Ford introduced the “XL” to the Galaxie 500 lineup in 1962. It was their answer to the Chevrolet Impala Super Sport and the Plymouth Sport Fury. Produced through the end of the decade, the 500XL was a sporty version of their full-size automobile, and the “XL” supposedly stood for “Extra Lively”. The seller’s 1969 edition added muscle to the mix in terms of a 429 cubic inch big-block V8. Though the car runs, it needs mechanical and cosmetic work before being ready for regular outings. Located in Tawas City, Michigan, this Ford is available here on eBay, where the bidding is low so far at $1,994.69 (unmet reserve).
The 1969 model year was the last for the XL model, at less than 62,000 units. 90% were fastbacks like the seller’s car. Big, performance cars fell out of favor once mid-size cars took off in the middle of the decade. A 429 in a Torino was more potent than one in a Galaxie. The VIN for the seller’s car identifies it as having been built with a 429, so we assume this vehicle is numbers-matching.
We’re told the seller acquired this Ford from a friend several years ago. It had been sitting since 1983, so Mother Nature had plenty of time to chip away at the machine. It lived in Colorado for many, many years before the seller moved it to Michigan with an estimated 50,000 miles. There is some degree of rust on the car, though the floors, trunk, and frame have come through unscathed.
Work that has been done (but when?) includes new brakes, tires, and wheels (you’ll get both sets in the sale). Also newer are the water pump, fuel pump, rebuilt carburetor, and a cleansing of the fuel delivery system. The original mufflers were replaced with glass packs. The car moves around on its own, but is it roadworthy? Besides fresh paint, the interior needs a makeover as well (it has bucket seats, an XL feature). The car has air conditioning, but it doesn’t work.
For some reason I’m feeling Gator McCluskey vibes from this Galaxie. Just needs a 4 sp.
12 miles from my hometown. Not surprised by rust issues being said states mentioned by Russ. Would certainly be a beautiful car restored but I really believe you’d go under going that route. A driver might be the way to go on this one. Interestingly, there’s no underbody shots. And does a title exist?
This car btings back so many memories for me. My maternal grandfather bought his 390 2 bbl. 1969 XL Sportsroof new, bright blue with white vinyl roof and white buckets. I loved the flying buttresses, the wrap-around dash and the cool shifter. Sadly, in the fall of 1984, mere months before I got my learner’s permit, the dealer told grandpa that 15+ years of Omaha winters had ravaged the underside and it wouldn’t pass inspection without extensive rust repair. So he traded it in on a new V6-powered 1985 Mustang LX hatchback. Ugh! Whether his beautiful XL was truly mortally wounded by the insidious dark lord of oxidation or merely succumbed to dealer greed I will never know, but I was devastated.
I hope this great beast is returned to its glory. BTW, one correction. This car is not a Galaxie. The XL at this time was not a trim level, but rather was it’s own model. GLWTA.
Man, I like these fastbacks!
Nicely optioned car, must’ve been a lot of fun when it was new, I hope it finds a good home!
neat ride but needs a ton of cash though. would neat done but you would be upside down when done.
1970 was the last year of the XL
Took my drivers exam in my brother’s 390 XL. Had to parallel park it and three point turn as part of test. Passed. State cop was impressed with getting that Ford to dance. Had the best heater ever. In winter, Start it up and before you cleared first western pa hill your keds were melting.
I would love to own this one, I placed a bid but it’s now up at $5900 reserve still not met. Many years ago I had a black one with gold interior 390 and the same in a convertible. Unfortunately it’s too much $$$ already, so this one will not see my garage.
I wish I still had my 70 Galaxie.
Looks like all the little stuff is done, a big plus. The car looks to me like it sat most winters otherwise in snow states it would have holes everywhere.
This could be a sleeper of a sale. Like I said if he did allot of the general maintenance items already, and the rust is all minor that is a great car for a final restoration. I would buy local for me and enjoy every minute driving while fixing the great looking body, yep. Too bad its too far for me.