Ford’s full-size cars were redesigned in 1965, with their most distinctive feature being stacked headlights (which would be used through 1967). To attract buyers looking for more creature comforts, the LTD joined the line-up, something of a gussied-up Galaxie 500. And we’re told at least six examples were built as limousines for use as military state cars. According to the seller, this Galaxie 500 LTD (as they were called in the first year) is one of them and it’s in great shape for being 57 years old. Located in San Antonio, Texas, this Ford is available here on eBay where the bidding stands at $5,800.
The new LTD would be a hit and Ford was bold enough to claim that it had a quieter ride than a Rolls-Royce. Assuming that was true, maybe that’s the reason why then U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson supposedly commissioned six limos to be made for use by higher-ups in the military. It’s unlikely those were done by Ford itself who probably shipped production cars off to custom builders specializing in that sort of thing. According to the seller, this example may be the only one left.
In 1965, the cars were known as Ford Galaxie 500 LTDs, but the name was shortened to LTD after the brand got some traction. It would remain as the top staple in the Ford lineup through 1986. Supporting the claim this special car served in the military, there’s a numbered brass ring on the inside driver’s door. Once its time in the military was over, the vehicle found itself in Iowa where it transported the Governor for several years. Iowa state flags are still in the trunk.
There’s no indication that these limousines were designed with extra protection as is the case with presidential vehicles. No extra thick sheet metal or bullet-proof glass that we can tell. It has survived well over the years and just 55,000 miles are on the odometer which could be correct as these kinds of cars didn’t take long road trips. There is no rust, dents, or dings that are visible and the black paint has held up well for the age.
Ford’s big 390 cubic inch V8 sits under the hood and is paired with a C6 automatic transmission. We’re told it runs quietly and smoothly, perhaps still beating out most Rolls-Royces in that department. Everything is said to work as it should, including the factory air conditioning. The maroon-colored interior has also stood the test of time, so those generals must have been easy of the fabric. No rips, tears, or bad stains. If you were looking to get into running a limo service, this might be an interesting way to do it!
A stretched Ford LTD go figure. Can’t say I even know why, but there it is! Then some poor governor’s car, yes read the listing, flags are in the trunk.
This thing is awesome! I wonder how long it is.
They need to feature this car in the next MIB movie. Could be the Limo for the alien ambassador. I know kind of silly. My mind is in a galaxy far far away.
I seem to remember those headlight covers were available on 1965 SOHC 427 Fords. Anyone? I think it’s pretty neat, although makes me shiver to think this is what some of our taxes were pixxed away on. Bumper flags are nice touch. It’s a refreshing alternative to most limos, why someone would actually need this escapes me.
I wondered the same thing once. Turns out you could get them over the parts counter at your dealer then.
“pixxed away on” compared to what alternative that would serve the same purposes? Certainly cheaper than a comparable Cadillac, Lincoln, or Imperial.
Short-stretch limos like this weren’t just a status symbol; they came with folding jump seats to transport 5 adults in back, plus the driver and maybe one more passenger up front (considering the typical build of military/security personnel).
Should we have transported parties of dignitaries in a stock ’60s-era van instead? Those early Econolines, Chevyvans, and A-series Dodges were pretty spartan even in multi-passenger configuration…
I think the point is why was a limo necessary for supposed public servants (I know they were military)? How many times do you think that there were more than just the driver and the brass in that car?
It reminds me of the Suburbans that were purchased by a local metro fire department for the higher-ups. At the time the LT trim was the top end and these were equipped with every bit of luxury available. It pixxed me off seeing my tax money squandered like that. What was at the time easily a $65,000 luxury full sized SUV when they could just as easily been provided with a basic, entry level Suburban for 2/3 (at the most) price. But no, they had to have the luxury because of their status in the metro fire department. Seems the same with the limo when a plain 6 passenger Galaxie 500 LTD would have sufficed. But the special individual had to have something special.
No one needs it, Howard. It’s just cool.
I think the headlight covers were a NASCAR thing for aero dynamics ? I’ve only seen one set in the wild, and they’re definitely cool. For some reason I think the little tag on them say Westinghouse, but my memory is starting to fade a bit.
I could be completely wrong, but it seems that’s what I remember.
Headlight covers were made by PYREX.
“PYREX” is a trademark of the Corning Corporation.
Those headlights appear to be from an exported model (South America, perhaps?) IMO
If I was younger and with a large family, this would be my choice.
Hope I never get to the point that I only buy cars that “I need”.
Up to $8,100 now. No pics of trunk. had a 1966 Galaxy 500 the trunk was huge, could fit many people in the trunk for a drive in.
I recall seeing one of these on the FBI
TV series as a kid. It was used by the
communist spies who tried to flee the
country before Efram Zimbalist Jr. and company could arrive to arrest
them. 12 year old me was left scratching his head after what he’d
just seen. I asked Dad about it and he said that it had to be a one-off of
some kind and that if you had enough
cash, FoMioCo would build one just
for you. Gotta say it still looks good
today.
Those light covers were built by Corning for Ford to be used in Nascar as the headlight buckets on the 65′ liked to capture air,once enough were made and shown to Nascar they were in Ford dealerships nationwide for sale they were approved.
Corning, I was thinking Westinghouse, but I think you’re correct!
The headlight covers made me think of American cars in Japanese movies. Godzilla versus Mothra with the LTD limo in the background carrying Japanese army brass.
I find the idea that the US government commissioned these cars to be dubious. I understood that they were commissioned by Ford for publicity purposes, since Ford was pitching the LTD as an equivalent to a true luxury car. As for how they got into the hands of the military, it seems more likely to me that Ford gave them away for a nominal price once they were finished with them.
I think I need to quit looking at barn finds! You damn guys already made me buy a car last month!!! Now I want this bad boy too!!
Wonder what the length is , would it fit in my garage?
Now $13,100.
Two crazies have outbid me.
I will teach them for messing !!!
The battle is on :-)
I like it, its one to watch and see what the winning bid is
There were more than 5 made, I used to see these often in NYC in front of embassies. I believe they were modified by Lehman Peterson, the same company that stretched Continentals, but I am not certain.
You are correct! My father ran the NYC Public Relations garage for FoMoCo. At one time their garage was actually IN the Un garage! All of the FoMoCo ones had spotlights added to the “A” pillars.
You must mean Consulates in NYC (all Embassies are in D.C.)
No, FoMoCo actually had a Public Relations garage in the basement of the UN building that they leased for years. They provided vehicles to VIPs & celebrities, and chauffeured transport for many visiting dignitaries, and also coordinated with the Secret Service when Presidents,( Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford and even Carter ), Vice Presidents, & head of the Armed Services. They also provided the parade car Lincolns for every ticker tape parade in NYC. The garage was moved in the early 70s to the cellar garage of the Ford-Mercury-Lincoln dealership on the east side of NYC as the security traffic around the UN building was getting restrictive.
NASCAR had nothing to do with the headlight covers, they were used to help ’65 Fords pass the test for Michigan state police cars. Many states followed Michigan’s lead when it came to purchasing pursuit vehicles, and its requirement they attain at least 130mph (IIRC). Even though the ’65s were much lighter than the bloated ’64s, the stacked headlights held the cars back, so the covers helped the ’65s meet the requirement. If you look at any ’65 race cars, you’ll see a simple block off plate that follows the contours of the headlight bezel. Supposedly, some 427 street cars came with the covers, although I’ve never seen any literature mentioning the Cammer.
https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=6v6aEV%2br&id=D52729FB80A51A3AD4355B8AC2F20F3680F323DD&thid=OIP.6v6aEV-rk06wpwRw5znYZgHaDO&mediaurl=https%3a%2f%2fi.pinimg.com%2foriginals%2f5a%2fc0%2f9c%2f5ac09c48492935b9e102cbb291819ae3.jpg&cdnurl=https%3a%2f%2fth.bing.com%2fth%2fid%2fR.eafe9a115fab934eb0a70470e739d866%3frik%3d3SPzgDYP8sKKWw%26pid%3dImgRaw%26r%3d0%26sres%3d1%26sresct%3d1%26srh%3d566%26srw%3d1300&exph=314&expw=720&q=1965+ford+nascar+race+cars&simid=608025000018447330&FORM=IRPRST&ck=423886954EAC7A0A70337DE28BCE77DC&selectedIndex=5&ajaxhist=0&ajaxserp=0
The covers retailed for $28 apiece, but required special deeper/thicker bezels, and four gaskets that attempted to keep moisture out. I’ve got an NOS set you can buy for $4,000. The limo was likely built by Hess & Eisenhardt of Cincinnati, although an on-line source credits Dearborn Steel & Tubing with at least one.
Scottymac,
I had a red Galaxy 500 convertible with those light covers. Car was loaded with damn near every possible option. This was back in 1984-85, and one cover was cracked slightly. Went to damn near every Ford dealer’s parts departments in the Balto-Washington area trying to get any info on them, No one knew what they were, but it was obvious they were factory items. Finally ran into a Ford mechanic who offered up the NASCAR story, but I was unable to find anything else, as it was pre-internet.
A few people suggested they were for export cars, but I don’t believe it, as they were still covering a set of sealed-beam bulbs. I must say that those glass covers were quickly noticed by guys who liked 1960s Ford products, and everyone thought they looked wonderful.
I did see a complete set on feebay back about 2018 for sale, and the price was similar to what you are asking.
I guess everything really is bigger in Texas.
Except brains.
Those “bloated” 64 models were only about 100 lbs heavier than the 64’s. And much better looking I might add.
Had a ’63 convertible, hated that car; ’64s weren’t much different. According to COLLECTIBLE AUTOMOBILE (April 1994), ’64s were about 200 pounds heavier than the ’65, and even with the Mustang stealing more sales from the Galaxie, ’65s still outsold the ’64. Like they say, everyone has an opinion, you like the’64; my personal favorite is the ’66 7 Litre. All the good stuff in one, neat package.
It is cool as hell I mean where else have you ever seen one? and the fact that it was used by a Governor makes it even better. I wonder why based on it’s weight that they did not opt for the 428.
428 didn’t come out till ’66.
Beautiful car but I certainly hope the next owner will spend a little bit of money necessary to fix the tailpipes that are sticking out past the bumper. What was somebody thinking?
Love it. (All ways talk bout my ‘stacked Hdlght obsession”). The filler pannel between 2 dors, euro headlghts, flag holders, third seat (actually 2nd) turned backwards/two lill jump seats, TWO spots. I’m wid U John, bedind the rear tire, no?
Wow, never saw one of these. Interesting.
I could see Dr. Strangelove emerging from one ! lol
@Russ Dixon
You’re welcome
I looked at the feebay auction, and saw the brass tag. It’s the same type of tag that I found on a 1960s Andy Hotton Lincoln limo, and I’m sure Hotton’s company did the stretch.
Dave’s limo page has a photo of this when new, and also says it’s from Andy Hotton. Here is the link:
http://my.net-link.net/~dcline/l_hotton.htm
Without a divider panel and window, is it a limousine or a 7-passenger sedan? Either way, it’s one very classy ride!
GitterDunn,
Yes, you are correct, it’s a 7-passenger sedan.
But did the late Queen ride in it or on it?
Wow, ’65 LTD Limo, I dig it! Can’t recall ever seeing one again. You’d be the hit at the classic car meets. Sadly, it can’t come home to my house. I’m already paying storage on a car that I don’t have room in the garage and can’t stay out.
Miminite,
Your comment about storage problems reminded me of when my parents were in the market for a larger house, and looked at having a house custom built. Dad was insisting on the attached 3-car garage depth being 28′ deep instead of the standard 24′. When the architect was visiting them to begin the process of designing a new home, he asked why so deep a garage. so my dad asked him to follow him out to the garage, and there sat 2 pre-ww2 Packards, one an extended wheelbase Super 8 limousine. Yep, 28′ garage.