As far as cool cruisers go, you’d be hard-pressed to find something with more effortless charm than this 1962 Ford Galaxie 500. You’ll often spot this classic rolling through Durban’s beachfront, surfboards strapped to the old-school wooden roof racks, as owner Dimo heads down for a Saturday morning surf session.
But don’t be fooled — this Galaxie isn’t just a showpiece or a weekend cruiser. Whenever Dimo’s back in South Africa, it’s his daily driver. It racks up proper mileage each month, and every trip behind the wheel brings that unmistakable smile only a true V8 classic can deliver.
Funny enough, the Ford wasn’t love at first sight. When Dimo first brought the car home, his wife couldn’t stand it. But that changed quickly. As the Galaxie became part of their routine — and they realised it was more than just a way to get from point A to point B — she was completely won over. Now, she’s as smitten as Dimo is, and rumor has it there’s already a ’58 Corvette on his wish list.
When Dimo bought the Dynasty Green Galaxie 500 from Sully and Stef at Petrol Headz, it was in great condition, needing only minor touch-ups. The body retained its original paint, and with this shade being as rare as it is, it brings a certain nostalgic magic to the car. Even better, it’s still running its original 352 cubic inch V8, making it a genuine matching-numbers classic.
Wanting to keep things as original as possible while still being road-safe, Dimo sent the car off to Greg Talbot and Brad Lightening at Speedway Auto. There, the suspension was completely overhauled, and modern power steering and front disc brakes replaced the old drum setup — making it far more practical for daily use. The big-block 352 was also rebuilt by Speedway, breathing new life into the rare early version of the Ford FE motor — a close cousin to the more common 390.
Other than that, the Galaxie remains true to its roots. It rolls on a set of American Racing Magnum 500 15-inch wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich tyres, and the headers give that deep, soulful V8 soundtrack that turns every drive into a symphony of nostalgia. Inside, you’ll find the interior beautifully preserved — still sporting those wide bench seats and the original trim, now accented by a discreet modern radio tucked below the dash.
The pastel green exterior blends perfectly with the soft interior tones, making this one of those cars that looks just as good parked as it does in motion. The 1962 Ford Galaxie 500 is everything a classic should be — stylish, soulful, and full of character. Whether it’s cruising the Durban esplanade or clocking up miles on the open road, Dimo’s Galaxie proves that some cars aren’t just driven… they’re lived with.
