The overall appearance suggests that this 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 XL is a survivor. That means that close inspection reveals a few cosmetic flaws. However, its overall originality and the dealer-fitted Tri-Power setup on its 390ci V8 mean that it possesses a slice of genuine muscle. The buyer could perform a light cosmetic restoration, but the lack of rust makes preservation a viable option. The seller has listed the Galaxie here on eBay in Orlando, Florida. Bidding sits below the reserve at $3,550, but there is a BIN option of $39,995 for those wishing to bypass the auction process.
Introduced in 1959 as the top trim level for the Fairlane range, the Galaxie achieved standalone model status in 1960 as Ford unveiled its latest offering. The styling reflected changing buyer tastes, and while the car initially sported small fins, these disappeared as the latest generation evolved. This Galaxie is the 500 XL variant, finished in Wimbledon White. The seller supplies excellent listing images, making it relatively easy to assess the car’s overall condition. The paint holds a warm shine, and although it isn’t perfect, the chips and flaws are so minor that they could be ignored if the buyer wished to preserve its survivor status. The panels are straight, and the Galaxie’s garage-kept history makes its rust-free status unsurprising. The trim looks exceptional for a classic of this vintage, and the glass is clear. The vehicle sports significantly wider back wheels, but these may be essential to apply power to the road from the potent V8 under the hood.
If this Galaxie’s engine bay is as original as the seller indicates, its presentation is astounding. I won’t say that it is factory-fresh, but lifting the hood won’t embarrass the new owner. However, it is about far more than mere looks. This car features its numbers-matching Z-Code 390ci V8, teamed with a four-speed manual transmission. The Z-Code was a pretty mighty motor, producing a factory-claimed 300hp and 427 ft/lbs of torque. The 500 XL may have been a relatively heavy vehicle, but its performance was still considered impressive by the standards of the time. What helps this car stand out sits proudly atop the V8. This motor features a dealer-fitted factory Tri-Power setup. Although Ford never quoted any official figures, the improved breathing provided by the brace of two-barrel carburetors should unleash some additional power and torque. The seller indicates that this Galaxie is in excellent mechanical condition. They recently rebuilt the Borgeson power steering pump, stating that the transmission shifts smoothly and that the Ford is a blast to drive. It appears that flying in and driving this baby home is a viable option.
This Galaxie’s interior provides another pleasant surprise. Trimmed in Red vinyl, it features bucket seats and a console. Someone installed a column-mounted tachometer, some underdash gauges, and a modern Bluetooth stereo. However, with the original radio included, reversing the changes to achieve a more “stock” appearance would be fairly straightforward. The only thing in this classic that shows any genuine age is the wheel. The rim is wearing to the point where the Red finish is disappearing. Otherwise, the upholstered surfaces are in excellent condition, the carpet is clean, and the dash and console are free from physical damage.
There are times when I find it challenging to be impartial when writing about a classic. Such is the case with this 1964 Galaxie 500 XL. My late father was passionate about classic cars, and he purchased a ’64 Galaxie 500 as a daily driver when I was a lad. We had other desirable vehicles occupying the garage throughout my childhood, but the Galaxie was my favorite. Reflecting years later, it is also the only car that my father owned that he said he genuinely regretted selling. The affection I feel for this Galaxie is significant, and I admit I will envy whoever eventually becomes its new owner. If you have owned a 1964 Galaxie, do you share my feelings?
“And it’s the final lap, Fred Lorenzen, Curtis Turner and Ned Jarrett( all in ’64 Fords ), and it’s Fred Lorenzen in his #28 LaFayette Ford for the checkered flag”, and sales skyrocketed on Monday. As mentioned, the guy across the alley, his brother had a car like this, only R code. I think I built more ’64 Ford models because of that car. I don’t know about the tri-power on a 390, I suppose it’s not Darlington, I can still hear the sound that 427 made under full throttle, and that was 60 years ago. It was Car of the Year for a reason. Simply the most beautiful Ford,,,probably ever.
Oh,,not long ago, Jay Leno arranged for the high and mighty Joey Logano to drive a restored Ford stock car around a track( Vegas, I think, and possibly Lenos car). May have been a ’63, but Logano was horrified and called it a death trap. We’ve come a long ways in that regard.
“the improved breathing provided by the brace of two-barrel carburetors” – A brace is precisely two of something.
Sorry to be the Grammar Police, but Adam’s write-ups are generally flawless and always entertaining, elucidating and edifying.
Maybe @adamclarke should’ve gone with a “triumvirate of two-barrels”?
Good catch
Add electrifying.
And stupefying. Lol!
Brace is definitely incorrect. It should have been trio, triad, triplet, troika, treble, threefold, trifecta, or leash. I like troika (A slightly more literary term than triad or triplet; often used for a group of three people, administrative bodies, or forces working together).
Cool car. What makes it cool for me is the plain white paint, the blackwall tires, the dog dishes. But yet it has the flashy red interior and the potent horsepower. Plus of course the manual transmission. Lots of fun here.
She’s a handsome beast. Love ’64 Fords. The white white red buckets is really sharp.
WHOA! $39,900.00 asking price? Nice Ford, but a little high! $20K would be good starting price…
Not for this car, a well restored 390 4spd, 3×2 wouldn’t have been a $20,000 for years, maybe a decade or more.
Steve R
Awesome Ford! That’s the Full Meal Deal for ‘64. One tiny irritant for me- A full boat Galaxie 500 XL wouldn’t typically be stuck with low-rent dog dish hubcaps. No big deal, and easily changed.
“A full boat Galaxie 500 XL wouldn’t typically be stuck with low-rent dog dish hubcaps.”
Correct. The ’64 XL had full wheel covers on 14-inch wheels as standard equipment. This car is riding on 15-inch wheels, though, so you would have change those out as well to go back to stock.
This car is something of a melange. NASCAR look, but since it’s an XL it has the upscale interior. 3×2 carburetion (which wasn’t even offered in ’64, though you could probably buy it at the dealer parts counter) on the 9.6-compression Z code 390, but no mention of other mods to make the most of the extra carburetion. More info is needed.
I have four (4) pristine hubcaps from my Dad’s ’64 stored safely away in our old shop. Much “flashier” than the dog bowls, fender skirts too but I despise them. LOL.
Howard: And I am standing in the stands right next to you just “Whooooping and Hoooollarin” louder than you!!!!! With the blackwall tires and dog dish hubcaps this car is a sleeper.. Light to light it will give your buddys a hard time.. This car, as is, will be a great show or Cruise In show stopper. I would like to have it in my garage.
All of my favorite things in one package from the Ford logo to the steelies….I would get in the running but the price is already a small frame house and a couple of acres of land where I’m at.
Why didn’t they upgrade the master cylinder to a dual reservoir unit? it would make this car much safer.
a lot better looking than the turquoise 1. bit pricey but looks like a lot to offer.
In the red hot summer days of Redding, California where I grew up street racing, mostly on county roads was a popular sport. These Fords held their own against the likes of Chevy 409 and Pontiac 421 cars. I was in Germany during that time period but shortly afterwards dudes still stood in awe of these cars. By the time I came back in June 1967 there were tons of street legal hot muscle cars to be had. I loved the 64 Galaxie so much I kept buying them well into the 70’s.
$40k is not for the penny ante crowd but for the people with real money to spend.Heck, there’s a new RR FOR OVER $32 million. It’s all relative to a persons wealth and desire.
God Bless America
I don’t think that the tri power was a dealer installed option. The air cleaner lid is from a 61 unit or an early 62 with 3 wing nuts then in 62 the 406 had 2 wing nuts. Like Vance said– a dealer may have had one sitting in stock, but I don’t think so. Someone in the last 40 years decided to bolt it on.
in 1961 there was a 390 with 3×2 it was advertised as 401 hp friend had one in a 1961 star liner great car i bought a new 1968 torino gt fast back with the 335 hp yes not the 325 hp there was a 335hp 390 in 68 it was a fast back 4 speed and it was a gto eater great car
I love the poverty wheels look, i’d pull the hub caps and drive it just like it is!!!!!
Anybody want to float me a loan?
GM, Mopar, AMC fans must love this Ford too. 🏁
100 % share your feelings as I think everyone else does. If I could I would just pay the BIN price and be done with it!
I like it
Bidding ended on Mon, Jun 22 at 1:00 PM.
US $10,000.00
6 bids
Reserve not met
That is shockingly low, this highlights the need for a seller to have either a reserve or to start an auction at the minimum price they would be willing to accept.
Steve R
New listing
https://www.ebay.com/itm/298442374918?itmmeta=01KVRVH2ZGJ5BN4F6G6VX5JPM7&hash=item457c8d3f06:g:Z08AAeSwYN1qOWRQ
US $39,995.00or Best Offer