My well-known weakness for large convertibles has me following this auction here on eBay, despite the fact that I know it will end up way out of my price range (and I’m not helping by posting it on Barn Finds, am I)! This 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 has obviously been a weekend toy, and while the seller is not the owner, they have known the car since 1991. It’s located in Moorefield, West Virginia and bidding is very low as I write, below $2,000.
It doesn’t look like the car has been on the road since 2011 based on the license plate, and before that it was used for summertime weekend drives with grandchildren and a car show every fall. The paint is original, and while nicked and scratched in a few places when you look closely at the pictures, I think it would shine up nicely with a little work. I’m sure you could count on replacing the tires due to age, but it’s nice to see those original wheel covers in place.
I’m guessing this trunk, or at least ones like it, were commonly used to sneak folks into drive ins. I think I’ve owned pickups with less usable space in the rear.
No rust, of course. It doesn’t look like there is any rust or body repair anywhere on the car, but the front grille and hood trim are both slightly dented.
The vintage “coco” mats are pretty cool, and the interior looks ready to go with just a cleaning. Just load the family, friends, dogs, cats, giraffe (hey, headroom isn’t a problem) or try for the whole football team. There’s plenty of room!
While the 390 V8 with a two-barrel carburetor won’t turn this cruiser into a race car, it should deliver acceptable straight line performance and hopefully double-digit fuel economy. Of course, you can do a lot to make more horsepower should you want to, but I really hope someone keeps this car original. No attempt has been made to start the car, but considering the history it shouldn’t take much to get it running and safe. The seller tells us the brake system still has pedal pressure, so that’s a great sign.
This Galaxie is one survivor where views of the underside don’t let you down. Things under here appear just as good as the top side. I’ll be following this auction closely until it undoubtedly goes up out of my reach. Where do you think it will end up?
I would put a 4barrel on it and then add A/C
Sorry, don’t like it…want a 4 dr base model, 6 banger, 3 on the tree with lots of rust and mouse poop.
Nice find!!!!
This is a very nice car. Bid up to $7k now. I have a ’65 Galaxie ragtop, so I’m familiar with these. This one looks like it is in really great shape – I am normally very skeptical of low mileage claims but this one looks legit.
I love to see the original labels (fenderwell, glove box door, etc.). I’d like to see more pics of the floors and frame. These are notorious for frame rust, so that should be inspected closely. With the low mileage and super solid condition, I’d guess the frame is pretty good too.
– John
The first convertible I ever rode in was a red 1965 Galaxie. Add in my matchbox police car and fire chief cars, I’ve always had a soft spot for a 1965-66 Galaxies. I love this car. Might have to keep an eye on this auction and see if it ends up somewhat affordable still!
The 65 and 66 full size fords always have looked a lot smaller than the 64 full size fords. Must be an illusion.
Or an improvement
Nice car, no doubt, big Ford’s of this era were on top of the game. Even with the stacked headlights, which I’m not a fan of, this still is a sharp looking car. Naturally, the mileage doesn’t jive, especially using the ’67 Newport as an example, with only 10K miles less? Traditionally, convertibles are driven less, so I suppose it’s possible. The motor is too leaky, and I don’t know what that “schlum-gooey” is underneath, and a bald spare. Still, great find. Big Ford V-8, top down cruisin’,,,sweet.
That undercoating was applied recently. Buyer be aware.
I am always a skeptic but I have to disagree. I am an undercoating expert. Ziebart dealers since 1964. I have a 64 Olds, all original that we bought at 9 months old, undercoated it in 64 now with 58K on it, looks the same.
Based upon the rest of the car and the low mileage this undercoating has EVERY indicator of NOT being recent. Unless I am missing something you saw but I don’t think so. Just because it looks good doesn’t mean recent, just means good product & done correctly.
Nothing else on this car looks “recently” cleaned or manipulated.
I agree about the chances for rot. However, this is one FIND that I think is finally legit. Nice car. Too bad it’s not a hard top, that would be my preference and would have my bid!
I didn’t know ziebart was still in business. I also didn’t know that Ziebart did undercoating. I had a 77 Monte ziebarted and I remember the stuff dripping onto the driveway from the holes where they sprayed.
Great find …
Beware of frame rot . These frames rotted from the inside out . It would be best to get a close look at the frame before bidding . These were great cars otherwise .
I kept a white over red one like this running for an old lady next door in case she would want yo use it, but she never did. I used it as a driver for a few years and all that it needed was a valve in the transmission to that kept the pressure from bleeding while it sat. It could have used new springs too.
I loved having a monster vert that held 6 easily. Very much fun without looking like a stupid old man car guy…..
My Dad had a turquoise ’65 with the 352 that was going to be my first car, until it caught fire one day after start up (I later heard this wasn’t the first), too bad for me. I remember it had a blue “cold” light that would go off when it was ok to turn the heat on…which Honda uses now? How cool.
This won’t go cheap.
My first car was 1965 Galaxy 500 four door sedan, no a/c, power steering or brakes. Had the 289 engine and auto tranny. Big green always held a bunch of friends after school that did not want to ride the bus. And yes three people could fit in the trunk to sneak into the drive inn.
Not buying the 36k mile story. great old car with 136k on it ;|
I’ve got a soft spot for 65 & 66 Galaxies. Had a 66 convertible with a little 289 two barrel in high school back in the 70’s and always kind of missed it since then.
Found a big block example in 2010 and have been “improving” it since then. I never get tired of the styling of these cars, plus there’s rarely ever another one at car shows.
Nice ride and photo, Mike !
Thanks, Bog!!
Now at $8,300 – and reserve is not met……