Description In single-family ownership from new until 2025 and only one UK owner since; only 48k miles; super-rare factory Rose Beige paint; 289ci V8 automatic; highly original; fabulous and rock solid condition By the late 1950s, America was in the grip of rocket age mania and the newspapers were full of the latest moves in the Space Race as Uncle Sam battled the Soviet Bear for supremacy on earth and in heaven.

No surprise then, that when Ford launched its new top-of-the-range model in 1959, it was called the Galaxie.

Of truly vast proportions, it abandoned the ostentatious fins and flourishes of the early Fifties for a more sober, scientific look.

Available as either a sedan, an estate or a convertible in two- and four-door form, it came with a range of straight-six and V8 engines to suit all tastes and budgets.

The Galaxie really hit the UK headlines in 1963 when Ford brought a few specially tuned ones over to England where their tyre-smoking, power-sliding antics in the hands ...