Say “big-block station wagon” and you have our attention. And apparently yours, too, considering how many of you were all about the 1967 Impala 396 wagon that was in the budget build price range. Well, as proud as I am over that find, the folks at Bring A Trailer have knocked that Impala out of the way with a baseball bat. This 1971 Ford Galaxie 500 wagon overrules the big Chevy, big time. Yeah, that’s a spotlight you see. Yes, the dog-dish caps are legit and true for the car. And yes, the title does not deceive you. This Ford is packing the P-code 429 Police Interceptor. Better known to you fine folks as the machine that Burt Reynolds flung around while calling himself ‘Gator’ McClusky.
Originally bought by a Louisiana parish coroner, the Ford remained in his possession until a Louisiana sheriff bought the car and had it cleaned up. The 429 was rebuilt, bodywork and interior work was performed, leaving the Candyapple Red wagon looking day one fresh. Why do all of that work on this wagon? According to the Marti Report, this is one of eight wagons set up with the 429 and one of 48 with the police package. Those are the details, but what you probably want to know is why would a big red wagon appeal to you. Go watch any car chase from the 1973 movie “White Lightning”. Pay attention to the brown Ford sedan that has a mustache-less Burt Reynolds behind the wheel. You’ll get it.
The big Ford with a 4 speed that somehow made it go way faster? And that Burt can be seen putting the column shifter in Park? Apparently the continuity guy on the movie called off sick that day.
That car needs so little to really make it rock. Simply adding the trim rings that go with those particular center caps, or an upgrade to a set of Magnum 500’s. That, and a tasteful tint on the back doors, cargo sides, and rear door glass.
Cool rig.
Awesome
That is cool, the PI engine really is special in 71, pretty much a Cobra Jet and not the lowly 429 like a normal full sized Ford or Merc.
What was different,on the \”PI\” versus the \”Thunder-Jet\” ? Or are the one in the same ?
Had a real cruiser police package 429 like this one in a 1971 police car. It would spin the stiff 6 ply bais police tires all through low and into second at will. Topped out at 150 mph on a certified police speedometer.
Wow, cool find Bryan!! Oh yeah, there’s like nothing that needs to be done to this, and I’m the first guy to cut up eVeRYtHinG… The only thing I would probably do though is put the biggest fattest tires I could fit in it (min-tubbing the rear if I had to), but keep the exact same external look with the little moon caps and painted steel rims. Man this is cool. Want!
would you look at that motor!!!
They ruined the engines in 72 with junk smog heads 71 is good 11.1 c.r. after that 9.5 and the even retarded the cam 4* for emissions ..