OK, this one’s a bit curious. It’s advertised as a Galaxie 500 XL, but my research tells me that in ’69, you had either an XL or a Galaxie 500, but not both (the Galaxie 500 and XL went their separate ways in ’67). Hmmm…Sure, it’s a looker of a car and equipped just right, but is it what it claims to be? Let’s take a deep dive and see if we can figure it out. Curvette gets two thumbs up for this Boca Raton, Florida discovery, and it’s available here on eBay for a BIN price of $53,000. There is a make an offer option available, too.
Boy, where do I start? I generally eschew listings for cars in this price range; it’s too out of character for the concept of a barn find – not that this car’s a barn find, of course. The previously mentioned Galaxie 500/XL matter, and this car is wearing both badges, got my radar going. The GT claim seems to be mostly limited to an applied stripe, though the required GT equipment (disc brakes and 390 or 429 CI engine, among other items) is present. Most beguiling is the lack of a published VIN or an image of the supposedly available Marti report. As for production stats, there were 6,910 Galaxie 500 convertibles assembled in ’69 and an additional 7,402 XL drop-tops that saw the light of day that year. Rare? Not really, but definitely uncommon, especially today. This one shows as perfect; the Gulfstream Aqua finish, which is a respray, is resplendent, the white folding top is like new, and the chrome bits possess a brilliant luster. As opposed to wearing the XL’s standard “mag-style” wheelcovers, this car is sitting on Magnum 500-style wheels – it’s a good look!
Big power sits behind this Ford’s beak and concealed headlights; it’s a 360 gross HP 429 CI V8, working its magic via a four-speed manual transmission. The seller adds, “Mechanically, the car is outstanding. It runs, drives, and shifts beautifully, with no fluid leaks whatsoever.” The engine compartment is one of the cleanest I’ve spied in a long time. The recorded mileage is listed as 21K miles, but there’s no authentication provided via the listing.
The interior is as fresh and spotless as the exterior. The seller states, “the Parchment Pearl interior with its split bench seat remains in pristine condition,” which sounds like he’s saying the interior is original, but I’d suggest it’s too nice considering its 57 years on this earth. Whatever the case, no demerits to be issued. Finally, note the floor-mounted tachometer – I’ve never seen one like this in a full-size Ford.
This is a fabulous find, and equipped as such, it’s a rare bird; be sure to check out the eBay listing video. A true muscle car? Well, it tips the scales at two tons, but that big 429 is a stump puller, so, yes, coupled with a four-speed manual transmission, I’d put this big Ford into muscle car category. Yup, it’s great! But with a $53K ask, I’d really like to better understand the Galaxie 500/XL nomenclature mix-up – something seems off, especially considering that Galaxie 500 badges are firmly attached to each quarterpanel, there’s no XL trunk badge, and I don’t recall ever seeing a “GT 429” rear-mounted emblem. And of course, the missing Marti report invites questions. What’s your thought, XL, Galaxie 500, or something in between?
I’ll start off with, I’m not into the fullsize cars, but would make an exception for this car. Even though I’ve owned a few Ford products, I’ve never been a huge Ford car fan, I do love Ford trucks though. Being a GM fan, this is a very nice car and would consider it, if it had a realistic price.
I never trust an ad, or dealer, that can’t back up their claims with facts. There are no pics of numbers, or documentation, to back up the sellers claims. The average idiot, might part with some serious bank, but anyone who knows anything about old cars, will require documentation. If everything can be corroborated, $53k is a stretch.
Wow. What an interesting, attractive, rarely seen big Ford. Great colors. 429 4-speed, powerful and fun. Looks to be in fine condition. Sure, there are questions… including what is the correct model nomenclature and related trim… why not show us the Marti Report. I can’t remember the last time I have seen one, even online. It would be a big draw at your local show.
Good write-up Jim.
Marti report should be a given when selling a Ford. And if the seller has it, as Bob stated, why not include it in the gallery? Unique car with the 4 speed, but priced pretty steep for not being a highly sought after model.
It amazes me that everyone whining about the Marti report not being posted don’t take the initiative to go to the sellers website and look at it.
Your point is well taken, it is out there at vintagecollectorcar.com. However, the seller should have included it in his eBay listing. It’s an important piece of documentation and he shouldn’t force those with an interest to hunt for it.
BTW, Marti says it is an XL; still can’t figure out the “Galaxies 500” badges.
JO
I think this is an XL. I had a 2 door 69 Fairlane 500 and the front end was totally different. Had the gauges faired into the top of the dash too.
A 1969 Fairlane is a very different car from a 1969 Galaxie. The Fairlane is a mid sized car and the Galaxie is a full sized car.
Nice car but way overpriced in my book :)
I believe it to be a Galaxie 5oo. It has the Galaxie style side trim and it sports the script on the driver side. XL trim is different. It has the hideaway headlights and the XL tailpanel (piece that goes under taillights) Galaxie had a piece of stainless instead of the red reflector with chrome. Both easily changed out from an LTD or XL and put on a Galaxie. XL optioned out would likely have buckets and console. I had a 69 galaxie with the 429 N-code 4 spd. With the bench seat. Not many were made. Vert with a 4-spd even lower #s. One GT stripe only on passenger side. GT’s also had the six horizontal chrome strips on the front fenders.
I’m not a convertible guy but if I was , this would be right up my alley. But I would verify the authenticity. So many fakers out there. There’s a lot of money being spent on muscle cars by people who are not knowledgeable. And the market is taking full advantage of that.
A 1969 Boss Mustang 429 w4 spd would be about 250k This car same engine and 4spd 50k if it can be verified seems like a good deal to me It would not be as quick because of the extra weight but it would still be pretty fast Not as sought after as the Mustang though
A Boss 429 is a very different engine than a 429 Thunderjet. That would be an apple to oranges comparison.
At first glance this appears to be a decent car but a closer look show things that make me question the quality of the workmanship. Ford did not usually use screws to hold the door panels in place. The fender to hood bumpers are missing. Someone took a short cut to replacing the heater core by cutting the heater box open and then placing a metal plate over the hole they made.
It’s an XL with some non-stock badging. ’69 XLs did not have “Galaxie 500” badges as it wasn’t part of the Galaxie 500 series that year. In addition, the small “GT 429” badge on the rear should just read “Ford” in cap letters.