Full-size car, full-size power, and a four-speed manual gearbox to boot, what’s not to like? Talk about by-gone times but that’s how things were in the late ’60s. Ford, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Dodge, and Plymouth all offered four-speed manual transmissions in their full-size models. The times were a-changin’ however and that 4-speed/full-size combination wouldn’t hold on for much longer. That being the case, it’s always a treat to find one of these seldomly seen big cars, regardless of its condition. This 1968 Ford XL is located in Hohenwald, Tennessee and is available, here on HiBid for a current bid of $8,951, with 137 bids tendered so far. Thanks to Andrew for this tip!
The ’68 Ford XL was a sporty, but not necessarily a performance-oriented, full-size model based on the LTD/Galaxie 500/Custom platform. Offered in both two-door hardtop and convertible variations, it was really a trim package consisting of badges, covered headlamps, a walnut instrument panel, a side stripe, and full wheel covers. Standard power was provided by an in-line six-cylinder engine with a three-on-the-three manual shift. But as was always the case in those halcyon days, the XL could be optioned up into something quite a bit more impressive. There was also an XL GT performance variant but those are rare and seldomly found. As for the XL, research indicates that about 56K came to light in ’68, so for being a trim package, it was pretty popular.
The original purchaser of this ’68 XL decided to order up more juice and specified a 315 gross HP, 390 CI V8 engine, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission. It looks like a long-term, non-runner and there is no operating description or recorded mileage listed. A 390 will get a big car like this up and moving, especially assisted with a four-speed gearbox, but it will take more than 315 HP to put it into a performance-car category. Still, it’s a great combination and find!
Inside is the optional bucket seat/center console interior whose biggest issue is mold, it’s everywhere. While the passenger seat back and the steering wheel are both split, the rest of it appears to be in reasonable shape. A deep, thorough cleaning will clearly reveal the true condition and allow for a better assessment of what’s needed. Somewhere in this Ford’s past, a Hurst gear shifter with a distinctive T-handle was installed to replace the original Ford unit.
As is often the case with a barn find, the dust secure’s the car’s authenticity as a “Barn Find” but it also hides the true condition of the exterior. I don’t get it, who’s going to buy a car and leave all of the dirt and debris on it just to document their acquisition? It seems it would be better to photograph the subject vehicle before and after a good scrubbing but…I digress. From what can be seen, this XL looks very sound. Other than some rear bumper surface rust, no corrosion or body damage is noted across this Ford’s extensive flanks. One of the nicest aspects of this XL is its “non-messed-with” condition. Other than white letter tires and the previously mentioned shifter T-Handle, this Ford is situated as it was when new. That’s rare! Even the side stripes are still bright and not deteriorated.
No doubt about it, I like these old domestic full-size cars and the powertrain combination here just makes the car – that, and the fact that subjectivity, I think the ’68 LTD/Galaxie/XL was one of Ford’s finest ’60s styling jobs. This one is going to find a new home, though I’m afraid that I won’t be able to accommodate it. If you’re interested in this disappearing segment of American automotive history, this is one to consider, wouldn’t you agree?
Put a big Ford in it and burn some fossil fuel and rubber. Have some fun and see if you can get that left front tire in the air
More likely the right rear on fire. Big, long, and great looking cars. Love the 4-speed, the 390, and the colours. If the frame is solid before the rear axle, it could be a really nice barge again. Like it.
Like Ramonw said, check the frame good, here in the rust belt of NY the ironworms got ’em right quick. This one checks all the boxes. Good luck and happy motoring.
Cheers
GPC
Agreed, gaspumpchas, check the rear frame and floor/trunk pans for rust. Otherwise, the body looks pretty good and I wouldn’t be surprised if the paint wouldn’t buff out to look pretty good. I’d pull the motor and trans, go through them and clean up the engine bay. The interior may need a good bit of restoration but, as Jim pointed out, perhaps a good cleaning would produce good results. Like Jim opined, I don’t understand why any seller can’t spend a day cleaning the car, inside and out, to give potential buyers a better idea of the cars condition. Maybe some flaws will be revealed but conversely, maybe it will present a lot better.
I know the fastback body was much more popular/preferred, but I’m a sucker for the custom 500 2 door body style. The only thing you could not have was the hideaway lights. Today the custom 500 could easily be changed over to the xl/Ltd headlights . I digress, because this 68 fastback is a rare find and your not going to make a custom 500 out of it.
This is an endless tire smoke making machine
Some may remember the guy I knew right out of HS,( ’73) his name was Dave, and had a car very similar to this, only white. His dad worked for Ford in some capacity, and the car was a special order. This Dave got it couple years later from dad , along with a ’68 Shelby KR500 his dad also got from Ford, that he let Dave use. I know, some guys,,,but the Galaxie, he said at the time, could not be had with a factory 4 speed, which, he claimed, made his car incredibly rare. I never saw’r another. Whether that’s true, cars like this were more for junior execs trying to impress clients or future father-in-laws, not stoplight drag racing. I also remember many of these cars with a piece of wood holding the headlight doors open and they never lined up properly. Not one of Fords “Better Ideas”. Still a great find.
The rear bumper actually looks hit on the left, not badly though.
That shifter seems like you’d be banging your knuckles on the console while changing gears.
But, wow I love that car… nice find.
Was excited when I came across this real barn find in one of my late night auction scourings for something fun to restore and drive daily with a car seat (or two) in the back. Though I’m typically a GM guy, those hidden headlamps and a manual transmission caught my attention. Could be a fun cruiser for someone down the road with a [little] elbow grease and a prayer that the engine can fire once again. Lots of cars for sale at that auction, but most look like the were left in the 70s outside to slowly fade from memory. This car was treated to the garage! Good write up, Jim!
I live one town over from Hohenwald, in Summertown TN. This car has not been advertised on any other platform and this is the first I’ve seen of it. I owned two 68 Galaxies — one like this but with bench seat and auto. Would love to put a bid on this and put it on my trailer to bring home less than half hour away. Alas, big on ideas but short on funds! Currently bid at over $10 grand with eight days to go…it shall never be mine! I’d love to see this one cleaned up at the next Cars & Coffee.
Lazy marketing, another one who can’t or won’t, clean up the car so people can actually see the paint and upholstery etc.,I personally think it shows great promise, if the frame isn’t rotten.
69 was the last yr. you could get a 4 spd. in a full size Ford. I know I had one.