It is 19-years since this 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 XL underwent some light restoration work, and the fact that the car still looks so tidy would suggest that the work was performed to a high standard. It is a one-owner classic, but that owner has decided that the time has come to part with this beauty. The Galaxie is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and has been listed for sale here on Craigslist. If you hand the owner $45,000, you can be driving away in this blue-oval classic. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L for spotting the Galaxie for us.
The Galaxie is finished in Ivy Green, and I believe that it probably received a repaint as part of the work performed in 2002. It still presents nicely, and if it has lasted this long, the work must have been performed to a high standard. It shines well, and there’s no evidence of significant marks or damage. The panels appear to be nice and straight, and there are no signs of rust anywhere. The owner doesn’t mention any problems, and the lack of any visible surface corrosion anywhere tends to paint a positive picture. The trim along the lower extremities of these cars can be prone to physical damage, but this looks good. The remaining chrome shines as nicely as the paint, and there are no issues with the glass.
The Galaxie has a genuine 77,000 miles on the clock, and while this is low for a vehicle of this age, I get the impression that the car is no trailer queen. The accumulated dust around the engine bay suggests that it doesn’t get to sit around much, and the owner talks about some extended journeys that he has undertaken. Under the hood is a 390ci V8 that should be pumping out 315hp. Bolted to the back of the V8 is a 4-speed manual transmission, while the owner ordered the car with power steering and power brakes. All of that is a tasty combination, and even though the Galaxie tips the scales at 3,981lbs, it should still be able to cover the ¼ mile in 15.7 seconds. We don’t receive any information on how the Ford runs or drives, so that is a question that is worth asking.
As part of the work performed in 2002, the interior was treated to new upholstery in its original combination of Light and Medium Ivy Gold vinyl. This has survived well, as have the dash and pad. There are a few minor flaws inside the car, but none of them would be deal-breakers. The kick panels are marked and damaged, but I think that they could be restored. There is also some wear on the carpet around the driver’s left foot, but since it hasn’t worn right through, I’d learn to live with it. The console’s plated section has surface rubbing, but I think a high-quality polish would take care of that. An aftermarket radio/cassette player is mounted under the dash, but the original radio is still in situ. The Galaxie also comes complete with air conditioning.
This 1966 Galaxie 500 XL is a beautiful looking car. If it is as good in the metal as it appears to be in the listing, it should provide many years of reliable and enjoyable classic motoring to its next owner. The only thing that worries me is the price, but that might be justified to a point. You can go out into the market today and find a good selection of XLs for less than this one, but they will all have one thing in common; All of them will feature an automatic transmission. I’ve been trying to verify how many examples were built with the 390/4-speed combination, but I’ve had no luck. The lack of similar cars in the market today could potentially be a fair indication of build totals. Is that enough to make you consider pursuing this one further?
What a beauty. The paint was part of the 2002 touch up. I’ll throw some quotes from the ad here assuming it won’t be up forever…
“One owner, all original except the paint and upholstery which were part of a small restoration in 2002 but kept original to the factory build specs of the car.
Mileage 77,529. Car is very rare with the 390ci engine and a Top Loader 4 speed.
Never wrecked and always garage kept.
It has been shown and won many awards all over the country.
It won Best Ford 1960-1974 in Reno 2004 at Henry Ford’s Birthday Celebration. It was also invited and shown at Ford’s 100th Anniversary in Dearborn MI 2003. (documented).”
Nice car! But needs whitewall tires to set off!
black walls make it a sweet sleeper…leave as is or go w/ redlines.
IMHO
I’ve always loved these BIG GIRLS, Little Big on the pocketbook, But it looks like it’s worth it.
That’s a little steep on the sticker price. I looked at buying one, back in October 2020, it was less than half of that, for basically the same car, just a different color. Yes, it was on Ebay. A 427 might bring those numbers…390 won’t. Good luck to the seller
Someone’s trying to claw back some hard earned – wonder what it was like before 02. Probably better left alone
Love the color! Also bring back the foot high beam switch!
This looks like a far better deal for a 4 speed Galaxy.
https://dailyturismo.com/429-thunderjet-4-spd-1969-ford-galaxie-xl-sportsroof/
Agreed, Tony P. The ’69 looks like a much better deal than the ’66. My first car was a ’69 with a 428 PI. Loved that car! I’d much rather have the ’69 and think the price is pretty fair. I think the price on the ’66 is a bit steep for a 390 car; maybe if it had the 427.
427 car would be north of $70K!
Nice Galaxie for sure. But, title says “rebuilt”. Doesn’t that mean it salvage title?
Looks like a 7 leader grill and steering wheel. But no 428
Love the green on gold. I’d say that this one definitely belongs in the “find one nicer” camp.
Price is a bit steep, I know it is a rare car but it is a Ford big body. Not a mustang. So I would think it is a bit on the barret Jackson side but nice car. My guesstimate would be like the 69 4 speed mention before. 25000 maybe 29000 but 45000?
Boy, does this bring back memories. An old friend, that I haven’t seen in decades, bought a brand new 1966 7 Litre with a 4 speed. What a sweet ride. Makes me wonder if Glenn still has it. It even came out unscathed when his mother put her 64 T-bird through the garage wall.
Holy Jebus ! A few years ago a neighbor sold one of these that looked every bit as nice for $7200.00! Aaaaaah!
Learned to drive on my Dad’s brand new ’66 Galaxie 500 4 door hardtop, also with a 390, but an automatic! Have a soft spot spot for those years!
Personal taste, but I think this body style and the front end in particular, is one of Ford’s best for big cars in the 60s. Same goes for the interior. This is a really nice car, but I agree with everybody that it’s overpriced. It isn’t a 7-Litre but it carries a 7-Litre price tag. Nothing wrong with asking for the moon when selling your car, but I think this guy might be insulted if somebody offered him what it’s really worth. Low $30s at best.
Not just a 7 Litre price tag but a 7 Litre (428) convertible in #1 concours condition price tag. At least per Hagerty. Classic example of someone with an interesting old car who thinks it’s worth big bucks when it isn’t.
If it had an auto trans, it could have been the one I bought in 1966.
Why would anyone order a car with a 4 speed only to have it powered by that slug of a 390?
love the whole style (nice straight lines btw the bulgemobiles of the ’50s & the following ‘humps over the wheels’ of the muscle). And any of the stacked hdlghts got my vote (esp ford – starting w/calente` in ’62?). Just all ways thought of the drive train as “Truck”. May B wrked on too many set up that way to think ‘sedan’…
I think this 1 came in 3 or 4 styles (or would U have to wait till the torino?). Lets C: vert, notch, fast back, …no, let’s leave out the wagon 4 now…
Bought one brand new in 66, black top, gold body. 289, C4. $2700.00. Beautiful car. However, the box frames rust out over the rear wheels. If you’re buying one in this era, look closely.
I was selling Toyota’s in 1977 and they pulled our demo cars so I bought a 1965 Galaxie 500 2DR for $325 we just took in trade. Light green met.with a 352 V-8. Put stop leak in the radiator and drove it from Portland down to San Francisco and back on a weeks vacation.Huge interior and I would slide on the bench seat when taking a corner. Upgraded the sound system with a new cassette stereo and rear speakers. It was like driving a living room. Sold it for $500 a few months later.
In #1 condition would be worth about $27,800 with the options. This is figuring in the 315H.P. 429, and the addons for A/C and the 4 speed. $45K is a B-J T.V. Auction stretch, Very most top dollar where someone absolutely had to have this particular car would be $30K, in my humble opinion.
I dont recall seeing any four speeds back in the day. There were plenty of 2 door slushboxes, 4 doors, wagons… etc…….
I wonder how many were made.