Launched in 1959, the Ford Galaxie nameplate capitalized on America’s growing fascination with the “Space Race”. Others included the Mercury Comet and Meteor, Oldsmobile Starfire, and Plymouth Satellite. Competing head-to-head with the Chevrolet Impala, it would remain a Ford fixture through 1974. The seller’s is a Galaxie 500 4-door sedan from 1963, perhaps the best-looking year for the big 1960s Fords (IMO). Located in Gig Harbor, Washington, this apparent survivor is available here on craigslist for $11,000 OBO.
The Galaxie began as a higher-end edition of the Fairlane and quickly became its own series. The car was very popular, but it almost always came in second place in the sales race with the Impala. 648,000 Galaxies were produced in 1963, with nearly a third (205,000 copies) being the pillared family sedan like this one. Most were sold with V8 engines ranging from 260 to 390 cubic inches. No description or photo reveals what’s under the hood of this transport.
We’re told this machine has accumulated just 64,000 miles across only two owners. Maintenance records are said to have been kept since the day it was new. We’re told it runs and drives fine, but is a bit stubborn initially due to a bad choke that’s been known to foul spark plugs. So, it should be addressed sooner rather than later. The only newer part we’re told to have been replaced is the gas tank (perhaps from sitting?).
The car is somewhat camera-shy, so we only get to get to see portions here and there. For example, we view only the dashboard in the interior, so we don’t know the condition of the upholstery or carpeting. This could be a nice vintage car for someone who doesn’t mind four doors and having the try to coax a shine from the fading blue paint. Thanks for the cool tip, Barn Finder “Scott”.
Sorry to be a crabby curmudgeon, but when you’re trying to sell a vehicle on Craigslist, TAKE SOME HALF DECENT PICTURES, FOR $&#!!! SAKES! You can take your time and show off all the good stuff, and even point out the flaws so you look like an honest person. The real blood pressure enhancer is that this is not the worst ad I’ve seen. From what little I can gather, this seems like a not terrible car, but based on what info there is, it’s a hard pass
Three speed Cruise o matic, and no call out badges. Very likely a 289 or 352 at best.
Looks like a clean Galaxie. It would look really good if the paint could be revived. These were popular, attractive cars for their day.
The seller could do himself some favors (and improve his chances for getting a big sales price) by showing more than four pics, including pics of the service records.
I know this car. I did some mechanical work on it 5 years ago. Really cool car. Very solid! It has the 260 2V in it. Nice patina, too.
Rob S …
Thank you for that info!
No sure how impressive the 260 will be in a vehicle this size, but it will get ya there and back…
My 63 has a 289. That care was practically indestructible.
Looks like a great car to bring the paint back, fix any mechanical needs and drive the family around to car shows in. The stainless shown looks dent free and would shine up nicely. Very cool driver.
Growing up we had the station wagon version of this with the 260 and a 3-speed manual transmission. Perfectly adequate around town, sufficient for highway travel, but allow lots of room if passing on a two lane highway.
These are some of Ford’s best looking cars from the era regardless how many doors. The 260 will do just fine. If you really have to do 80 or 90 on the e-way or compete in every stoplight contest get something with ABS and stability control.
That 260 would have been putting in overtime, if this car was used for anything more than Mom driving down to the Piggly Wiggly, and picking up the kids at school.