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Lots 176-187: Property from a Private Ford Collection 1965 Ford Galaxie 500 M-Code "Cammer" 2-Door Hardtop Chassis no. 5F66M100016 427ci SOHC M-Code V8 Dual Holley 4-Barrel Carburetors 657bhp at 6,000rpm 4-Speed Manual Transmission Coil Spring Front Suspension, Semi-Elliptic Rear Leaf Springs 4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes *Factory Experimental Car *Rare Factory M Code 427 "Cammer" Engine *Banned by NASCAR *One of the most powerful Fords ever made THE FORD "CAMMER" 1965 was an exciting era to be working at Ford. During the previous spring the new subcompact Mustang had been released and the Rouge assembly plant could not make enough to fill the orders coming in. Ford's Total Performance program was in full-swing, and for the first time since 1957, a totally new full-size car was about to be released. Featuring a new squared off design signified by stacked headlights up front, sleek smooth even lines on the side panels, and a rear end design that was totally different, yet immediately identifiable as a Ford. Customers of these new Fords had a wide range of engines to choose from starting with a 240ci inline 6-cylinder rated 150bhp, up to the 427ci, "wedge head", dual four-barrel equipped 425bhp V8. However, Ford had one more engine that was of even higher performance than the R-code wedge head 427, one that evoked fear in the competition. One that was actually banned from the NASCAR race tracks before it was even allowed to strut its stuff. The SOHC 427, known affectionately by its fans as the "Cammer". During the 1964 NASCAR season, Ford was doing quite well, taking home the Manufacturer's Cup that year with 30 wins under its belt, more than twice its nearest competitor. However, Dodge and Plymouth cars, which together scored another 26 victories, were being powered by a totally new version of their legendary Hemi V8. Even though this motor was not available to the public, NASCAR officials sanctioned its use in competition. When Ford approached NASCAR with a request to install their new SOHC 427 in the Galaxie race cars, NASCAR said no! Officially the new Hemi from Mopar was advertised rated at 426bhp while the new Ford engine was capable of 616bhp with a single four-barrel, and up to 657bhp with a dual four-barrel arrangement. Not to be deterred, the SOHC 427 "Cammer" would go on to race in a newly created class within the NHRA, A/FX, or a factory experimental. There the "Cammer" was teamed up with the new Ford Mustangs in a limited run of fastbacks specially prepared by the shops of Holman & Moody. Drivers such as Les Ritchey, Bill Lawton and Bob Hamilton, seemed to dominate the quarter-mile strip, as well as the one of the all-time NHRA greats "Gas" Ronda. The engine also faired well in other NHRA classes with drivers like "Sneaky Pete" Robinson and Don "The Snake" Prudhomme in their Cammer powered rail-jobs. But what about putting the "Cammer" in a regular production car? If one looks at 1965 Ford-Mercury Shop Manual, on page 1-4, it provides a breakdown of the serial number codes. When looking at a 1965 Ford serial number, the factory installed engine was signified by the fifth character in the serial number or VIN. Looking through the list are two interesting entries. "L" for "8-Cylinder 427 Cu. In. (4V OH Cam) and the letter "M" for "8-Cylinder 427 Cu. In. (8V OH Cam). Indeed, it did appear that Ford may have well intended to release these mighty engines into actual street machines. Now, the question remains did Ford ever build any full-size Galaxies with either one of these two engines? THE MOTORCAR OFFERED For many years, Ford operated a real-life top-secret operation out of Watkins Glen, New York. Likened to the U.S. Government's "Area 51" in Nevada, Ford's "X-Garage" was strictly off limits to anyone except those who had a "need-to-know". It was through this facility that 5F66M100016 emerged. For those who know how to breakdown the Ford serial numbers, there are several immediate red-flags. The first character, "5" r