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7 Liter Survivor: 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 428/4-Speed

Collected from an estate sale from the original owner’s family, this Goliath of a Ford has to be the quintessential Galaxie of them all. Packing a whopping 7 liter V8 with a 4 speed and disc brakes, this Galaxie is the one to check off of your bucket list. This estate sale find runs and drives, and really I am surprised the auction price is still below $10,000. Bidding has currently risen to $7,600, but I am sure there will be a bidding war come the auctions end. Check out this awesome muscle car here on eBay out of Lakewood, Washington.

Beneath the hood lurks the massive 428 cubic inch V8. Although not exactly a show winner under the hood, the engine and the bay could be tidied up. I am guessing the current seller got the car running as I can see new spark plug wires, distributer cap, fuel line and filter, and what looks to be a new brake master cylinder. Despite the fact the car runs and drives, I am willing to bet it could stand a bit more sorting to make it a reliable and roadworthy machine. Although I could see where it might be hard to sort out, as I would be anxious to see what this big block Galaxie can do!

Inside you are greeted by a very original interior that has aged rather gracefully despite its few cosmetic concerns. The carpet is bleached out and mildly worn, and the seats suffer with a rips, although they have held up quite well for a 52 year lifespan. The dash is a bit tired and faded, and the rim of the steering wheel has a crack by each spoke. Call me crazy, but I would sort out the mechanicals and drive this one as is.

If you look closely you can find some signs of age, but this nearly survivor grade Galaxie received a repaint nearly 20 years ago. There are blemishes on the paint, and there are even some small areas where paint is missing. As a whole this big block dream appears quite solid, but there is some evidence of paint blisters in front of each rear wheel arch. With no major damage to be found, this Galaxie is an awesome find that would be a great as is driver, or a restoration of a rare and awesome classic Ford. Which would you choose, restoration or preservation?

Comments

  1. Scotty Gilbertson Staff

    Wow, what a car!

    Like 25
    • Danh

      Exactly my words also

      Like 4
    • DAVID

      😄I HAV A 67 Q CODE👍BIRD SUICIDE, 6 PAC
      NOT FACTORY DEALER INSTALLED 1969
      AS PER 88 YR OLD ONE OWNER,
      31 SPLINE 410 POSI AS PER SON. IT HAUL’S ASS, PEDAL TO METAL. FIRST TIME, REAR CRAMMED SO LOW IT RIPPED REAR VALANCE RIGHT OFF. & I HAV A 69 GAL
      DROP TOP 429 2
      BARREL, THE BIRD WILL DRAG THE GAL THRU 2nd, BUT THAT’S
      IT, THE GAL WILL
      SWITCH PLACES AT 75 mph +- DEPENDING ON WHO’S DRIVING, THAT SAID, IT SEEMED THAT THE TORQUE WAS QUICKER IN
      BIRD THANK U GUY’S GREAT SITE😎

      Like 0
  2. KSwheatfarmer

    Neighbor has one setting in his junk row. Needs seats and a complete restoration. Have been working on the deal for quite a long time. Hard to convince some people of the true and present value of an item while factoring in costs that will be incurred to bring it back up to even driver quality.

    Like 14
  3. mlm

    Me and this mean Ford is the same model year. I didn’t think it then but these are some good looking cars.I hope somebody take good care of this car because this was made when car companies knew how to make cars.

    Like 22
  4. BRAKTRCR

    Always liked this body style. We had a new 65 Galaxie with a 352, and it was quite the cream puff
    I remember it had a blue light on the dash for the engine temp being cold. I always reminded my Dad the moment the blue light went off, it was ok to turn the heater on. I also remember it was incredibly quiet. This 66 is a better look than the 65, and an outstanding drive train. What a blast to drive.

    Like 14
    • TMD

      My Dad had a ’65 also, and I too loved that blue Cold light (honda uses them now). Ours caught fire in the driveway at 7:30 am as my dad was leaving for work…fuel leak I suppose. I personally liked the taller tail lights on the ’65.

      Like 5
    • KevinW La

      My parents also had a 65 4dr sedan. I still remember waiting for that blue light to go out to get warm. Several years later it became my first car. I still miss it!

      Like 2
    • r spreeman

      Chevy had a ‘cold’ light too in the early 60’s. I’d always be watching as my mom drove me to school to see how far we’d get before it turned off. (It was a green light btw if I recall correctly.)

      Like 2
    • Dean

      My 64 Super 88 had a cold light. It was quite loud when it went out. Made that John Madden DOINK sound

      Like 1
    • Bill tasillo

      Thx for the memory jog. Folks had a ‘65 LTD sedan with a 352 and a ‘66 Country Squire with the 390. Both had the blue COLD engine light that went out about the time the thermostat opened. Hadn’t seen that for awhile but my daughters Subaru has a cold engine light as well.

      Like 1
  5. HoA Rube Goldberg Member

    This has got to be the best deal to come through here in recent times, for the top of the line Ford in ’66. It wouldn’t take much to restore for one of the coolest cars of the 60’s. At least you can work with this, unlike a certain Shelby Mustang hulk a few posts back that I refuse to comment on from now on.This wasn’t your typical muscle car, but more for the nerd with a good job,( or a relative that worked at a Ford dealer) that got respect from any Chevelle or GTO owner for choosing this car. I like the ’67, 7 litre better, not as boxy as the ’66, but this car sent a clear message, you meant business and the “7 Litre” badge told the world so. Again, hate to sound redundant, but in the 60’s, we had these 130 mph monsters like this, when the poor Europeans were struggling along in their 2 cylinder whatchamacallit’s. This car could blow their doors off in 2nd gear.

    Like 16
    • Miguel

      I believe the ’66 was the only car designated as a 7 litre.

      The ’67 had the same engine but it was not it’s own model.

      I know a guy here in Mexico that imported a 1967 Galaxie 428 Convertible from California.

      The car would be worth probably two or three times what it is now if it had been a 1966 model.

      Like 7
      • HoA Rube Goldberg Member

        Close, but I read, it was the “Galaxie” moniker that was dropped, and for ’67 it was just called the “7 Litre” as a stand alone option( but many still called it a Galaxie) and the “7 Litre” badge was moved to the bottom of the front fender. It was one of the 1st cars we saw with that “Litre” describing the motor size instead of Cubic Inches.

        Like 7
      • Miguel

        I don’t remember seeing any 7 litre badges on any 1967 model and only the 1966 model is listed in any of the pricing books as a separate model.

        Edit: I found this site that shows some 1967 models with the 7 litre badge, but it still is not recognized as a separate model in 1967.

        http://www.7litre.org/67htphotos.html

        Like 2
      • Redragula

        Wasn’t the 64 GTO the first to show litres instead of cubes on the fender badge?

        Like 4
      • BOP_GUY BOP Guy Member

        I think you’re right Redragula. I know the 64 GTO did have 6.5 liter badging. I can’t think of other American cars before that with badging signifying liters.

        Like 4
    • Derek

      “2 cylinder whatchamacallit’s”

      Do you mean Ferraris, Jaguars, Mercedes and the likes?

      I can’t believe that you see Citroen, Panhard, Jowett, DKW, Trabant and the likes as competitors for a big-block Ford.

      Like 0
      • HoA Rube Goldberg Member

        What I meant was, EVERYDAY peoples cars, not Jag’s and Mercedes. In America in 1966, Joe Lunchpail could walk into a Ford dealer, and drive away in this, where a typical European, was happy to get a Fiat 500 or a 2CV, at best. I’m not ripping on European cars, some are fantastic machines, but generally not something the common person would drive.

        Like 5
    • bog

      Rube – those “poor” Europeans actually had Jaguar XKEs, various Ferraris, Lambos, Porsches, Alfas, etc that although they did not have the off-the-line torque of this big-block Ford would, in fact, pass it on a straight line on the Autobahn and really leave it behind in any winding mountain road where steering and braking were needed. AND they all used less gas, which was and still is a premium there. I know this because I had a big-block Fairlane GTA that I brought over new in ’67 and drove there through the end of ’69.

      Like 1
  6. 86 Vette Convertible

    Classmate had a 67 setup pretty much like this one, except it was red. It’s a real neck jerker that’s totally thirsty, but repays that with smiles. My classmate could light the tires pretty much anytime or place he wanted to.
    This one has some rust issues but it doesn’t look too bad first blush. A little fixing, straighten out the spaghetti wiring under the hood and freshen up the paint. Other than the rust noted the hood looks to have been tweaked some at one point in time.

    Now the gripe. What looks wrong with this statement: “This 7litre also has Factory Diskbreaks”? It really turns me off when something as simple as Disc Brakes cannot even be written correctly, and that’s not the only one. Makes you wonder about the seller.

    Hope someone gets this one, takes care of the issues and drives the wheels off it till the wallet goes empty.

    Like 10
    • Dick Johnson

      Well sir, that’s the brakes. I’m not illiterate, I knew who my mother and father were.

      My favorite, “with this engine, engine breaking really helps the car to decellerate quickly.”

      Like 8
    • HoA Rube Goldberg Member

      I’ve noticed that too, but we know what they mean. Apparently, before computers, the “disc” spelling was the norm, but now, since all cars have disc brakes, and computers are much more talked about, the spelling “disk” has become the alternate spelling.

      Like 6
    • grant

      I’m with you, 86. Drives me bonkers. That and the Random Capitolization of Important Sounding words. Everyone hates the word police but when “Disk Breaks” should be “disc brakes” it’s like a rock in my shoe…

      Like 1
  7. jdjonesdr

    I’m a Chevy guy, but these have always rung my bell. 66 was a great year for cars. This guy would be a great car to have.

    Like 6
    • BOP_GUY BOP Guy Member

      I couldn’t agree more, jdjonesdr !! I’m a 60’s GM guy tried and true, ever since I bought my my first car a month before I turned 16, a 69 Riviera GS, in 1984. What a torque monster!

      Anyway, I admit I sometimes stray, and two years ago I bought an immaculately restored 66 Galaxie 500 XL convertible, and have to say I loved that car! With a 390 and automatic, a/c (it gets 100+ during the summer here!), bucket seats & center console, new carpets/upholstery and canvas top, it was a beauty, and fun to cruise in! But as usual, I got restless after a little more than a year, and sold it off last May. I dream of a 67 7-liter convertible someday, but for now I’m working on two projects, 1962 Buick Skylark convertible and Pontiac LeMans convertible. I would bid on this Galaxie for sale if I didn’t already have my hands full. At the current no-reserve bid of $8300 and only 7 hours left, someone is going to get a great car! I’d tidy it up and do the necessary refreshers after its long slumber, and drive it as it is. Very cool!

      Like 3
  8. Miguel

    Maybe Leno can end up with this one to put it next to his red one.

    Like 3
  9. RichS

    One of my most vivid childhood memories involving a car was with a 4 door version of this. A family friend owned it. Supposedly it was an ex patrol car. I remember sitting in the back with no seat belt on while he and my dad took it out for a run and buried the speedometer.

    Different times.

    Like 10
  10. Classic Steel

    This is some cool ford muscle!

    When America built cars and it was exciting to see the new models versus now (except a few) all are cookie cutters with size to headlights to color!

    This Beast could compete with Joe Friday’s Ford on Dragnet 😜

    Like 7
    • HoA Rube Goldberg Member

      Appreciate the Dragnet reference, but it was Bill Gannon’s ’67 Fairlane ( very rarely, if ever, did Joe drive) with a 289 that would have had Joe radioing ahead for a road block chasing this car.

      Like 5
      • Rodent

        Believe that the “hero” Fairlane had a 390. In some of the closer shots of the front fender you could see that the engine size badge had a red background, not blue.

        Like 4
      • HoA Rube Goldberg Member

        Thanks, Rodent, you are right. Apparently, according to this site, most police cars in L.A. used the 390 or 390 PI motor. That might close the gap some, but still no match for the 7 Litre.
        https://www.fordfe.com/was-the-fairlane-on-dragnet-an-fe-t95652.html

        Like 0
      • Roger

        Seems to me that I remember in one episode that Jack drove a white ’64 Fairlane as his personal car but most of them used the ’67 Fairlane 500 four door sedan,seems to me also that the fender badge said 289 as well.

        Like 0
  11. Angrymike

    Sweet ride, if I was looking for a big muscle beast, this would be on the top of the heap ! I love it !

    Like 2
  12. Rhett

    Love the 66’s, great looking car till you get to the rear 3/4 view and the oddly high beltline contour shows up…as far as the “quintessential Galaxie” is concerned, that might be the dual quad 427 version of the 7 Litre. Certainly faster, but probably more high strung and maybe not as good match for a 4200 lb car as the 428? I’ve never driven one, so I cant say..

    Like 2
    • Jett

      I’m not sure how a dual-quad 427 isn’t a suitable match for a luxury liner like a Galaxie. I doubt more than a handful were built and daily-driven, and it would be an absolute monster, but imagine that motor in a ‘67 Mustang that weighed 800-1,000 lbs less. It’s the oddities that make the car hobby so interesting and exciting for me.

      Like 6
  13. canadainmarkseh

    The thing that ended production of these beasts back in the day still holds true today ( gas prices ). This most definitely would have been a thrill to drive when it was new and the fast back look on this car is cool, but I suspect that the low price might still be connected to the 8-10 mpg that you will get out of this beast. As for me my favorite gallaxy is the 63-4 two door hard top with fast back styling.

    Like 2
    • Crash

      *it’s Galaxie

      Like 3
  14. Steven Noren

    My first car, same body style, but the 289, automatic, no AC same color. It got me through college, and then some, but I let it rust out in the backyard, gave the front spindles to a neighbor, and eventually hauled it to a crusher about 5 years too soon. Mine weighed 3400#, so, with the light engine, it handled quite well for the time.

    Like 2
  15. Gary

    My kind of car. Not showy but goes like stink. I like it.

    Like 4
  16. MFerrell

    This car is evidence for “your parents were cooler than you”.

    Like 4
    • 86 Vette Convertible

      I don’t know about that one. My parents were WWII era people. That was my era’s cars. Back when you could get cars along with the gas to run them, never heard of OPEC or EPA. Shoot, my very first car didn’t have seatbelts. First vehicle I drove didn’t have turn signals.

      Like 4
      • MFerrell

        Well, I guess you were cooler than your kids!

        Like 1
  17. Jimmy

    Definitely worth to fix up.
    Manual trans disc brakes and 428
    Not bad price

    Like 2
    • John

      But I hope they ticked the box for power steering. Incredible car. I hope it gets properly restored.

      Like 1
  18. 79Malibu

    Good from a far,, but far from good. No heater core. Piping, so its by-passed. Rust has settled in at the bottom of the doors. Not to long before that trunk has holes in it. If you can get it under 10K and have another 80. SHe can be beautiful again. Granted, if you have a 65/66 hardtop or convertible that entire drive train would be one heck of an up grade. I saw this listing and got all excited. A 65 convertible with that drivetrain is the first car I ever helped restore with my old man. She was a sleeper. That 428/4 spud would just about beat anything on the road. It was great! I plain ole straight out love these cars. But, This one I would just make sure she was safe to drive. Maybe have macco spray her after I pulled all the chrome and got it ready for paint. Then driver her. Just driver her. And have fun beating up on kids with what they think are fast cars. My 2 cents. Also, That year had. 2. 7 litre cars. The 428 and the 427. And the 427 had more HP than they 428. Either way, I LOVE THE 65/66 Galaxy’s

    Like 1
    • Miguel

      You know, not every car has to be restored to a 100% show car.

      This car is in great shape for its age and it is a really good deal right now.

      It will make somebody a nice cruiser.

      Like 5
  19. Bill Owens BillO Member

    I had a friend whose parents had a dark blue 1966 7 Litre, with the same blue interior you see above. I rode in it a couple of times. I guess the whole family never went anywhere together or they were packed in like sardines, there was mom and pop, 4 boys and 1 girl (the oldest). I’m guessing the older boys had a vote in what kind of car they got. The next car was 2 doors also, but not as unique, a 1970 Mercury Marquis.

    Like 0
  20. Jud

    Like the one I had. I was fresh out of the Navy. It was not only quick, fast, and powerful, it would hold the road like it was on rails. It loved the country, two lanes. And the disc brakes would stop her nearly as quick as those stomping horses would propel her. She dearly loved to run. 110 mph one night when the truck running beside me started pulling away. Shifted into third and dumped the clutch. Left the truck squalling tires. (A 48 Ford with a BIG Caddy engine.) Sold her and bought a 72 Grand Torino Sport. (If only I could fill my garage with wishes.)

    Like 3
  21. KKW

    A great car with lots of potential, at a more than reasonable price. These were potent cars, but a 63-65 427 would run off and leave it, however, the 428 was more “driver friendly. I love all Galaxies, but the 61Starliner is my personal favorite.

    Like 1
  22. Morley Member

    My 1965 Ford Custom has the words “7 Litre” on the Corning glass headlight covers? How come?

    Like 1
  23. Poptheclutch

    I’m with you Brian. Get it safely running
    And drive as is!…Awesome galaxie!😎

    Like 2
  24. Matt

    Oh boy..even Chevy guys like me love the oi s car..I wish I had the money..good price imho

    Like 1
  25. Matt

    Oh boy..even Chevy guys like me love the oi s car..I wish I had the money..good price imho..my brother had a 69 chevelle 327 and bought a 67 galaxy 500 with 390..redid it and sold to his best friend..they raced and the ford won 🙄

    Like 1
  26. Matt

    66 not 67

    Like 0
  27. Gaspumpchas

    Not sure where its from but frame should be checked. Big problem with this yr frame rusting out here in the rust belt.

    Love this tire fryer…would run the hell out of it as is

    Good luck to the new owner and have fun with it!!!

    Like 0
  28. Tommy tnt

    $12,700 not bad …. lot of car for the money

    Like 3
  29. RoughDiamond

    While this is one awesome, rare and desirable vehicle, I’m afraid it will end up in some deep pockets person’s private collection.

    Like 2
  30. Redwagon

    SOLD $12,700

    Screaming deal.

    Like 3
  31. Kawboy

    Wow! This monster would have to be close to the top of any car guys bucket list, what a beautiful survivor. And at this price one of the best deals to come along in quite a while, I sure hope it finds a good home.

    Like 1
  32. LAB3

    The first car I remember us having was a red 66 Galaxie that my father bought new. Not sure which engine it had but my father still hasn’t owned a Ford since that one, apparently he got a “Friday” car.

    Like 1
    • Steven L Noren

      Besides the possibility of getting a Friday car, our local Ford dealer at that time said Ford made 8 blocks from a mold; the first one or two blocks were Lincolns, the next two were Mercurys, the rest were Fords. You didn’t want to get that last block.

      Like 0
  33. Jimmy

    Ultimate sleeper car.

    Like 0
  34. PAPERBKWRITER

    $12,7000. Unless there is major hidden problems, looks like a bargain. I had a ’65 30 years ago with a nice body BUT the frame was nearly rusted thru.

    Like 0
  35. angryjonny

    Man, what a sled. I have a 65, although my druthers is with the 63-64 body. I wouldn’t do a thing to this, other than a little tune up and find a steady supply of tires, since I’d be roasting them off every chance I’d have.

    Like 1
    • TriPowerVette

      @angryjonny – A friend of our family owned a 1964 390 Galaxy coupe, auto, A/C. I always vaguely admired it. She was the original owner, and like in her late 60’s, with blue hair. I have wondered, from time to time, whatever became of it.

      Like 3
  36. Mike

    Geez,…if the $12,700 is the new normal…I might actually get to own one…maybe

    Like 1
  37. Dean

    My stepmother had a ’63 Galaxie, soft powder blue with a white top. I don’t know what engine it had, but she would drive it @85 or better on Wyoming 2-lane blacktops (just a wee bit slower on gravel) and at the crest of every hill, it felt like everything in my chest was suddenly trying to push into my head

    Like 2
  38. Jon

    Man I can’t believe it went for only 12700
    Wish my wife would have let me go for it. I’d have gone higher. This car will haunt my dreams for years, just like the 66 mustang 289 all original in great shape I passed on for 3k in 95.

    Like 0
  39. chad

    very nice, I like this and it’s Ranchero brother – a 1 yr stacked hdlght twin !
    The ‘turquoise’ paint is a great selection, google 66 or 67 Ranchero & it will most likely pop up ( w/the ‘mirror’ hdlghts the customizers did back then) also w/this paint scheme.

    Like 0
  40. Barbara

    Wow, that brings back memories. I learned to drive on my dad’s Dark green 7 Litre. Probably lucky I didn’t kill myself with that thing, it seemed to have a bigger engine than body! In the summer you would get in the car (no air conditioning) and the metal decorations on the seat backs would burn a brand between your shoulders! Wish I would afford to buy and rehab it.

    Like 1
  41. Chris Weber

    I have a ’67 Litre XL to restore, Brittany blue original colour, deluxe interior console and buckets, SSaskatchewan, Canada.

    Like 0

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