Claims of low original mileage for any classic should typically be treated cautiously if there is no firm documentary evidence. However, piecing together the history of this 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 makes the seller’s contention that it has a genuine 61,000 miles on its odometer look plausible. Some readers will immediately discount the car because it has too many doors. However, enthusiasts with young children may view it as an ideal solution to joining the classic world in a versatile and affordable vehicle the whole family can enjoy. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Zappenduster for spotting this tidy survivor.
Ford introduced a significantly updated Galaxie range in 1965, with the styling owing nothing to its predecessor. The appearance was more square and aggressive, following developing industry trends during that era. The biggest change to the latest generation occurred in 1968, which was also the final production year. Ford abandoned stacked headlamps in favor of a horizontal treatment that it integrated into the grille. Our feature car emerged during that year, with its first owner ordering it in subtle Pebble Beige. That shade gives the car a restrained and conservative appearance, although it is saved from blending into the background by its presentation. The paint holds a consistent shine across the vehicle, with no evidence of significant issues in it or the steel it protects. The Galaxie has spent its life in Colorado, making its rust-free status unsurprising. The trim looks exceptional, and the glass is crystal clear. This Ford’s cause was helped by its ownership history, with the seller its third custodian. The previous owner purchased it from the original owner in 1994, driving the car regularly but sparingly until deteriorating health forced him to park the car in his garage. It remained there for years before being revived by the seller. The previous owner kept a logbook during their time with the car, and combined with the years in hibernation, they help to make the claim that it has 61,000 original miles on the clock seem plausible.
Ford offered 1968 Galaxie buyers a broad range of engines to power their new purchase, with this car’s first owner selecting a 390ci V8. They teamed the V8 with a three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. The 390 should produce 265hp and 390 ft/lbs of torque to provide competent performance. The seller indicates that this car sat for years before finding its way into their garage. They worked through a revival process that included rebuilding or replacing many brake components, rebuilding the original carburetor, repacking the front wheel bearings with new seals, bolting on new Hankook tires, and replacing most of the hoses and the heater core. They state that while the mileage claim isn’t fully documented, the fact that the parts removed during the revival were all original makes the figure plausible. That isn’t conclusive proof, but it is hard to ignore. The engine leaks slightly from the rear main seal, although not badly enough to justify replacement. There is also a small leak from the power steering, but since this is improving with use, it seems to be a dry seal that is settling with time. Otherwise, this is a turnkey classic that runs and drives beautifully.
This Galaxie’s interior appears to indicate two things. The first is that it carries the hallmarks of a classic that has always been treated respectfully. The second is that the lack of wear further supports the mileage claim. The Black cloth and vinyl look exceptional, with no evidence of wear or stains. The dash is spotless, and the pad hasn’t suffered due to UV exposure. The carpet is excellent, and there is no wheel wear. The seller indicates that the air conditioning doesn’t blow cold. However, the compressor spins freely and the clutch works as it should. Therefore, returning it to an operating state may not be difficult or expensive. The first owner didn’t go overboard with factory options, although the AM radio should relieve boredom on long journeys.
The seller has listed this 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 Sedan here on Craigslist in Castle Rock, Colorado. Some readers will immediately dismiss this survivor, arguing that it isn’t as desirable as a Hardtop or Convertible variant. However, this car has a place in the grand scheme of things. Its practicality will appeal to enthusiasts with a young family, while the seller’s price of $6,900 OBO makes it undeniably affordable. Maybe it isn’t the most desirable car on the planet, but as an entry into the world of classic car ownership, it is certainly worth a close look.
A great example of what was common in my small, middle class, Midwestern home town. Looks to be in good condition. And it’s cheap. On top of all that, it’s even beige.
Don’t be concerned that it is not fast, or trendy, or look-at-me cool, or that it has the dreaded extra doors. Just enjoy it for what it is.
With the 390, it is fast! I had several!
It’s fast enough. Highway cruiser!
Need I say more about the “dreaded 4 doors”??
Five ;) Cool long roof.
I agree with Bob^, even had a tums up for ya’, won’t see another for weeks now, but Ford had a banner year in 1968, selling a whopping 1.7 MILLION cars. Of that, almost 734,000 were Galaxies. The V8 4 door was the most popular with 117,000 cars. The 6 cylinder was close behind. At around $3200 bucks, it indeed catered to middle class America, none survived. Reason being, these were merely transportation for the family. No glitz, no fancy gee-gaws, just wheels. The 390 was fine when gas was .32, but not the most efficient motor, but shouldn’t be bought for that. You want gas mileage, go buy the Asian roller skate. This is a REAL car.
I agree with both Bob and Howard. I personally dont care that its a 4 door. Its in beautiful condition. And what I think is a very fair price. Id give a thumbs up to both, but apparently I still dont have any thumbs yet. I would just wax it and enjoy it.
This one is in amazing condition, seeing as it is a plain Jane 4 door. Usually ridden hard and put away wet. Then handed down to the kids, and usually ended up driven into the ground and discarded at the boneyard, or the local trailer park. Great price, too!
One more point I would like to add about this being a 4 door. The view from behind the wheel over the hood is EXACTLY the same whether its a 2 door hardtop or a 4 door sedan. I really like this one.
I’m pretty sure BACK IN THE DAY, if the USA followed the way of some other countries – mostly 4 door only, there would have been no American Grafitti, Bullitt, Dirty Mary Crazy Larry, Dukes, Gone in 60 sec(1974), Hollywood Knights, etc. – nor would i be looking at this website , much less own any classic cars.
When cruising, it was what others on the outside saw that you were driving.
I love ’68 Fords and if I could, I would buy this in a minute. Just have to make sure the rear frame rails are ok. They had a tendency to rust over the rear axle. Only thing I would do to this car is put some white walls on it. That would dress it up a bit.
I seem to recall one of these in the first Dirty Harry movie where it strikes a fire hydrant and flips over. Right after Harry Callihan leaves the hot dog shop.
Beautiful! Very nice from what we see. 4 doors and all.
I have great memories of the 1967-1968 Galaxie/Custom !
This Lady is very nice with PB, PS + AC and 390 2v / dual exhaust. But mostly nice because of the care given and fine shape it is in.
My 1st and best car was a 1967 Ford Custom police interceptor that I paid $275. for in 1977. Still have the registration and metal 428 fender tag. Best car I ever owned. My HS pal Steve had this 1968 Galaxie 500 in a dull gray 4 dr., police int model as well, but it was beat ( every pushrod was bent!). Mine was in good shape and I came to appreciate a true, 6 passenger, roomy beast with a huge trunk and very durable design. Miss it.
This beauty would be a fine driver and worth a look at with this very reasonable price, very good condition, clean as a pin interior plus care given and repairs done.
I really hope the next owner is a good caregiver and drives this Lady often !
If it was closer to me I’ll buy it in a heartbeat.😂
Very nice clean car, I would definitely drive this as they were very comfortable riding cars and with a/c it would be really nice driving on hot days. Keep it in the garage in bad weather drive it everyday in nice weather. What are you going to buy in this condition for $6950 that you could fly in and drive home?
Ok so its 4 doors and may never bring the money of a two door however you still get to cruise with your friends and they can get in and out without you having to get out of the way and with that V8 and A decent exhaust it still sounds better than the fart can muffler imports running around today this one isn’t horrible for the asking price.
Very nice Ford. Would make a great sleeper with a little tuner work to the ol’ FE. I’d also beef up the suspension a bit. Nothing over the top but what potential for a really great cruiser that can be daily driven.
And priced well.
CALLING INSPECTOR ERSKINE! Nice solid car with a desirable BB,
Well, I’ll pile on with everyone. Bob and Howard among others cite the role this car played in the sixties. Along with the Fury and Impala it made up what regular folks drove. In addition, being above the Custom series it was aspirational to the budget shopper.
As for four door sedans, they were just as nicely styled, have greater utility, accelerate-steer-stop like two doors and they likely won’t squeak and rattle as much. This is a lovely car that could benefit only from white stripe radial tires.
When I was in high school, a buddy of mine drove the identical car. It was his dad’s and he let Bob drive it on weekends, but daddy was too cheap to run premium in it, so whenever Bob got on it that poor car would ping like crazy!
Neat car!
That front seat vinyl floor mat certainly looks vintage. Reading the CL ad, the price is $6.9K or best offer. Can’t believe it’s still for sale. I gotta pursue this one further. Too nice to pass up at that price.
Our 1968 LTD was bulletproof with no problems through the 130k miles when traded. It had the 390 4V and had gobs of power. Smooth and solid ride and good date car for me with the pantry cloth upholstery.
Very nice car. I,d rather have this car then any new one anytime. It has proven its a good car buy its age. Plus its reasonablely priced too. Also you can work on it and keep it running(as long as you don,t put ethanol gas in it) You don,t have any electronic junk going out all the time. This is a keeper.
I’d toss a pork pie hat on the back shelf…make Popeye Doyle proud.
I had one just like this. I paid $300 for it a few years ago. Do not leave it in park and walk away from it. Things will jump into reverse and idle away.
Are you serious?
Needs a set of 1″ white walls and she’d be perfect.
Back then, 1 ad for the fastback showed ultra thin whitewalls …
https://autohistorypreservationsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/1968-FORD-Ad-XL-Fastback-1.pdf
I had the same car in a two-door fastback version. 390 2bbl. Lots of fun.
My Dad and I both bought this car. We went together buying one each. His was all Blue, 4 dr and mine was in the show window Red with Black vinyl top 2dr hardtop. Both cars were 351 cu. I enjoyed mine so much and it was a good looker too with white wall tires making a big difference. I didn’t have any trouble mechanically, just maintenance. I don’t remember if I had seat belts. I remember 1971 was the enforcement year. Having owned one I give this a strong thumbs up and a good price too.