We’ve recently seen a few low-mileage classics cross our desks at Barn Finds, and some withstand scrutiny better than others. This 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 Convertible is one of the safer bets, because its history is fully documented. It is a stunning survivor with a genuine 40,000 miles on its odometer and is guaranteed to turn heads wherever it goes. The seller feels it is ready for a new home, listing it here on eBay in Meredith, New Hampshire. Bidding sits below the reserve at $11,075 with under three days left on the auction.
I’ve always felt that the 1964 model was the best-looking Galaxie Ford produced, although I may be slightly biased since one served as family transport when I was (considerably) younger. My father always regretted parting with it, and I share that sentiment. This Convertible’s original owner ordered it in Skylight Blue with a White power top. It’s a classy combination that is accentuated by the wire hubcaps. The seller admits it has received a repaint in its original shade, but it is unclear when this occurred. The overall presentation is positive, with the paint shining nicely and no evidence of significant flaws visible in the supplied photos. They don’t mention any rust issues, with prone areas like the rockers and lower rear quarter panels looking clean and solid. The power top looks presentable for its age, and its condition should be considered acceptable for a survivor-grade car of this vintage. If the new owner is a perfectionist, they might spend $550 on a replacement in the correct material and color. The trim shines as nicely as the paint, and the glass appears spotless.
Powering this Galaxie is its numbers-matching 352ci V8, with the remaining major mechanical components including a three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The engine produces 250hp and 352 ft/lbs of torque and with the Convertible weighing 4,151 lbs, it is more of a relaxed cruiser than an outright performer. However, pointed at a stretch of open road, it should lope along comfortably at 70mph all day. The seller claims this classic has 40,000 original miles on the clock which is documented. The raft of included paperwork is impressive, dating back to the Dealer Invoice, original Bill of Sale, Build Sheet, Window Sticker, Owner’s Manual, Warranty Card, and service receipts. This gem rolls on new tires, the radiator was recently re-cored, and the springs and shocks were replaced. It runs and drives perfectly, ready to provide the new owner with classic top-down enjoyment.
The interior presentation is in keeping with this Galaxie’s history, with little worthy of criticism. The carpet appears dirty around the driver’s feet, and the outer edge, but the lack of visible wear would motivate me to have it professionally cleaned to improve its appearance. The two-tone Blue vinyl upholstery is excellent, with no significant wear or signs of abuse. It is a similar story with the dash and wheel, and the bright trim appears flawless. There are no aftermarket additions, and you’d have to think that cruising along with the top down and your favorite tunes emanating from the factory AM radio would be pretty pleasant.
Being objective about a car like this 1964 Galaxie 500 Convertible is challenging because I have such a soft spot for these classics, but it doesn’t blind me to its few imperfections. However, those imperfections are minor and would cost little to rectify if the new owner opts for spotless presentation. Now might seem the wrong time to buy a vehicle of this type, with summer almost over. That couldn’t be further from the truth because it is actually the perfect moment. There is still time to enjoy what it offers, and if the new owner wishes to address the shortcomings mentioned, it would be a productive way to while away the winter months. Does that sound like a tempting idea to you?
Love the color combo. Almost bought a 1970 98 Olds ragtop in the same colors 46 years ago. This is giving me an itch I never scratched.
No doubt an American Classic !! Always liked the 1961 – ’64 full size model Fords . They offered a most comfortable ride and were perfect for long trips or travel . Ford sold a lot of them during the sixties as they were nice family cars . I recall an old Ford commercial on television 1966 , It stated : ” Your ahead in a Ford all the way !!” Another one for 1968 read , ” Ford , Better idea “
Beautiful 64.One of Ford’s best body styles.This is a great weekend cruiser
There is one here in my town just like it and as nice, all but it’s a pretty light yellow in color with a conv top…
I would love to be the new owner, after that I take it have it inspected from inside and outside left to right front bumper to rear bumper. Rust issues do a complete total of the frame restoration and have it did and done right, leave no stone unturned have the Power Plant Overhauled and when everything has been completely restored add it to my private auto collection and take it out on warm spring and summer days.
That’s just what I would do.
So todays author has someone that can do full sized ’60’s convertible tops for uhhh…$500?
Can’t imagine what that outcome might be. And… that guy ain’t in soutern california!
Lowell, I said I’d keep my thumbs in my belt loops but no kidding, right? Send away for a China sourced convertible top, lay it out on the picknick table to loosen it up. Wake up next morning, it’s attached, snug and leak free.
(Nothing left to do but wipe your hands in satisfaction)
Bodywork is a trade. The skill is earned. 40 hours a week for 4 years.
Love it, ions back my first car was a 64 Impala convertible. I had a friend who had a turquoise 64 Galaxie convertible. we would compare and raze one another but I always said that his Ford was one of the best. To me it must have been real hard to choose between the two. Both cars are a homerun IMO. I wish I had bought his car when he got rid of it. gone long ago but my Chevy is still with me. This car is a plus as long as the chassis is ok which by looking at this one I doubt there is much to worry over. This will make someone quite happy.
That’s not a 352 V/8. It’s a 289 V/8. I had one just like this.
That is most definitely a 352 it is from the FE family. The two centre spark plugs point to each other and that radiator set up never came on a 289, You can also see it is an FE water pump.
It’s a 352. I owned one.
Gotta love someone who saves all the “good paperwork”….and it does look like an FE 352 to me…
I believe Ford Blue wasn’t introduced until 1965. The valve covers and air cleaner should be gold, and the block black
More like just the opposite. The 65 390 had a black block, with gold valve covers, the 352 was all blue. With a few exceptions, most earlier FEs were dark blue, with some being a lighter blue. Confused yet? I am lol. Oh, and then there were 406s and 427s, but that’s enough confusion for now
And since we’re on the subject of engine colors, here’s a little trivia. Does anyone know when Ford discontinued blue engine paint? And why?
The same applies to GM, Chrysler, and all others.
lead in the paint….was reason for discontinuing it..
So todays author has someone that can do full sized ’60’s convertible tops for uhhh…$500?
Can’t imagine what that outcome might be. And… that guy ain’t in soutern california!
$500 for the top, then another $1500 for a professional installation. Just did mine in PNW.
What is his reserve $.
Marion
Ask the owner..but he doesn’t have to tell you if he chooses not to…that’s the reason for bids…what does the world think it’s worth?? We shall soon see.
1964 ford 352 valve covers and air cleaner were blue
My brother had a 64 2 door hardtop… 390 with a three on the tree! It had the same interior as this one.
This one is in much better condition!
My dad bought a new convertible in 63, red/with red interior, and a white top, same 352, except a 2barrel, no 4barrel 352s in 63. I’ll never forget the day he pulled up in driveway with it, when he bought it, I was 6 years old, and remember it like it was yesterday. Great cars, great memories. Hope this one finds a good home.
Yblocker above….it was the lead in the paint….
It was the “pigment”, is that the same as lead? Hell I don’t know, I ain’t no scientist lol. Anyway, the EPA decided those colors were emitting emissions into the atmosphere whenever an engine was at operating temperature. And 1982 was the last year for blue, orange, and whatever other assorted engine colors there were back then.
Probably is, all the other chemicals floating around the plants during assembly emmitted greases that didn’t allow the paints to properly stick, so they went to lead paint..now we know why so many auto workers succumbed to various diseases while at work…but of course nobody knew at the time….
I had a 64 Galaxy XL 500, same engine a 352. Wit a 4 speed trans. And it was a beautiful turquoise. But i Had problems with the reservoir tank for the cooling system .
And there are still people referring to “numbers matching” Fords……..
I think that the best we can do is “date appropriate”