Throughout the 1960s, the Chevrolet Impala and Ford Galaxie 500 were head-to-head, direct competitors. And, typically, the Ford laid claim to second place in the sales race of full-size automobiles. In 1962, both products wore styling evolutions of the prior year models – and they were better looking as a result (IMO). The seller’s Galaxie 500 Town Sedan may be 100% original with minimal rust, low miles, and a 390 cubic inch V8. Located in Savannah, Georgia, this vintage Ford is available here on Hagerty, where $3,000 is the current bid (no reserve?). This tip is brought to us by Barn Finder “Araknid78”.
Ford sold 575,000 Galaxies in 1962, a result that Plymouth, Dodge, and others would be envious of (but not Chevy). Engine choices would range from a 223 CI 6-banger (too mild in a car this big) to a 406 V8 that would motivate the Fords on NASCAR racetracks. For most civilians, especially buyers of 4-door 500s like this one, the 300 hp 390 V8 did the job – and well. Assuming they came with this Ford when it was new, the wider wheels all around (with “poverty” hub caps) helped provide a bigger footprint for this Galaxie.
There’s every reason to believe the paint and interior on this sedan are from the factory. There are hints of rust, and the undercarriage shows more than is perhaps ideal for a car that may only have 33,000 miles. The color combination is Sandshell Beige outside and a brown/tan match-up on the inside. There seems to be some uncertainty as to whether the Ford has had three or four owners. And there is no title – just a bill of sale.
Comments from interested parties who know the vehicle suggest that the Galaxie is sluggish in terms of performance. Perhaps the aged car needs a tune-up and other servicing. Also, there may be a mild lifter tick and/or an exhaust leak (twin pipes). So prospective buyers should keep these comments in the back of their minds if considering jumping in with a bid. Whatever the case, this 1962 appears to be one of the finest survivors you might find.
No title? 🤔
No title?
Too massive to be stock wheels
I think you are right, but they look great on the car.
Steve R
Russ indicated the wheels were not stock. Look good on the car.
Nice! I’m not a Ford guy, yet from the time they were new I’ve thought the ’62 models the most attractive cars the company ever produced. Oddly enough, I’ve thought the same about ’62 Chevys. By my lights, the style engineers of both companies achieved their peak prowess in 1962.
To Arfeeto: I am a Ford guy. But I agree with you on 1962 being a high point for both Chevrolet and Ford — that is, the highest trim levels, Impala SS and Galaxie 500. I also especially loved the 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie and the 1957 Ford Fairlane 500. I WOULD like THIS one… in a DIFFERENT COLOUR! And I don’t care for the low-end hub-caps, either. If you’re going ro drive one of these, white-wall tyres and the dressy full hub-caps, please. In the 1990s, I drove a 1962 Ford Galaxie, the low-trim model, with a 223 six, and three-on-the-tree. It had 140,000 miles, ran fine, and had all the power it needed. So, I wonder what is wrong with THIS car??
No title? Strike one.”Lifter tick/exhaust leak” Strike two.
those wheels give it a shine runner look. they look tough. bill of sale i would think due to the state it is being sold out of.
My dad had one very similar. Except it was black with a red interior
I’ve owned 2 62 Ford Galaxie convertibles. One was a silver Sunliner with black top and interior, a 390 and a column shift CruisoMatic and a bench seat. Comfortable and roomy but a real slug. It sounded fierce when it down shifted upon acceleration and the secondaries on the Motorcraft 4 barrel opened up. But it hardly reacted. The other one that I owned was a red on red with white top Galaxie 500XL with bucket seats and console shift automatic. This one had a 352 4barrel and a Cruisomatic. The difference was like night and day. The 352 was far more responsive and lively. It was much more fun to drive. than the other. Gas milage was much better with the 352. The 390 was a gas hog by comparison.These are heavy cars, much heavier than the 1962 Chevrolet which also had the free revving 283 or the over rated 409. Estimated curb weight for a 62 Ford 3880lbs. For a 62 Chevy Impala about 3640Lbs. It showed at the drag strips where the Chevys routinely shut down the Fords.
I shared your experience with the sluggish 390 ci engine. Mine was in a ’66 Mercury Monclair. It, too, had the four-barrel carburetor, and it, too, couldn’t get out of its way. But how it loved gas!
Both my 390’s had great power and response. A 1964 Galaxie 500 4 speed and 1966 Fairlane GT w/factory 3 speed manual.
I’m glad to see these 4 doors still around. I’ve always liked 4 doors. So sad so many old ones didn’t get saved because they had 2 too many doors. The collectors of old cars circa 2075 will be screwed if they’re looking for coupes, because 4 doors will be all that’s left of this gen of vehicles outside of the obvious Corvette, Mustang, etc..