Rally-Pac
Encyclopedia
Rally-Pac is the name given to an optional tachometer
and clock fitted to certain car models built by the Ford Motor Company
in the mid-1960s.
The steering column-mounted accessory was introduced in 1963 soon after Ford's successful participation in that year's Monte Carlo Rally
, hence the name. It would go on to be fitted to the so-called "1964" Mustang
, 1964 Fairlane
and 1964 Falcon.
Several versions were produced, depending on the application and whether or not the Rally-Pac was to be a factory installation or dealer installation. Early versions fitted to cars with the Falcon's horizontal speedometer
and warning light cluster (such as the Mustang) featured the clock and tachometer pods fitted slightly higher from centerline than versions fitted to cars with round speedometers and gauges, such as those equipped with the GT
performance and trim package. The tachometer on versions intended for use on cars with six-cylinder engines or base model V8 engines registered to 6000 RPM; a rare 8000 RPM version was primarily fitted to vehicles equipped with Ford's 289ci (4.8l) high performance, solid lifter V8 which redlined at 6500 RPM. By comparison, the base 1965 "Challenger 289" with its hydraulic valve lifters redlined at only 4800 RPM.
When fitted as a factory-installed item, the Rally-Pac cost US$69.30. A dealer-installed Rally-Pac cost US$75.95, a considerable sum in 1964. The accessory's usefulness combined with its rarity make original units highly collectable among Ford enthusiasts. Reproduction Rally-Pacs are available from a number of Mustang restoration sources as well.
The Rally-Pac was discontinued at the end of the 1966 model year.
Tachometer
A tachometer is an instrument measuring the rotation speed of a shaft or disk, as in a motor or other machine. The device usually displays the revolutions per minute on a calibrated analogue dial, but digital displays are increasingly common...
and clock fitted to certain car models built by the Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK...
in the mid-1960s.
The steering column-mounted accessory was introduced in 1963 soon after Ford's successful participation in that year's Monte Carlo Rally
Monte Carlo Rally
The Monte Carlo Rally or Rally Monte Carlo is a rallying event organised each year by the Automobile Club de Monaco which also organises the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix and the Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique. The rally takes place along the French Riviera in the Principality of Monaco and...
, hence the name. It would go on to be fitted to the so-called "1964" Mustang
Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang is an automobile manufactured by the Ford Motor Company. It was initially based on the second generation North American Ford Falcon, a compact car. Introduced early on April 17, 1964, as a "1964½" model, the 1965 Mustang was the automaker's most successful launch since the Model A...
, 1964 Fairlane
Ford Fairlane
- Automobiles :* Ford Fairlane , a car manufactured by the Ford Motor Company between 1955 and 1970* Ford Fairlane , a car manufactured by the Ford Motor Company of Australia between 1959 and 2007- See also :...
and 1964 Falcon.
Several versions were produced, depending on the application and whether or not the Rally-Pac was to be a factory installation or dealer installation. Early versions fitted to cars with the Falcon's horizontal speedometer
Speedometer
A speedometer is a gauge that measures and displays the instantaneous speed of a land vehicle. Now universally fitted to motor vehicles, they started to be available as options in the 1900s, and as standard equipment from about 1910 onwards. Speedometers for other vehicles have specific names...
and warning light cluster (such as the Mustang) featured the clock and tachometer pods fitted slightly higher from centerline than versions fitted to cars with round speedometers and gauges, such as those equipped with the GT
GT
-Science, technology, engineering, measurement:* Gas turbine, a rotary engine that extracts energy from a flow of combustion gas* Geometry & Topology, a mathematical journal* Giant trevally, a species of fish from the Carangidae family...
performance and trim package. The tachometer on versions intended for use on cars with six-cylinder engines or base model V8 engines registered to 6000 RPM; a rare 8000 RPM version was primarily fitted to vehicles equipped with Ford's 289ci (4.8l) high performance, solid lifter V8 which redlined at 6500 RPM. By comparison, the base 1965 "Challenger 289" with its hydraulic valve lifters redlined at only 4800 RPM.
When fitted as a factory-installed item, the Rally-Pac cost US$69.30. A dealer-installed Rally-Pac cost US$75.95, a considerable sum in 1964. The accessory's usefulness combined with its rarity make original units highly collectable among Ford enthusiasts. Reproduction Rally-Pacs are available from a number of Mustang restoration sources as well.
The Rally-Pac was discontinued at the end of the 1966 model year.