1995 Ford Galaxy 7 Seater Prototype - Wingfield Collection

Please note: This is part of the Bryan Wingfield fundraising auction collection, these pieces have come to Car & Classic to help raise money which will be used to pay for ongoing care for Bryan now he is in the late stages of Alzheimer's. Bryan gave so much to the Classic car world and his daughter has kindly shared this fund raising page with us. If you would like to read more or follow to see the latest amount raised please click on the link - https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/bryan-wingfield-legend-of-ford-gt40-jaguar-fund#start***

Highlights

Bryan Wingfields own personal car and "official tow car" of DRL engineering for many years
Significant piece of Ford Motor Company history as one of two factory pre-production Galaxy prototypes
Powered by an Audi 2.8-litre V6 petrol engine
The actual winner and cover star of Caravan Monthly’s ‘Tow car of the year’ in 1996
Acquired from Ford by Bryan while working in their design and development department

The Appeal

Responsible for making the MPV popular outside of America, the Galaxy is an immensely important car in Ford's history. Developed in collaboration with the Volkswagen Group, it proved popular amongst consumers this side of the Atlantic and its seven seats made it the car of choice for a great many families.

Here we have one of the two factory pre-production prototypes, which was later acquired by one of the Ford Motor Company’s Design and Development team, who happens to be the father of the vendor. This Galaxy differs in several ways to normal production models, most notably with its Audi 2.8-litre V6 petrol engine. Driven regularly by its first owner until 2014, it has been off the road for some years so will require some recommissioning work. Bryans son in law reports that it still runs and drives although will of course need some work before it can return to the road.

For fans of the ‘blue oval, this piece of Ford Motor Company history is not to be missed. It helps tell the story of the incredibly successful Galaxy. If you’d like to be the one who takes on the next chapter in this significant car’s preservation, then this is your opportunity.

The History and Paperwork

One of two prototypes built by Ford
Ford’s entry into Caravan Monthly’s 1996 ‘Tow car of the year’, which it won and featured on the front cover
The original bill of sale remains with the car
Used until 2014, when the Bryan was no longer able to drive
Now in need of some recommissioning and shall need to be collected on a trailer
Some older service history is documented in the original service record
Right-hand drive
196,943 miles indicated on the digital odometer
Part stamped service book
Any more paperwork that can be found will be added to the photo's below as the auction progresses
Currently wears French registration plates and we note UK plates are also present from its earlier history therefore repatriation to the UK shouldn’t be expensive

The Interior

Seating for seven
Remains complete and in reasonably good condition for its age
There is some wear, mould and general age related deterioration, although much of the original upholstery is eminently salvageable
Overall, there are few notable marks to the upholstery and little in the way of excessive wear or damage
The carpeting is a little more tired, although a deep clean should improve it immensely
The dashboard presents well, with little heavy wear to the plastics or switches

The Exterior

Metallic red paintwork
Some of the lower bodywork has previously been resprayed with a rattle can, which is now beginning to fade in places
Ideally the car would benefit from a full respray
There are some scrapes to the offside rear, near the wheel arch
We also noticed a small dent in the tailgate
Overall, the bodywork is quite straight and free from any notable damage
Underneath, there is some corrosion to the suspension and steering components, as well as various localised areas on the floor pan, but generally all looks to be in fair order for its age
Still complete with its original plastic wheel trims
All the glass continues to present really well
Factory fitted sunroof does leak so was taped up
Equipped with a tow bar and has towed some of the most beautiful and historically important cars around Europe

The Mechanics

2.8-litre petrol V6 from Audi - (although badged as a Ford unit)
Five-speed manual gearbox
Besides the engine, several mechanical components reportedly differ from production Galaxys
Starts readily, seemingly runs well and has been briefly driven to check all still functions
The alternator and airbag lights are currently illuminated and these faults have not been investigated
The exhaust is leaking slightly

Summary

Here’s your chance to acquire a Ford prototype that wasn’t squirrelled away in a museum and even more thankfully escaped the crusher - a fate which often awaits these pre-production vehicles. With fascinating Ford history, a magazine cover star and having been owned by Bryan Wingfield, this is one you won’t want to miss!

Also in buying this car you will also be helping Bryan - If you don’t know of the great man then please do read our editors article in the link here (https://www.carandclassic.com/magazine/honouring-fords-bryan-wingfield/) and you will see why his family are so proud of his achievements.

If you are interested in the rest of the Wingfield Collection please visit the following links:

https://www.carandclassic.com/auctions/vintage-castrol-oil-dispenser-wingfield-collection-4aAw94

https://www.carandclassic.com/auctions/1964-ford-cortina-super-late-brake-show-barn-find-wingfield-collection-nMNmG4

https://www.carandclassic.com/auctions/dura-professional-workshop-tool-cabinets-wingfield-collection-4BzYL4

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