Ford made over 1M cars in 1964 and that may be the reason that so many turn up here on BF. Heck, the Galaxie, a ’64 favorite, put up 394K units but the 500/XL? Not so many. And one equipped the way this Watsonville, California resident is – probably a rare find. It looks quite appealing and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $15,000 with seven bids tendered so far.
The year 1964 was a special one for Ford, primarily because April would bring the Mustang, a revolutionary model if ever there was one. Compact and sporty, it had performance intentions that up to this point, were covered primarily by the full-size Galaxie/Custom line-up. Full-sized muscle still ruled in ’64 but the times, they were a-changin’. But before too much of that change occurred, one could buy a Galaxie 500 XL and spec if for going fast. Interestingly, that’s sorta how this example started out, but not entirely. Nevertheless, it has certainly turned out that way.
Born with a 300-gross HP, 390 CI V8, this big Ford has seen an Edelbrock AVS2 650 CFM carburetor, a Blue Thunder aluminum intake manifold, and 406 cast iron headers swapped for the original components. Best of all, however, is the T-10 four-speed manual gearbox that has taken up residency, in place of the original automatic transmission. Additionally, the front suspension and brakes have all been rebuilt – always a valuable inclusion! Surprisingly, there’s no statement regarding operating prowess but there is a start-up video included for your review.
Other switcheroos include a change in color from Medium Turquoise Metallic to Wimbledon White. I’m on the fence about the color change but this stylish hardtop wears it well. There is no sign of rust or crash damage though the passenger side flanks look wavy in this image – it could just be the lighting too. The trim is all present and the chrome shines – just as it should. The blue-painted wheels are a matter of taste I suppose – they look OK but wouldn’t have been my first choice.
Inside, the two-tone turquoise vinyl upholstery is still holding court and presents beautifully with the 500/XL’s standard bucket seats and center console. Mentioned, however, is,” The dash stopped lighting the other day, don’t know why or when, but the fuel and temp gauges work. The tachometer works but isn’t wired with lighting. The speedometer does not work because the nylon gear was too short or didn’t have the right number of teeth when I switched from the automatic to the 4-speed transmission. I use a GPS speedometer on an old phone that fits right in front of the speedo, so it doesn’t bother me and is more accurate“. I’m not sure about that speedometer matter, it would seem to me that finding the proper drive/driven gear shouldn’t be a problem.
So, yes, in my book this is a cool car but then I have a thing for full-sizers regardless of the marque – and you can watch it in action here. As for rarity, not hardly, there were 58K 500/XL two-door hardtops knocked out in ’64 but that statistic hardly diminishes this car’s value. This is a no-reserve auction and in spite of the electrical gremlins, someone might just pick up a seriously nice, big ride, wouldn’t you agree?
Although T-10s are nice, they are a bit weak – unless it’s a Super T-10.
The Toploader is the real snazz. I have one in my 63.5 Fastback and oh yeah…
The originality has been ruined with the tube headers, carburetor, and trans swap. In car shows matching #s and equipment all the way down to the old wire radiator hose clamps determine its value
Idk…had one in my 63 406, 64 390/330, 67 Fairlane GT and 69 Torino Cobra Jet. And, I really abused them all with NO failures. 😀
Nice. The author left a few things out, I don’t think will mind. ’64 Ford was Car of the Year, but I don’t think Mustang was part of that. Anyone?
’64 was also a banner year for Ford at the race track. Some big names drove ’64 Fords. Junior Johnson, Ned Jarrett, Fireball Roberts, who Ironically died from a result of his ’64 Ford bursting into flames, and many more. It was the car to beat since the hemi was outlawed in ’65. Even with Fords newer styling in ’65, many kept their ’64s. As mentioned, the guy across the alley had this car with the 427. Needless to say, it burned a memory deep in a 9 year old kids mind. Nice car.
Thx Howard!
JO
My first car in ’72.I paid $400 for it from a widow whose
husband had passed away.Mine was just a 500,not the XL,in
this same color & condition.I sold it for $600 – what I had into it
as I wanted a smaller car.
I too had a 1964 Galaxie 500 2 door fastback in 1972….for $400! My first car. Red/red/white roof. 390/auto with under dash Ford AC.
These are one of favorite Ford’s growing up. A 390 with a 4 speed that’s cool. And that exhaust system must sound wicked. But…. Photo #18 I noticed Bondo on the rocker panel. Look at the gap around the door. I seen plenty of body work in my life time to send up flags! I hope the next owner brings a magnet to check around. Happy New Year 🎆🐻🇺🇸
1964 Galaxie’s were the best looking ones.And white is the best color choice for them or the baby blue color.Steel wheels perfect.This one just needs some love.
Dad traded his ’60 TBird on a ’64 Galaxie XL … he let me take it on many dates in HS … would race it at the drive-in meets after football games on Friday nights … AT but would get good rubber in second gear … actually out-ran a ’68 wagon with a 428 … sometimes you get one that just seems better than others …
maybe wasn’t built on a Monday?
Lovely looking car. 1964 has always been my favourite year for the Galaxie. As nice as the car is, I’m not willing to pay $15,000 for the car. I’d pay somewhere between $10,000 and $15,000 for the car.
My first car was a 1964 Galaxie 500 2 door fastback with a 390/4brrl and a 3 on the tree. Plus overdrive. It was 1967, my junior year in high school. Pop overhauled the engine, put on duals and a new carb. It was pretty fast but was a real road burner on top end with that OD tranny. Have always liked the 64’s styling over any other year for the big Fords. Maybe because it was my first car though. This particular car on Barn Finds….ditch the blue wheels!
It was the summer of 1972 I was driving with my first wife and three daughters on a country road in the Buckeye area of Shasta County, California when suddenly the car stopped moving, the engine still running but no brakes we began to roll back down the hill. All I could do was steer the car backwards for about 500 feet to the parking lot of a tavern which I managed to get the car into and stopped. Turned out the left rear axel had separated from the wheel bearing and slid out tire and all leaving us with no brakes and no power. A very scary situation indeed for my family. It was a grey 64 Ford Galaxie 500XL. After having a new bearing pressed onto the axel the old car was put back on the road. It was a 352 automatic. Memories aren’t they grand.
God Bless America
64 was a good year for Ford, how’s nobody’s mentioned the 64 Fairlane 500 Thunder Bolt ⚡ Champion of FX drag racing for 64🏁
I own a K code 64 Fairlane 4 spd 3:89’s 289 Hipo only took until I retired to get her
1964 was a great year for Ford…..even the Falcons looked good.
I bought a ‘64 Galaxy 500 Fastback 390 3speed column shift with a caved in front fender for $500. After replacing the fender and painting the car a pale blue, I found a BW T-10 transmission for $10. A set of chrome reverse wheels and I was set.
I agree with 8banger. The T-10’s don’t hold up so well and are quite expensive to repair.
The side picture looks like the river I live on, just a bit wavey!
Maybe a little mud!
Be stil my heart, would love to own this beauty, get a set of torq Thrusts on there and cruise. Great memories of my 63 galaxie 390 four speed. Sold the PITA cast iron headers for $50. Hmm. The wisdom of Yoot!
Happy new year
Cheers
GPC
When I got my license in 73 my choice to drive was 58 F1 or the 64 Galaxie 500 XL 4 door hardtop. That was my Dad’s. It was creme colored, had the real wheel tire skirts, wire rim wheel covers. We did a mild restoration, fixed a few rust spots, polished all chrome and repaint. Dad sold it about 1994. I wouldn’t mind getting it back. Someone back home in S.E. Minnesota has it.
It’s funny how one or two cars made such a strong impression on me during my 70’s childhood, the neighbors full blown 427 Galaxie drag racer being the first.To the point I believed every early 60’s Ford Galaxie was built for speed….legal or otherwise.
Of course that early assumption would be completely false. Nice ride!
I have a 64, XL convertible, black exterior and red interior. Great driving car. Love it
My first car in 1970: ‘62 Galaxie 500XL Convertible. PS, PB, 390, pwr windows & factory air. Loved her!!!!
I have owned 3 63 1/2 Galaxies. A red 427 4spd and 2 white 390 4spd .
I know where a 63.5 Ford Galaxy-427-4 speed one owner located in West Memphis Arkansas
Who cares if it’s not original. It’s not an R code. Just drive and enjoy.
Is it for sale?
Blue steelies look awesome
Looks like NASCAR
Just those 406 cast iron headers are worth a pretty penny! I love the whole package.