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.
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