The owner of this 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 XL admits that it has been sitting forgotten in storage since 1976. Time has taken a toll on this classic, but it hasn’t taken it to the point where it is beyond salvation. Despite some worrying signs, it appears that this is a structurally sound classic that could make a satisfying restoration project. The combination of a 390ci V8 and manual transmission means that it should have the performance to match its sleek good looks. If you feel ready for a challenge, you will find the Galaxie located in Mount Airy, North Carolina, and listed for sale here on Craigslist. All you will need to do is hand the owner $10,500, and you could walk away with this gentle giant. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Gunter K for spotting this Ford for us.
I will admit that I hold a soft spot in my heart for this Galaxie. As a child, the Clan Clarke had many different family cars because my father liked his classic Fords. One of them was a Galaxie similar to this one, and it was one of my favorites. I have always believed that my father regretted the decision to sell it. Were he still with us today, I think that there would be a reasonable chance that he’d want this one pretty badly. The initial impression that the car makes is not that positive. Its Raven Black paint is badly faded, and there is surface corrosion in various locations around the vehicle. This has even impacted some of the chrome trim pieces, so the buyer will need to restore or replace those items. However, the panels look surprisingly straight, with no noticeable dings or dents. Perhaps the biggest surprise is the rust, or more accurately, the lack of it. The surface corrosion may seem like a bad omen, but the panels look surprisingly clean. The owner says that while the car is decent, he identifies rust in the trunk pan. It isn’t clear how extensive it is, but with a full replacement pan available for around $360, addressing this issue should not be enough to break the bank. If that is the extent of the problem, getting the car to a respectable state would seem to be pretty straightforward.
This Galaxie’s interior has seen better days, and it will take some effort and dollars to return it to its former glory. The hard trim pieces look respectable, with no rust or corrosion. The console looks like a competent owner could restore it, but the upholstered surfaces, carpet, and dash pad all look pretty sad. The buyer could source all of the required items separately, but a more cost-effective solution would be to hunt for a trim kit. They’re out there, but they aren’t cheap. The buyer can budget around $2,700 for one that includes everything to return the interior to its original splendor. It is a lot of money, but the final result should be worth the expense.
When it rolled off the production line, the Galaxie featured a 390ci V8 that produced 300hp. When coupled with the four-speed manual transmission, it gave the car the ability to cover the ¼ mile in 15.7 seconds. I would love to state that the vehicle is numbers-matching, but sadly, it isn’t. The motor is still a 390, but it is of 1969 vintage. The owner indicates that it turns over, but I suspect it hasn’t fired a shot in anger since a previous owner parked the car in 1976. Getting it running again may not be difficult, but you can be sure that the fuel system will need flushing, and the remaining fluid will need to be replaced before the buyer hits the key. The owner believes the 50,700 miles showing on the odometer could be original. Since the Galaxie only saw twelve years of active service, the claim is plausible.
If the owner’s description is accurate, this 1964 Galaxie 500 XL could defy its tired appearance by being a structurally sound car with limited rust problems. Its drivetrain combination is a good one, although its lack of a numbers-matching status could negatively impact its potential value. In a pristine state, it could potentially command a value of around $35,000. When you consider what this car requires, it should be a financially viable restoration project. Is that enough to tempt you to investigate this classic further?
The console plate may be worth more than the car.
Mount Airy (“Mayberry”) – Andy Griffith’s home town.
I’ve passed a ’64 many times,sitting with a bunch of older cars,in
good shape,in that Ford light blue color.
As that was my first car,I’m tempted to look into it,but don’t
need a project car.
When new, this would have been a very attractive car. Triple black and shined up like a new dime… it would have really turned some heads.
All my working life I had the ability but, not the money to restore it. Now, I have the money but, I’m too old to do the work. A classic paradox.
I worked in a antique auto parts store back in 75 when I was 13, stocking parts from trucks that came in. Bowman distributing would set you up nut and bolt bins for the old car parts to get you to buy their nuts,bolts and washers. I helped unload a semi full of nos 38 Ford car front fenders once, it was amazing what came in back then. Anyways, I was back in a part of the building I hadn’t been in and found a R code 63 1/2 Ford Galaxy and a 427 Vette coupe. They were the owners buddies cars, he was letting him store them there. I sat behind the wheel of both, man did I want that Galaxy.
From when Ford was into total performance, on the track of course. These Galaxies have that look of speed even parked curbside!
I owe my warped reasoning of cars to a ’63 1/2 Galaxie drag racer our neighbor had (and stil owns) as a three or four old child back in the early early seventies….a quick test down our street, open headers 850 horsepower 427 SOHC absolutely screamed for miles.
Nice old ’64.
I helped a friend with one a couple years ago. Unless things have changed, good luck finding a rear bumper.
how true ! I think the 64s was the first bumper that I ever saw rusted out . Granted it was in New England , but bumpers usually help up well back then.
Would sure have to see the underside of this one to have any confidence in its integrity. Beside the lack of much of the rear bumper, the doors on both sides sag a good deal. Never a good sign.
Rear and front bumpers are being reproduced. I bought one of each. No one could tell they’re repops.
Perfect candidate for NASCAR recreation.$4500.00 Sell anything that’s useable for parts. Not worth a restoration, You can buy a much better example without the expensive cost of redoing this one.
Just fix it up and drive and not spend a huge pile of $$$ and it would make a great car for whatever you want.