Ford’s sales literature proclaimed that its 1968 models were full of “Better Ideas,” including a redesign of the full-sized Galaxie for the final year of this generation. Gone were the stacked headlights of the ’65 to ’67 models in favor of a grille design that lent itself to the popular late-’60s hidden headlights. On this 1968 Ford Galaxie XL Fastback, the disappearing headlights make for a uniform and slightly menacing face. The listing here on eBay describes this New London, Missouri classic as a good-running, mostly-original vehicle.
It’s not easy to make a two-ton coupe look sporty and aerodynamic, but Ford designers did well with this one. If I was building a Ring Brothers style build I’d move the rear wheels back a few inches, but I suspect the designers were asked to stretch the ’68 Galaxie without altering the wheelbase. The seller graciously included close-up shots of the car’s minimal rust.
Along with the hidden headlight treatment, this two-tone interior rates high on my list of favorite features. What looks to be an original interior has held up well with the typical exception of the driver’s seat. The U-bar shift selector echos a 747-style throttle control, perfect for thrusting your family of five to the A&W Drive-In for a quick bite.
A combination of gauges and “idiot lights” keeps the driver somewhat well-informed. Topped only by the new-for-’68 LTD trim, this XL Fastback could also be ordered with a GT package. Ford called the XL Fastback the “top choice for active people,” whatever that means. This car includes the optional Convenience Group with lights for “Door Ajar,” “Low Fuel,” “Parking Brake,” and “Fasten Seat Belts.”
This XL pampered the owner with a 390 cid V8, power steering and brakes, and air-conditioning. The seller says this big two-door “does not smoke or use oil runs 70 on hwy no problem.” Bidding has surpassed $2500 without satisfying the Reserve. What would you give for this good-running, mostly-original fastback with a one-year-only design and plenty of options?
Nice car!!!
Glad he’s honest about the (visible) rust – shod with original trims or magnums would kick goals – rare car
not my cuppa, but cool ride regardless.
love seeing obscure old Detroit iron in honest used condition like this.
Needs bodywork but would be a nice ride when done, hope the reserve is not too high otherwise it wouldn’t be worth the effort to restore, just drive it until it rotted away.
This would be a cool car to have, but too long for my garage!
It also has the tilt column option. This option was rarely seen (at least that is my ecperience) in 1968 Fords.
Someone installed 68 Mopar side markers on this Ford.
Last yr. of the 119″ wheelbase,in 69 Ford added 2″ to the wheelbase. Long and sleek,with the XL you could order the floor shift. The only thing that would make it better is the 428 and a 4 spd. boxes checked.
The 1969 and 70 Ford fastback design wasn’t as well incorporated into the overall design as in 68. I had an opportunity to test drive a used 69 XL set up with the biggest motor and the 4 spd. Scary fast. At the time, I was driving a 1970 Opel Kadett!
There were not many of these fastbacks even back then- can’t be many left now. When is the last time you saw one?
I can give you the exact date—March 23 of this year.
Uh….last week on Barn Finds, Fred!
It’s over 4 grand at this time! Looks to be a honest car! Someone will be very happy with their purchase, I am sure!
Nice old car….these were a formatable car in it’s day….and those 390 motors I’ll pick over any a 429/460 offering.
Only a gas gauge. Bummer.
Use to have a 1970 XL convertible.. power top with a real glass window in top.. red with black interior.. bucket seats had the 747 style gear shifter.. loved it
Dad bought one just like this one new. It had a white top and the interior was a medium blue metallic. Beautiful car and that blue interior looked way better than the tan in this one. Those bucket seats were unbelievably comfortable. It had the 390 motor and ran decent. These cars always reminded me of a bigger Torino!