-Code 427 videos, all cars are 427% Bad Ass! Gotta love that 7-Litre convertible but this '66 is my favorite. Beautiful color combination.

[gerardcousineau]

A coronet 68 with a 426 and this galaxie R these are the tastiest but the 66 galaxie wins me when I think of the cammer ! These two are my favorite big muscle car of all time !
Thanks for posting ! :)

[johnschmitz]

I had a 66 xl with a 390 4bl. It was a beautiful car.. a definite girl catcher..just loved it and it drove great!! 😊😊😊🇺🇸🇺🇸

[Yohann]

I saw a bunch of R codes the other day, all 4 speeds. Also a 65 M code. Beautiful cars.

[ddkoda]

Your description of how this looks and feels like a new car comes through even on video. The side oiler 427 was quite an engine at the time or even now for that matter. It's too bad they were around for just a few years no doubt due to government polution standards. Very nice interior with metal consol and other tasteful metallic touches throughout.

[michelangelo]

we just bought a 66 galaxie 500 with the 289 last night and I have to admit I'm really impressed with it

[DavidSmith-fsnt]

I love the full sized cars of the 60s and 70s. My first car was the family 1962 Galaxie coup. Even with the 2 speed automatic it was a great car to drive. I would love to have the 66 Ford featured in this video 👏

[red_fox_flareside]

This car sounds absolutely wicked. What a beautiful car. I love Galaxies. Such clean, sharp body lines. Really great design.

[lsrx]

Wow. That's the SECOND 66 XL that I've seen in that color.:)  I painted my  formerly Teal Blue//white interior 66 352/Auto  XL in Merc. Coventry Grey in 1980.  Of course. it wasn't a 427 R-Code or the factory color.   I didn't even know That color was available in 1966.. I just liked .it because it looked stealthy.   It fit the car..
 This R-Code 66 is awesome.

[Richardpoint]

Kevin, you do a great job, incredibly articulate!

[ALABAMAHEADHUNTER]

That's an awesome Galaxie ! Very nice restoration . Love the color too .

[deanstevenson]

Down here in Australia and New Zealand, our Unibody Falcons, Fairmonts, Fairlanes and LTD 351's often got optioned or repainted Stratosphere Grey and everything for the years from 70 to 79 pretty much copied the 66 Galaxie XL 500 style. It was the Redline 7000 car. Love me the R code...its the car we all aspire to!

[paulbowers]

Hay Kevin ~ I love your presentations an have BEEN SHARING THEM ON FACEBOOK. AWESOME FORMULA