NASCAR was certainly all the rage in the ’60s, and there was a mantra that stated, “Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday”. At one time I thought, naively, that meant, well if you win a race on Sunday, the car won’t be worn a darn on Monday so you better ditch it, right? Talk about being slow on the uptake…But there was a prevailing belief that a stock car brand that won a Sunday race would lead to retail sales following the win. Was it true and verifiable? I don’t know but that was the belief. And one manufacturer who wanted to get a hold of some of that winning and sales action was the Ford Motor Company. Midway through 1963, Ford upped the ante on their 406 CI top-drawer motor and enlarged it to 427 cubic inches. The problem was that their box-top Galaxie wasn’t up to the aero challenge so that too got a makeover into the new for 1963 “Sports” hardtop which resembled a convertible top in the raised position. Dubbed a 1963.5 model as a mid-year introduction, the improved aerodynamics helped with winner circle achievement. The following year, 1964, presented a slight facelift and that’s what we have found here, a 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 “Sports” hardtop. Located in Quincy, Florida, it is available here on eBay for a starting bid of $3,500, zero bids tendered so far, or a BIN price of $4,550.
The confusing thing with this car is that the seller states that it is titled as a ’63 model and I don’t follow his explanation. The VIN clearly indicates it as a ’64 model not to mention its obvious appearance. And speaking of appearances, it still shows reasonably well. It looks like a repaint of blue over white and the finish is faded and worn but it is mostly, still presentable. The body is showing no signs of rust through, just some surface rust mingled in with complete (the passenger door spear is available, just not on the car) but dull-looking stainless/chrome. The seller indicates that there is some rust in the passenger-side rocker panel but it is not evident in any of the included images. There is no obvious evidence of crash damage or misaligned fenders, doors, etc.
The seller claims that this Galaxie possesses a 390 CI V8 from a later model car. The Vin indicates that the born-with engine was a 352 CI V8, that would have developed 250 gross HP. Since the provenance of the 390 is unknown, there is no immediate way to determine its power rating. The seller allows that the motor does start and run so that’s encouraging but there is caution regarding the brakes, so “go” yes, “stop” no. The seller adds that the correct radiator overflow tank is included with the sale. An automatic transmission backs up the big Ford FE engine.
The interior is bench seat affair, trimmed in blue vinyl and it shows well as does the instrument panel. The carpet is pretty well dilapidated but that’s to be expected. It would be worth pulling it up in places to inspect the floors for softness or rust-through. There is no reason to suspect a problem but this car is a ’60s domestic product and they all either were or can be, easily infected with the tin worm. The auto parts store steering wheel can be switched back with the original, included, Ford part.
This Galaxie would appear to be a pretty good start for a restoration, or at least, a rejuvenation project. So often, full-size car projects of this era are dominated by the Impala, so it’s nice to find an example from GM’s cross-town rival for a change. You won’t be able to experience the high-banks at Daytona with this Ford but you can relive the feel of the era. Has anyone owned a big Ford from the ’63-’64 era? If so, please tell us about it.
I patrol Craigslist A LOT, and have seen this one. I am truly amazed that the rear bumper does not look like it came up from The Titanic.
I have a 289 four door that I gave to my son!! I love it it’s a great driving car!! I can only imagine what a 390 in it would be like!!!
Truck motor ?
I’m so confused, so many cars, so little money. What to do? Sell my house? Nobody seems to want to buy my cars. Oh covid, covid, covid, you ruined me….
What a great price on that Galaxie.
This car got me out of drag racing. 400 ci, 4 on the floor, 4.10 rear. Couldn’t run with them. One of the nicer cars of the era.
I learned to drive and took my drivers test in a 4 door version of this. 352 4bbl, three on the tree, no power steering or power brakes – Dad didn’t believe in “options”. Can you imagine a skinny 16 year old parallel parking this boat with no PS or PB? But I did it, and it was a great car out on the open road. Six people and a couple of cases of beer on a Saturday night…
I took my drivers test on the same car except ours did have power steering. One night a drunk driver came up across our lawn and t-boned the 64 wrapping it around a maple tree. The insurance company totaled it.
If it isn’t rusty that’s a great buy but project cars are very hard to sell right now
I’ve owned several 63-65 Ford Galaxy 500. Most were XL, but some were not. Engines ranged from 289 to 406 transmissions were automatic, 3 speed column and 4 speed manual. I really liked these cars.
God bless America
Friend of mine had a 64 4 door XL w bucket seats, and console, strange mix, had the chrome steel wheels on it, probably around 1970, 352, he blew the motor and Junked it
My first car was a ’64 Galaxie,white 2 door,289 auto,
with 59,000 miles that I bought from a neighbor’s estate,who
passed away.It was in near perfect condition.
I paid $400 for it,put about $200 into it,but I got $600
for it! I’ve often wondered if it’s still around.It had black/gold-
California plates (BLL 541) on it.
1964 Galaxie convertible with 390. Black with white top and red interior. Bought in fall of 75 for $500. Ran strong for 2 years, til auto trans finally gave up. Chirpped the tires going into 2nd gear any time I got on it. Loved that car. Wish I still had it.
Some cars need very little “enhancements” to look the part of a Main street prowler, like this Galaxie here. Mags, decent tires, rumbling dual exhaust and all of us who don’t any better think it’s a 427 strip terror.
That’s how I’ve looked at these my whole life, along with the two door ’63-’65 Dodge-Plymouths, with good reason.
Price seems lower than I’m used to seeing on this site.
I had a 63 4 door when it was “just a used car”. Wish I had a place for all the cars I owned over the years. If I wasn’t on Oxy 24/7 I would buy this one just to ride around in. Mine had a 390. I have a 390 in my 69 F350. Thought if I had a Galaxy I would put it in that. Just dreamin.
My first car was 1964 Ford Galaxie, 390, 3 speed on the column, with overdrive. Yes, electric overdrive. Never seen another one. Pop bought it for me in 1967 when I was a junior in high school. Pop overhauled the engine, put on a new 4 barrel carb, and put duals on it. Then told me no to race it. HAHAHA. Loved that car and it was pretty darn fast. Couldn’t beat the Road Runners, Super Bees, or SS396’s. But it was a monster on the top end with that overdrive. Sunk that speedo many times on the highways here in West Texas. As a Freshman in high school he traded it in on a 1969 mustang, 302, 4 barrel, duals, 3 speed on the floor. Pretty fast but not the torque of that 64. Gosh I miss those days and those Fords.
Correction on my previous post. Pop traded it in for a 69 Mustang when I was a Freshman in COLLEGE, not high school. So long ago my mind is playing tricks on me. HAHAHA. Sure did love that 64 Galaxie though. And it was a 2 door hardtop as well. Had power steering and manual brakes. Not that it mattered, I was more interested in going not stopping!