As the 1960s wore on, the competition between Chevrolet and Ford continued to grow. The Chevy Impala and Ford Galaxie 500 were comparable cars in size, comfort, and performance. Ford advertised that its LTD (a gussied-up 500) was quieter than a Rolls-Royce, so did that mean that a 500 was quieter than an Impala? Who knows, but this survivor-quality 1967 Ford looks as though it wouldn’t take too much to get it back out on the road. From Heathsville, Virginia, this Galaxie is available here on craigslist for $7,200. Thanks, T.J., for this trailer-bound tip!
The Galaxie 500 was in its third year of a redesign (1965-68) and continued to sport stacked headlights (which would revert to horizontal in ’68). The ’67 500 fastback was quite popular with Ford buyers as more than 197,000 customers took one home out of 427,000 Galaxies that were built in total. This doesn’t include the additional 18,000 that wore 500XL trim that year (akin to the Impala SS). The seller bought this one from a neighbor who was selling his home and a small stash of autos. It had been sitting in the driveway for a time.
After giving it a power wash (but nothing more cosmetically), the seller did a bit of mechanical work on the vintage auto. That included a tune-up and fluids change, replacing the old gas with fresh stuff, and giving it some new switches here and there. The engine (390 cubic inch V8) responded immediately and seemed to run okay, though the carburetor needs a rebuild which the seller is in the midst of doing. A road test was prevented due to a frozen rear wheel, so the brakes are going to need some work. The automatic transmission seems fine at 95,000 miles.
The Ford has factory A/C but no belt, so it may need help. The body is good overall, though one quarter panel has been patched and may need a redo. The blue paint is faded and was resprayed at some point, but it looks okay especially if you give it a wax job. The interior is quite nice, but not original as the upholstery has been reworked. The seller had already started to get a new title and registration in his name. If you buy it before that goes through, the price will drop by $200. The craigslist price is otherwise firm. Would you rather have a Galaxie 500 or a Chevy Impala?
I would rather have a 1972 PINTO than a cheebie ipullu.
I’d be curious to know what the frame & all related to undercarriage looks like being from Virginia. I had a 65. My brother had a 66. Both broke frames. They were notorious for that in mid 60’s.
This was a banner year for Ford and they turned out a great car. I had a springtime yellow one with a black top and interior. The car had the mag wheel type wheel covers. The car had Fords tilt swing away wheel that swug away when the parking brake was applied. The factory am fm radio was also cool. You pulled the selector knobs out and rotated them for am or fm stations. There was a control panel in the center of the dash at the bottom that controlled the windows and locks and had warnings lights for low fuel, seat belts and others I don’t recall. I take the Ford over the Chevy on this year. The 390 has ample go. Fuelishness is my only minor complaint but that was then and who cared. A wonderful time for cars that would soon end a few miles down the road.
Generaly speaking Fords have always had nicer interior soft trim than Chevies…. the ’65 LTD interiors were especially nice…
I agree with Chris, the 1967 is a favorite of mine. I thought they looked really attractive, especially in the upper trim levels. Read the craigslist ad, lots of detailed information. This looks like a reasonable project.
I had a 67 custom with a 289 and a 3 on the tree. Very basic transportation, 2 door post. But over the few years I had it, I made some long trips in it, and I was honestly amazed at how strong that 289 ran up and down the highway, the mountains, etc.
Mine was a 67 dark green with a black vinyl top, v8 and automatic, the interior was cloth very slippery if you made a hard left turn, your butt would slide over to the right side. Total cost NEW was $2,700.
I think the ’67 Impeller was better looking. Probably my favorite of all the ’60’s Chebbies. That said? I’ll take the Ford.
The ’66- 67 Ford Galaxies is some of the best looking cars and yes I would take them over a Chevy or Plymouth any day.
I’m not sure what extra effort Ford went to to make them quieter than a Rolls, but of the Ford sleds I’ve owned over the years speed was not an issue but comfort and quiet was. Hope this boat gets a nice home and is re-born.
I had one back in the mid 70’s and it had all the bells added. I really like the 390 and the mpg was good as I seem to remember. But it did have a go button with the automatic trans. Kinda wish I still had it, but alas, it is long gone.
Have a fastback in the garage. Back then in 66-67 Ford had a porous FE block problem. Not a cracked block but, porous. Anti-freeze/coolant would leak through the block. For some reason Ford wouldn’t warranty our car a few years ago.
stacked hdlghts duz it for me but I’ma ford guy.
I look @ the era cars’n say where is the real drawling line w/FB & the notches? They all seemed to smear over it. And
Last, altho well beyond (3 yrs?) my earlier comment of ‘pre-muscle’ (60/4 or so) it still seems to fit in there w/the byscan/impala/caprice; “B” body Chryslers w/max wedge belvedere/furry; or the ford Thunderbolt. None the dwn sized ponies mustangs brought out.Thnx Russ, till this 390/C-6 = truck aahahahaa…