Some enthusiasts prefer classics that loudly and proudly trumpet their performance potential, while others are attracted to genuine sleepers. This 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 probably falls into the second category because only its wheels indicate there could be more to this car than meets the eye. It has been part of the same family since Day One, has no pressing needs, and should provide its next owner with years of reliable and enjoyable motoring. The Galaxie is listed here on eBay in Everett, Washington. Bidding sits below the reserve at $6,100, with plenty of time for interested parties to stake their claim on this potent giant.
Ford introduced a radically restyled Galaxie for the 1965 model year. Although its dimensions hadn’t grown significantly compared to its predecessor, the more aggressive styling gave the new offering a much more pronounced presence. Our feature car appeared during the second production year, presenting nicely in Emberglo Metallic. The seller indicates the paint is original on the trunk and roof but that some vertical surfaces and the hood have received touch-ups. It retains a healthy shine, and its overall appearance is easily acceptable for a driver-grade classic. The panels are straight, but the lack of rust could be this Ford’s trump card. It has been garage-kept throughout its life, and the only noted issue is a minor repair behind the left rear wheel. The floors and frame are solid, and prone areas like the filler between the back window and trunk lid look excellent. The chrome and glass show no evidence of significant defects, but the sparkling Magnum 500 wheels suggest there could be more to this car than meets the eye.
The original owner ordered this Galaxie powered by Ford’s C-Code 289ci V8 that sent 200hp and 282 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission. This combination offered reasonable performance, with a ¼-mile ET of 18 seconds and a top speed of 108mph enough to satisfy most owners. However, have you ever heard of an owner wishing their car had less power? Hmm, me neither! This owner took the bull by the horns, throwing that sweet 289 in favor of a 390ci V8 bolted to a C6 automatic with a shift kit. The engine features an Edelbrock carburetor, intake, custom headers, and other internal upgrades. It is safe to say that they have said goodbye to 200hp and should have something beyond 300hp under their right foot. That should see a sub-16-second ¼-mile ET well within this car’s capabilities, and the new owner won’t feel like they are wrestling a gorilla thanks to the power assistance for the steering and brakes. The seller says it runs and drives beautifully and includes the original Window Sticker, Owner’s Manual, Owner’s Card, and registration in the deal.
This Galaxie’s interior isn’t perfect, but its condition is consistent with any survivor of this vintage. Most of the Black vinyl upholstered surfaces are in good order, although the seatcovers look like they might be on the way out. Simple slipcovers would conceal the problem relatively cheaply. However, with a replacement front cover retailing for around $430, that could be a better long-term solution. If the back seat shows the same issue, a complete set costs only $680. Considering the state of the remaining trim and hardware, that seems like a sensible investment. The armrest bases are slightly discolored, but a quick squirt with an appropriate plastic dye would eliminate what appears to be the only other shortcoming.
This 1966 Galaxie 500 won’t appeal to everyone, but it possesses attributes that will attract many. The engine bay houses a potent V8, and the car presents well, has a known history and excellent documentation, and is a turnkey proposition. The only surprise is the subdued bidding history, although there is time for that to change. It could represent an affordable entry point into the world of classic car ownership, and it is a practical alternative for an enthusiast with a growing family. Would those attributes make you consider pursuing it further? We’d love you to keep us posted if you become its new owner.
Nice old classic would look great in anyone’s garage
I agree, really like this car
Our family had a 1967 Fairlane convertible….it was a great car. We like the Galaxy, FTD to…all good cars.
When i built my 390 4v for my 72′ F250 i went with a vintage cast iron intake w/the oil filler tube and large thermostat.Aluminum intakes do not do well on FE engines and tend to leak more even if you use the best gaskets.A very clean car though and the engine bay looks great.These cars are really meant to have big blocks in them and the 390 is probably good for at least 320hp or more…
This guy made over 360 hp and 410 pound-feet with the customary .030″ rebuild and hop-up. The FE was a great engine.
https://www.fordfe.com/pretty-basic-hopped-up-390-on-the-dyno-t85917.html
I’ve never had an issue with aluminum intakes and FEs.
Nice car! Someone will be very lucky to pick it up at a fair price. Values are just going up more and more and pretty soon will skyrocket because they just never will be anything like this made ever again. All the new cars are horrible in my opinion and its all about ripping people off to no end. They are all equipped with engineered and planned obsolescence and already have a date with the crusher. They will never be classics. Nobody will ever restore a Tesla 30 years from now- they will be a joke. But the American classics will live forever and connect with the hearts of humans in a spiritual manner. That said, I have been rescuing classics all my life starting with auto shop in high school and I have no regrets. It is a blessing to be able to connect with these cars. So I just picked up 1967 Country Squire wagon with a Q code 428. Been sitting for many years. Parts are getting hard to find. But this baby is sweet and I’m going to do the best I can. Only surface rust but it looks great and so I am going to keep it as original as possible with some performance mods to make it streetable, reliable, and comfortable as a daily driver. The biggest thing is cleaning it which is taking weeks, but its amazing how its coming out beautiful and when you do this, and the car responds with such appreciation in the way it perks up and actually communicates with you, there is no experience like it. I am a believer that these cars are very much alive and absorbs your blood, sweat and tears of its owners and whoever works on them. I love all of them but Fords are special because of their history. They were made for the ultimate human experience to thrive in this world of hard knocks. If you love them they will love you right back and take care of you. They will stand up to any challenge like a war horse and bring you home. They are perfectly imperfect just like we are and have personalities. And now a days there is so much you can do to turn them into what you want and need. So happy motoring and ramble on folks! Let your freedom flag fly- you will never lose with a classic Ford!
Damn, if this car wasn’t half way across the country, i’d hit the BIN and it would be mine!
A friend of mine just inherited a 66 four door H.T. Nice car. Just love the looks. Man the 60’s rock!
Good looking vehicle imo. Is the trunk lid fitting properly driver’s side?
First new car the wife and I bought right after we got married was the 66 Galaxie 2 dr hardtop , midnight blue metallic with light blue vinyl , 390 automatic . .bought it from dealer stock . . Spring sport sales package of some sort . . Came with the 7 Litre wheel covers . . Loved the body style ..
Great color choice, and love the C-pillars on the 66’s.
A good, solid driver that can be driven as is, or as a starting point for more upgrades. Although I am curious as to why the owner selected the 390 FE block for the engine transplant, since the original 289 is long gone. Don’t get me wrong, the 390 is a good solid motor, smack in the middle of Ford’s engine offerings overall for the period, and the entry-level big-block offering at the time, but if you are doing an engine swap, why not go all-in with a 427CJ or SCJ, or for a slightly less powerful mill, a 428 Thunderjet? The 429/460 “385” engines wouldn’t debut for two (2) more years yet, but are available in crate form now. Power and Torque are like money or closet space, you can never have enough, LOL!
I have the 66 Mercury version of this car. A swapped 390 provides plenty of power for this beast, which is longer than the Galaxie. It will smoke the tires, and cruise at 70 effortlessly. 390’s are more common, 428’s are rare, and 427’s are impossible to find.
I would love this car. What is the reserve and is there a BIN price??