39k Mile Time Machine: 1961 Ford Galaxie 500

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From 1959 to 1974, the Ford Galaxie 500 did battle with the Chevrolet Impala. In 1961, the Galaxie was a step up from the Fairlane, which would become a mid-size car in 1962. The styling was revised in ‘61 and looked less “swoopy” than the 1960s that competed with the “batwings” on the big Chevrolets. This 1961 Galaxie is described as a time capsule piece with just 39,000 miles, making it perhaps one of the nicest survivors left out there. Located in Thonotosassa, Florida, this two-tone beauty is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $15,000.

Round taillights would return to the big Fords in 1961 and would be there in some or similar form for the balance of the decade. A new 390 cubic inch “FE Series” V8 was offered in ’61, but the seller’s car has the 292 “Y-Block” engine. This Ford was built just before New Year’s Eve in 1960 and was retained by its original owner until 1995 (he/she passed away). The second owner largely mothballed the automobile after that, and it remained sheltered until 2021. The paltry mileage claim is said to be documented, though none of that is included in the listing.

We have a feeling this is a much better car than the photos suggest. They’re limiting in what they show (for example, only part of the passenger compartment is seen and nothing under the hood). What we do see looks original and in fantastic shape, including the paint and upholstery. This Galaxie is said to run well at the turn of the ignition key, yet no mention is made of any repairs needed over time or the age of the tires. We’re told the Ford is a show winner and that isn’t surprising. The 1961 Ford Galaxie Town Sedan (as they called it) was a big seller at more than 141,000 copies plus other body styles.

If you have a Ford Mustang convertible that’s less than a decade old, the seller will consider it as a trade. But it must have a V6 engine and be in really good shape. The seller may be having trouble finding such a match as the car was listed five weeks ago and the ad is still up. This Galaxie might be as nice as you’ll find for the age, regardless of the number of doors. Thanks for the cool tip, Bruce M!

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Comments

  1. Zen

    Neat car, too bad the seller couldn’t be bothered taking decent pictures.

    Like 10
  2. Kenneth Carney

    It is indeed a nice car and I wholeheartedly agree with you Zen. Our seller seems to be a rank amateur when it comes to displaying
    his wares. Note to seller: lf you wanna sell the car, you need to provide more photos than what you
    show here. At least 24 photos would
    suffice here. As a potential buyer, I’d
    like to see more of what my 15K would be buying. You also make no
    mention as to just how well the engine runs, the tranny shifts, the brakes work, or anything else we
    motorheads find appealing. In short,
    a bit more info would go a long way
    to aid your cause here. Make us want what you have to sell and you’ll get
    a lot more responses for the extra time and effort you put in.

    Like 4
    • David Ulrey

      Mr. Carney as a man that does sell off Craigslist and Marketplace I must wholeheartedly agree with you. It may sound conceited but I’ve learned to put out very well detailed descriptions, honest descriptions, and every allowed pictures I can. I’ve been doing this for 30 years. A great deal of things I’ve learned through personal experience as both a buyer and a seller and I have also learned through comments such as yours as to what a potential buyer wants to see and know in advance of seeing in person. The more pictures and detailed honest description is far more likely to entice a potential buyer.

      Like 3
  3. Steve R

    No matter how nice, there are other cars on similar condition for significantly less. Nearly every day or two there are low mileage non-performance passenger cars featured on this site, often newer and with more creature comforts in the $5,000-$10,000 range. They are perfect for someone that wants to go to coffee and cars or a weekend cruise. Even though the pictures in the ad for this car leave a lot to be desired, if potential buyers thought it was a bargain it wouldn’t still be listed after 5 weeks.

    Steve R

    Like 4
  4. Tiger66

    No Galaxie 500s until 1962. This is a ’61 so it’s just a Galaxie. When the Fairlane became the name of the new ’62 intermediate they moved the Galaxie name to the former Fairlane spot on the full-size car and added the Galaxie 500 as the top series.

    Like 4
  5. Howard A Howard AMember

    (whistling spritely tune) “The Andy Griffith Show, starring,Andy Griffith”, well duh. I think the ’61 Ford police car was used in more shows. For the pilot, I remember a 1960, then ’61 for a long time, then ’62, ’63, ’64, and I think that was it. Was there a ’65?
    Then, of course, the priceless stunt in American Graffiti, yanking the rear axle out of the police car, also a ’61. I think every hooligan in America cheered after that scene. I know I did. The ’61 Ford police car is always the one featured in civil unrest of the 60s too. This is a wonderful find, proof positive they will continue to come out of the woodwork for years to come. And I thought we had some kooky city names in Wisconsin.

    Like 5
    • angliagt angliagtMember

      I always wanted to know how Mayberry could afford
      to buy a new police car every year?

      Like 1
      • Howard A Howard AMember

        I never trusted Mayor “Stoner”,,,

        Like 2
  6. V Georges

    A lift but no underside pics? 2 different sets of tires and what appears to be knock off Kmart wheel covers. Too many questions and too little information and pictures.

    Like 2
    • Tony

      Those are the correct ‘61 wheel covers.

      Like 1
  7. Richard MartinMember

    I had one that looked just like this one when I graduated high school in 1969. But mine had a 352 2 bbl. carb.

    Like 3
    • Timothy Rudzinski, Sr.

      My first car was a ‘62 Galaxie four door in the same shade of blue. I bought mine in 1970. She went through three generators in the two years I owned it! Never knew why.

      Like 0
  8. Bali Blue 504

    Had an identical, except for being a yellow color combo, back in the mid-sixties. Mine was faithful, quick, and comfortable. This one is apparently pristine and the price is luring. I really wish I had room.

    Like 0
  9. Bill West

    The “seller” obviously doesn’t want to part with it, I wouldn’t either, but they told the significant other ” But I have been trying to sell it!”

    Like 3
  10. Al Gordon

    My father had a 61 galaxie with a 352 cu. inch in it. Was a big heavy tank

    Like 0
  11. ClassicP

    Grandpa drove Galaxies we used to laugh at them. White 62’ with the tri-color red/black/white interior. 61’ Black with red interior and a 63’ black.

    Like 0

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