One of 212 Factory Lightweight 427 Galaxies produced by Ford in 1963. Originally sold new by “Downtown Ford” in Los Angeles to Mike Lieber by salesman and fellow racer Gas Ronda. Mike brought the car to Les Ritchey of “Performance Specialties” in Covina, Ca to have it set up to really perform on the Drag Strip. Art Carr built an automatic transmission for the car that really improved 1/4 mile times. All factory Lightweights were equipped from the factory with the powerful 427 2x4bbl engine, 4 speed manual, 411 gear, and HD brakes and suspension. In efforts to lighten the cars they were factory equipped with a light weight chassis, fiberglass hood, fenders, inner fenders, and decklid. Bumpers and brackets were lightweight aluminum. Interior was sparse with no heater or radio, “Bostrum” lightweight seats, and rubber floormats. In addition to the standard issue lightweight and performance parts, this car was equipped with special parts that only the factory backed teams possessed. The doors are lightweight fiberglass (one of less than 20 equipped), and the engine is equipped with special High Riser heads and intake.
Mike campaigned the car for a year or so with sponsorship from “Ellico Ford” in La Verne Ca. He sold the car to obtain his next racer, a new Thunderbolt. Wayne Lyndon was the 2nd owner who painted the car blue to match his street 427 Galaxie that he used to haul this car from track to track. Wayne eventually sold the car to John Carellis.
The car had a comprehensive restoration by renowned muscle car restoration specialist Randy DeLisio. Randy made special note at the time that the car was equipped with a “Les Ritchey” style reverse traction bar, extremely rare High Riser equipped 427, Detroit locker differential, aluminum bell housing, and an Art Carr sticker on the vent window.
Formerly part of the Don Fezell collection for many years and later sold to Jon Hagstrom in 2017. Following the purchase Jon had some minor engine issues which led to a complete professional engine rebuild by RPM engines in June of 2018 at a cost of $22,000. The engine was fully balanced, compression ratio lowered to just below 10.1 so that it could run on pump gas. It still retains its very special High Riser heads and Intake. He also had the correct date coded T-10 aluminum transmission completely rebuilt as well. “Revival Road Co.” of Monterey Ca did all the R&R and a long list of “sorting out” to get the car just right with a bill totaling over $20,000.00. All receipts included. While in Jons ownership it was invited and displayed at the “Concours on the Avenue” in Carmel and also more recently at the Concours event at Pasadero in 2021.
This car runs amazing and really gets up and goes. The 5,014 miles currently on the odometer are believed to be original. Well sorted and a pleasure to drive. Own an amazing piece of Drag Racing History.
