One of the most significant challenges we each face when writing for Barn Finds is remaining objective when we have a strong personal link to the classic in question. Such is the case with me and this 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 XL. We had one of these gems parked in our garage as a daily driver at Castle Clarke when I was a lad, and it is the only car that my father said he regretted selling. Therefore, I know he would approve of this Galaxie, from its spotless presentation to its odometer reading of 37,000 original miles. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Galaxie listed here on Craigslist in Clackamas, Oregon. The seller set their price at $28,500 for this wonderful survivor.
Ford entered the 1960s with a new Galaxie in its showrooms. The latest offering featured significantly less bright exterior trim than its predecessor, and the fins that dominated the late-1950s would disappear during the four-year production run. This 1964 Galaxie is a 500 XL 2-Door Hardtop. The seller emphasizes its survivor status, stating that the Wimbledon White paint gracing its exterior is original. Its condition is particularly noteworthy if that is the case, because there are no genuine cosmetic issues with the panels or paint. The seller states that they became the car’s custodian in 1988 after purchasing it from the original owner. The Galaxie has been a treasured family member, and its garage-kept history makes the car’s rust-free status unsurprising. The glass is crystal clear, and the narrow whitewalls emphasize the vehicle’s classy styling.
Ordering a 1964 Galaxie 500 XL meant that buyers received a V8 as the default motor. The entry-level 289 provided reasonable performance, but this car’s first owner raised the stakes by ticking the box beside the 352ci powerplant. They teamed the motor with a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The 352 was a worthwhile investment, because while the 289 delivered 195hp and 282 ft/lbs of torque, the 352 lifted those figures to 250hp and 352 ft/lbs. Although it isn’t stated specifically, the car’s ownership history means that the claimed odometer reading of 37,000 genuine miles may be documented. If not, the Galaxie’s overall condition makes it plausible. The seller doesn’t provide any information regarding how the Galaxie runs or drives, but if the engine bay presentation is an accurate guide, it should be a turnkey proposition.
This Galaxie’s interior definitely has the “wow” factor. Trimmed in Red vinyl, the only sign of an active life is the slightly crushed seat foam on the front buckets. Otherwise, it is exceptionally clean, carrying the hallmarks of a car that has been treated respectfully. Its owners have been non-smokers, meaning that there won’t be any obnoxious odors or stubborn stains to taint the interior. The seller mounted a modern stereo below the dash, but this Galaxie retains its factory AM/FM radio. Add bucket seats, a console, and crisp bright trim to the equation, and there is much to like about this interior.
I acknowledge that I am biased, but I believe that the 1964 Galaxie 500 XL was the most attractive full-size model produced by Ford in the 1960s. The styling hit a sweet spot, managing to look sophisticated but purposeful. The ’64 has aged well, still looking crisp sixty-two years after the last car left the line. This one is an absolute gem, and if my father were still with us, I am sure that he would be angling for a test drive to rekindle fond memories. The price is at the top end of the market, but if the seller’s claims are accurate, the figure is justified. I believe it will find a new home, and I hope that it will be with one of our readers. That way, I can be sure that it will be treated respectfully for many years. Do we have any takers?
I am going to have to agree with you Adam. Ford had some beautiful full sized Galaxies in the 60’s. And ’64 was most certainly at the very top of that list. I totally get your Dad being sorry he sold his. I’d be sorry too. This one is just absolutely amazing. I believe the low mileage claim. Curvette has a nose for finding nice vehicles. Great write up Adam, I always enjoy them. Thank you!!!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Driveinstile. I love writing for Barn Finds, and I get a kick out of seeing people enjoy my work. However, even using the word “work” seems wrong, because every article is a pleasure to write. I have fond memories of our ’64, and my Dad, being the man that he was, couldn’t leave it completely original. It only had a 289 under the hood, but he had it rebuilt to K-Code specs. That gave it a sting in its tail!
Wow, I’m sure it punched above its weight class for sure. You know I just remembered Derek from Vice Grip Garage just revived a ’64 Galaxy 2 door hardtop.
My dad’s ’64 XL had the 390 … I often raced it after school (without his knowledge of course) … my best result was against my best friend who had a ’67 GTO with a four-speed … he just couldn’t understand how an automatic could beat his 4-speed … I loved how the auto would get rubber shifting into second …
While the 289 was a really good engine that you could get a lot out of, the 352 and 390s were appreciated for their torque in these heavy cars.
Adam Clarke, my father also loved his ’64 and it was the exact color combo of this beautiful Galaxie XL that you’ve perfectly described right here for BF!! Our family ’64 was powered by a 289, sported a bench front seat and an automatic shifter on the column. The only blemish on that beauty was on the interior passenger side door vinyl that was attributed to a “teething bite mark” by your’s truly, of course I don’t recall committing that sin. My dad also regretted having sold his prized ’64 Galaxie XL but don’t all of us “car nuts” have those regrets? Great write up sir!!
Excellent, heart-felt writeup Adam. I agree, these ’64 Galaxies were very attractive, very classy cars. This one is particularly sharp with the white paint and flashy red interior. The buckets and floor shifter give it a sporty feel inside. I even like the wire wheel covers with the whitewalls. A great cruiser from a great era of full-size Fords.
As i have stated in the past 14 inch wire hupcaps were not only available from the factory but also at Ford dealerships for Fairlanes,Falcons,Galaxies,Comets and Mustangs which my 66′ Mustang has a set of.
The ‘64 Ford Galaxie is a beautiful car and I remember my dad having one in a greenish color when I was a little kid. Oh the memories I have during that time. This is one of Ford’s best models.
Beautiful car. 1964 is my favourite year for the Ford Galaxie. I had a neighbour when I was a boy who had a 64 Ford Galaxie 500. It’s been so long since I saw the car, I can’t remember now whether it was an XL or something.
Beauty ride.
nice find ! Barn Finds
Nice 64….Fords were always ‘nicer” than Chevies as far as interior trim… and ’65 was the nicest Galaxie overall. I rode to school in a neighbor’s brand new 65 LTD sedan and it was truly luxurious.. the seat upholstery was incredible… a fine weave cloth that was very soft and smooth…
We always called that upholstery “panty cloth”…
My uncle had this same model with a 390 in it. It flew and would float because of the weight. Fun to drive for sure.
Biased or not, love me a 64 Galaxie XL!
classic white/red. can’t go wrong there. i would lose those tailpipe tips though. factory am/fm is really rare for 1963.
Does Curvette have a job? :)
Yes…..Finding great cars!!! 😆 🤣 😂
Retired. Cars have been my hobby since the 60’s when I started racing slot cars and building model cars. That kid checking my tread depth is my son who is 48 years old now and is also a car guy.
100% love this car, only problem for me is, I live Phoenix AZ. Not a good place for NO AC car.
I had one no AC car here in Phoenix for one year,never again.
Very nice Ford!!
I’ve always been a Chevrolet fan. That said, the 1962, 63, and 64 Ford Galaxie XL interiors were head and shoulders above Chevy’s Impala SS interiors.
Nice
Back in the early 70’s I had several 64 Galaxies, but I had a grey one 352 automatic with red interior. Cruising along at about 45 MPH one fine day my middle daughter who was about 4 years old decided to push the shifter forward. It went into reverse and destroyed the transmission. She was a mischievous child full of pranks from the time she was born. I love you Roxanne. Well at the time I was attending Shasta College where the automotive instructor had a 62 Ford with a 3 speed manual. He sold me the complete setup clutch pedal and all which I put in the 64. Worked out pretty well.
I really love 64 Galaxies.
God Bless America
This 64 Galaxie reminds of the 1/24 scale model cars I had as a kid. We had a dealer style model of a 64 in the house back then. Don’t know where it came from, maybe my dad’s friend who was a Ford salesman? (there were almost always used Fords in the driveway.)
At any rate that model came fully assembled not as a kit like by AMT or Revel. Which made it fun to play with. The kits, though much cooler, were a bit delicate to toy with.
This Galaxie is really nice, but for my tastes, like that model, a bit fussy stylistically. I always preferred a 63 or 65-66. That said, I’ve seen a few sleek, stripped down, hopped up 64’s that get the blood boiling. That 352 with a few upgrades could be made to make that big old Ford move out, and with suspension tweaks, hold the road. A 4 speed would put it over the top.
But not as price. It would be throwing money away to mess with this one. Nice Galaxie!