Here’s one that we rarely cover, a 1970 Ford Galaxie 500 two-door hardtop. It’s not that they’re rare, this is one of 57K to pour forth from Dearborn over a half-century ago, they just don’t turn up all that often. Claimed to be on its second owner, this mainstay of Ford’s ’70 lineup presents reasonably well but it’s not without its visual foibles. Ted found the listing for this citizen of Lexington, Kentucky so let’s take a closer look and see if there’s anything special with this typical, ’70s, seen-everywhere-at-onetime hardtop. It’s available, here on Facebook Marketplace for $4,000.
In ’70, Galaxie 500 two-door hardtops were offered in two body styles, a standard version, such as our subject car, and a fastback rendition known as a “SportsRoof.” While the Galaxie 500, long a mainstay of Ford’s full-size offerings, the more upscale LTD’s ’70 production equally matched that of the Galaxie 500 with about 600,000 units evenly split between the two. Our subject car could be considered a survivor, it’s certainly original enough with its faded, oh-s0 70’s brown finish. I’d wager a guess that this one wore a vinyl top at one time and thus the stainless trim piece noted at the base of the C-pillars. Surface rust bleed-through, known today as “patina”, is evident and the hood is wearing a dent or two. The seller mentions trunk rust, but a closer look will probably find more in the typical places – the images are indicative, just not that clear.
Under the hood is a 250-gross HP, 351 CI V8 engine that is said to “run and drive good, starts right up.” The seller adds, “New brakes, new water pump, new carb, new exhaust, trans has been flushed and serviced, new alternator.” Mention is also made of needed ball joint replacements and the parts included in the sale. As is usually the case, a three-speed automatic transmission handles all things gear-related.
The interior is extremely tired with a heavily damaged vinyl-covered bench seat, a cracked dash pad, and a mangy-looking carpet. In the scheme of things, these are fairly minor issues but I’m not sure about that dash pad and whether reproductions are made or not. This 90K mile hardtop is air conditioned but there’s no word regarding operability.
There you have it, there’s nothing too remarkable here unless you like old full-size cars of the Dearborn persuasion. There are several different directions one could take this big Ford as in stock, or maybe a modified cruiser. As for a performer, it’s probably too heavy to effectively go that route – but you never know, right?
A bread-and-butter car for its day, including the then-popular brown paint. That is, back when full-size two-doors were part of the bread-and-butter car population. Styling was conservative and reasonably attractive, and performance was adequate for its target market. Look at all that front passenger leg room.
Maybe spend a modest amount of money on the car to spiff it up a bit, then use it as a local cruiser.
Thanks Jim.
Sold.
Looks like a decent car for a fair price. Cars like this would be overlooked until the last 5 to 10 years, it’s perfect if you want something inexpensive to take to coffee and cars or as a cruiser.
Steve R
This could be a very interesting car for someone, it reminds me of a ford my brother bought in the late 70’s. It was a blue 69 or 70 two door like this with a 302 and a three on the tree. I loved driving that thing, Dave got drunked up one night and filled it full of diesel fuel and screwed up the motor.
I’m positive there are 429 powered Galaxy 500s cruising somewhere spoiling for a Red light grand prix brawl with a Honda Prelude
lose the truck hubcaps and put some dog dishes on there. cool ride you don’t see these anymore
These look to be factory wheel covers, as shown on an XL in the 1970 Ford factory brochure.
A friend in college had a green LTD with 57k on it. Was about 10 years old at the time. What a great comfort it was to ride in across the UP of Michigan all the way to Detroit on school breaks & back.
The full size car was still king while intermediates would soon take over. Not to mention the LTD was assuming the volume seller to complete with the Impala. Formal roofs were a nod to the growing personal luxury segment which meant that this car and the Impala sport coupe are seldom seen today. Nice ride with potential.
Nicely styled car with moderate performance as is. It will respond nicely to some upgrades, mechanically and cosmetically. Think bargain basement XL.
It’s not to to far from me I was going to see if I could see it tomorrow. SOLD SOLD SOLD on Market place
Looking at a car like that makes me want to go into the whiskey running business ala Gator.