If you’re searching for a spacious 1960s classic that presents exceptionally well and has a V8 under the hood, this 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 deserves a close look. There’s little to criticize about its appearance, and the image gallery confirms it is rock-solid. It is the type of car where the winning bidder could fly in and drive it home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Galaxie listed here on eBay in Clarkston, Michigan. Bidding sits below the reserve at $9,300 with time remaining for interested parties to stake their claim on this classic.
After introducing an entirely new, more aggressive body in 1965, Ford made a few cosmetic upgrades to its Galaxie range in 1966 to keep its latest offering looking fresh and to differentiate the ’66 from the previous year’s models. This car’s original owner ordered this Galaxie 500 in Candy Apple Red, one of the most iconic paint shades of the decade. The seller emphasizes the originality of this one-owner classic, suggesting it has never undergone any form of restoration. The paint looks superb, and there are no visible panel imperfections. The Ford’s beauty is more than skin deep, with the underside shots confirming there are no rust problems. The trim and glass look comfortably acceptable for a survivor-grade vehicle, and the 15″ wheels retain their correct covers and a new set of narrow whitewalls.
Powering this Galaxie is its original Y-Code 390ci V8. The factory quoted a power output of 275hp, with that year’s Sales Brochure confirming that the Y-Code was only available teamed with the three-speed C6 automatic transmission found in this car. The first owner selected power steering but decided to pass on assistance for the brakes. Apart from the cosmetic enhancements, this is another aspect of the car that is original and untouched. However, the seller includes the correct air cleaner and valve covers for those preferring authenticity. The listing indicates that this beauty has a genuine 32,000 miles showing on its odometer. That spotless V8 is unsurprising, as the seller confirmed this Galaxie recently underwent a mechanical refurbishment. It included fitting an aluminum radiator, though the original is in the trunk if the winning bidder wishes to restore and refit it. Otherwise, potential buyers can consider this a turnkey proposition.
The “Red’ theme set by this Galaxie’s exterior continues when we open the doors to scrutinize its interior. The condition seems to confirm that this car’s sole owner has treated it respectfully. The upholstered surfaces are free from rips and evidence of abuse, and the carpet looks remarkably wear-free for its age. The dash is in good condition, and I can’t spot any aftermarket additions. It isn’t lavishly equipped by modern standards, but it does feature a remote driver’s mirror and a factory AM radio. However, this interior should still receive respect at any Cars & Coffee when people learn that it is unrestored.
There is much to like about this 1966 Ford Galaxie 500, especially if you are an enthusiast with a family. The spacious back seat will comfortably accommodate the tallest teenager, while the split front bench could conceivably make it a six-seater. The motor should provide respectable performance, but there is scope to unleash extra ponies with an upgraded carburetor and intake if originality isn’t a key consideration. Someone may only be days away from giving this Galaxie a new home, but are you tempted to be that person?
Nice.
Yes! Red on Red is one of my favorite combos. On the Southern Motors website, priced at $23,900.
https://www.southernmotors.com/ford/galaxie-500-vh_4235.html
Sharp, eye-catching Galaxie. Looks to be in great shape. I’ve always liked these “styled steel wheel covers.” The mileage claim could be legit. Overall these mid-60’s full-size Fords were nice cars.
It sure does look to be in great shape. The mileage could just as well be 3200 miles. I’m busy today, but I took some time to stare at that engine compartment for awhile–beautiful! The seller could be that “little old lady who only drove it to church on Sundays when the weather was perfect.” She also had a top notch mechanic who loved the car as much as she did.
I have a soft spot in my heart for 1966 Galaxies. Before I got my first car in high school I had to drive my dad’s 1962 Mercury Monterey 4-door, black with white trim under the windows. It was a nice car but just was not cool to hang out with my buddies. I begged my dad to get a cool car, so one day he comes home in a 1966 LTD, 390 C-6, 2-door, ember glow with black vinyl top, black interior. That was a ‘cool’ car. I was accepted at cruze nites. This red 66 reminds me of our 66 but it’s too much red for me. We always called those hubcaps 7-Litre hubcaps. The asking price seems reasonable to me.
Beautiful car and nothing wrong with the eye candy on the engine. Price is definitely a plus. Should bring plenty of smiles per mile.
It is on it’s 8th try thru it’s EBAY listing–reserve hasen’t been met..hmmm
Al, I thank you for the way you said “it’s ebay listing”.
I was taught that if something was “possessive”, like Joe’s car, or Mark’s house, then there was an apostrophe-s. Somewhere along the way, the apostrophe in “it’s” was dropped for some reason. You are correct (in my opinion) because the listing is the Galaxie’s listing, and therefore is “it’s” listing.
The English language certainly has it’s anomalies and contradictions. Even the BF auto correct tells me I’m wrong with my last “it’s”! I ain’t changing now.
The lack of an apostrophe is intended to differentiate between the possessive “its” from the contraction “it’s”, which is short for “it is.” If one reads a sentence with “it’s” as “it is” and it doesn’t make sense, then likely it should be “its”, the possessive form.
Yes, the anomalies and contradictions of the English language are interesting.
Always loved those Startrek tail lenses!
390 engine is not a Y code series engine. It is from the FE family of Ford V8s.
Do you mean “y-block”?
no . Y-block is pre FE series. 292 ,312cand i can’t think what other engines were Y-blocks.
272 was a pre-curser to the 292..
The VIN” 6N66Y160138″ where the “Y” is the code for the engine size, denotes it as a 390ci V-8 FE, a regular engine used by Ford from 1958-1976.
Nice car. I’m actively looking at these along with other FoMoCo products from the late 60’s to replace my ’40. He’s got to be looking for around $25K i would guess. This is a nice driver. Too bad no AC
asking $23,900 on their website
nice!
In January 1973 was with a friend who had a brother that had one identical to this right down to the hubcaps. He said let’s take it for a spin and 30 minutes later it was intimate with an oak tree dead center in the grille. I had just turned 16 and he was about one week from 16 and getting his license. Luckily, we were not hurt but the Galaxy was in a bad way. This test drive resulted in him not getting a license for an additional 30 days
Absolutely fantastic! It’s beautiful! Anyone would be lucky to own it! It looks new and I remember them new. These would sell today. Why isn’t Ford building them?
was that a a/c car?
Original paint? The right front fender is a different color.
I had an almost identical one. Mine had no AC and black vinyl interior. Not a good combination at the time, living in the desert southwest. I tried to hot rod it, but there want much available at the time in performance parts for Fords. Echoed it once, then traded for an old pickup. Not the best car a ever owned, but it looked good.
As Rex said the English language certainly has its fair share of anomalies, you know. Or don’t you. No means no except when it’s know. Pronounced the same way. At least we don’t assign gender to inanimate objects like the French. I have to admire non English speakers who learn to speak English fluently.
I always liked these mid sixties full sized Fords. Detroit was at its pinnacle of great design then. This is a nice one. GLWTS.
Is that the right grill for a 500 ? I thought it should have the better grill.
I believe that is the correct grille. The XL and 7-Litre had the upgraded grille of I recall. Our 66 two-door had that grille. I had only noted those hub caps on the upgraded models as well.
Original owner? Kid must have had a good paying job back in ’66.
I had a 1966 Galaxie 500 back in the 70’s . It was a plum color with the 352 4 bbl. I had an aftermarket A/C from Sears installed because I lived in South Florida. You can not survive down here in the summer without A/C. It was a great car and it had some pep for a big car.
Borrowed a silver one like this from a Ford dealer neighbor to drive to my high school prom. Someone did a hit and run in the parking lot of the hotel where the prom was. Owner was pissed but said don’t worry about it. Never asked him for anything after that.
been for sale on and off on ebay. great looking ride though with the red on red and those great wheel covers. these were some of the best-looking fords made
I am hesitant to comment for fear my English teacher Mother will rise from the gave and correct me!
She’s in a gave?
For me it’s hard to tell what’s real here. Firstly, all the photos appear nice until you see they are low-resolution. That makes it hard to see much of any detail. For instance, is that red-paint overspray on the firewall? Or just a reflection? Secondly, looking at the door tag, there does appear to be indications this car was re-painted. Also, that tag looks very new for being 60 years old. It’s not hard to have Marti Autoworks to provide authentic reproductions right down to the rivets. Again, hard to tell what’s real here. Third, at the factory the inner fenderwells were sprayed with semi-gloss black paint. On this car they’re gloss black which means they’ve been repainted. Fourth, Ford did not equip Body-63B Galaxie 500 2-door Hardtops with Styled Steel Wheel Covers or Rocker Trim Mouldings from the factory. But the covers were an RPO option and the mouldings could also be ordered. Point is, together with the other stuff on this car, it raises question whether someone added both to help it sell. Hard to say and that’s the storyline from here.
Bidding ended on Tue, Dec 23
US $18,000.00
29 bids
Reserve not met
Not exactly surprised. Reserve was most likely $25,000-$30,000