At King of the Hammers, surrounded by cutting-edge off-road machines, the last thing I expected to see was a vintage muscle car built for the desert. Yet, there it was—a stunning 1964 Ford Galaxie, transformed by Triple Nickel Racing into Galaxia de la Baja.
With a 427 Dart stroker engine, reinforced suspension, and a race-ready setup, this Galaxie isn’t just for show—it’s built to conquer the Norra Mexican 1000. A true fusion of classic American muscle and off-road racing grit, proving that legends can thrive even in the dust. Are you ready for the Galaxia de la Baja, A Ford Galaxie Reborn for the Desert?
Galaxia de la Baja: A Classic Reborn for the Desert
In the late 1950s, American automakers sought to capture the imagination of a nation enamored with space exploration. The Ford Galaxie was born in this era, its name a tribute to the burgeoning aerospace industry and the boundless possibilities of the future. Decades later, that same spirit of adventure would find a new home—not in the skies, but in the unforgiving terrain of the Baja desert.
It might sound strange to say that one of the most captivating vehicles I encountered during my Californian trip to the King of the Hammers was not a 4×4. But the moment I laid eyes on this 1964 Ford Galaxie, masterfully reimagined by the Triple Nickel Racing team, I knew I had discovered something special.
My first encounter with this machine happened in Hammertown, near the PCI Race Radios stand. At first glance, I struggled to understand why a Gasser—a type of classic drag racer—was parked in an off-road racing hub. But as I got closer, the truth became clear: this was no ordinary Galaxie. This was Galaxia de la Baja, a beast engineered for the harsh realities of desert racing. Unlike the many show cars with oversized tires and flashy modifications, this Ford was built to compete, to conquer, and to endure the grueling demands of the NORRA Mexican 1000.
The Visionaries Behind Galaxia de la Baja
The masterminds behind this transformation are the members of the Triple Nickel Racing team: René Aguirre (owner, builder, and driver), Eric Dove (builder and driver), and Joe Thompson (builder and pilot). Sharing a common dream and a wealth of experience in race car preparation, they set out to craft something extraordinary—a classic American muscle car, reborn as a desert warrior.
A quick glance inside the cockpit reveals the serious intent behind this build: a robust roll cage, PRP racing seats, and a Lowrance GPS system ready for navigating the endless expanse of Baja. Beneath the body, the engineering brilliance continues with reinforced chassis modifications and a suspension system featuring Fox shocks, built to absorb the relentless pounding of the desert floor.
Lifting the hood unveils the heart of this machine—a 427 Dart stroker engine paired with an old-school Ford Toploader gearbox, sending power to a modified Ford 9-inch rear axle. Every component is purpose-built for performance, transforming this vintage coupe into a formidable racing contender.
A Journey of Triumph
The Triple Nickel Racing team began their adventure in 2012, and just a year later, they were at the starting line of their first race: the NORRA Mexican 1000. Their debut was nothing short of impressive, securing second place in the Vintage Production Sedan class and 16th overall. By 2014, they had reached the top, winning their category and cementing Galaxia de la Baja’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
I had the privilege of experiencing this masterpiece firsthand, sitting beside René Aguirre for a test drive on the rugged lakebed. The moment he hit the gas, I was pinned to my seat, awestruck by the sheer power and responsiveness of the machine. The suspension, designed to glide over whoops and rough terrain, performed with an elegance that defied the car’s vintage roots. If I had to describe it in one sentence, I would say this Galaxie is a trophy truck in disguise—an off-road predator wrapped in classic American muscle.
The Mechanical Marvel
Underneath its timeless exterior, Galaxia de la Baja boasts a list of modifications that would make any off-road enthusiast’s heart race:
– Engine: 351 Dart Windsor, bored and stroked to 427 cubic inches (7.0L)
– Cooling System: Ron Davis radiator
– Transmission: Big Spline Ford Toploader with Hurst Super Shifter
– Clutch: McLeod Twin Disc
– Rear Axle: Modified 9-inch Ford by Johnson Industries
– Rear Suspension: Leaf springs with Fox shocks and King bump stops
– Front Suspension: Solid axle with Toyota Land Cruiser two-link system and a Panhard bar
– Front Shocks: Fox coilovers paired with King bump stops
– Tires: BF Goodrich Mud 33×10.5 R15, mounted on 15×8 Raceline beadlock wheels
A Legacy in Motion
Galaxia de la Baja is more than just a race car—it is a tribute to innovation, perseverance, and the undying passion for off-road motorsport. It embodies the perfect blend of classic Americana and modern engineering, proving that even a 2WD muscle car can hold its own against the unforgiving landscapes of the Baja desert. For those who have the privilege of seeing it in action, this Galaxie is more than just a vehicle—it’s a legend, roaring through the dust and leaving behind a trail of inspiration. The Triple Nickel Racing team has not only revived a piece of automotive history but has rewritten the rules of what a race car can be. And as long as there are deserts to conquer, Galaxia de la Baja will continue to write its story in the sand.
